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My brother is 20 years old; he is the only person taking care of me because our parents died a while back when he was 18. I'm 16 years old about to turn 17, and I think my brother is on drugs. Every time he keeps telling me he is going to get something in the pharmacy but in turn he doesn’t come back that particular day. But when I see him the next day he looks and acts dizzy. I know that he's 20 and that he has every right to do whatever he likes- but my brother is a responsible person and I know he wouldn't leave me home all night if it was just a decent amount of alcohol he was taking. My aunt is a really big help and is there for me a lot when my brother is away at school. in school he made some friends which I know is not helping him positively. one faithful day he didn’t come home, I called my aunt and she called his cell phone, she said that when he picked up, he sounded very high and that there were a lot of people hollering and yelling around him, and he hung up after about 15 or 20 seconds. This basically confirmed my worst fears, but I don't know what to do. Do you think I am just over reacting or is my brother addicted to drugs? I love my brother so much I don't want anything to happen to him. What should I do I'm scared.
people will talk once they feel comfortable enough to do so, but @ the same time sometimes people are convinced there is nothing to talk about. you can only love your brother for who he is. hopefully, and this may sound silly, but that love, that positive energy in his life, may help him with whatever it is that may be going on, drugs or not. he may also not want to burden you or anyone with his issues, if he in fact has any. but letting him know you are there, and that you are proud of him and all that, that's the best thing right now.
i also don't know how comfortable your aunt may be with being included in the conversation, or if your brother would be comfortable. those are your family dynamics, you know them best.. and remember, none of his actions are a fault of yours nor are they caused by you, so don't ever feel responsible for him, just love.
and here is a link for issues relating to drugs and their being used (and also how to speak to those you may think are using anything):
http://www.abovetheinfluence.com/
Does your town have a drug rehab center anywhere nearby, or somewhere where he could go for counseling? Dealing with the death of a parent is incredibly difficult (as you know) , especially if you have to also take care of younger siblings, so your brother has had a lot to deal with. He needs some help, and it looks like he turned to drugs instead of something healthier. He needs you to help him. Whether he is actually taking drugs or not, there is obviously something about his behavior that is making your very worried. You're not over-reacting, you're just being a good brother. Talk with him. Tell him you love him and that you care about him very much. Try to stay calm if he gets upset, and just remember that he's your brother. You can get through this together.