[incitingsilence]

First, the question should be asked are you an addict, no one can tell you if you are, only you can….

All that you have written is what I see as a natural progression of the disease, he moved faster and in deeper but that doesn’t mean you are any better off that him. You got some comparing out going on and honestly you need to get you together before you even can begin to be of a help….

And also in a way you are using him like most codependents use their addicted family members….a comparing out as well, because look they are sick, as if those watching are all that healthy…

This will be as simple or as complicated as you make it.
And at this point you can’t be of any help for him cause you need to help you first and hell and even after, helping is more of a what not to do for, not a what to do for because he is quite capable of helping himself….
Not giving or loaning any money is one of the best gifts you can give your brother right now. You don’t need to help him stay sick he can do that all on his own if he chooses just as he can get well.
Do not lie cover or make excuses for him yet there no need to point out the obvious to those around they will only see it if they want to anyway….but then know chaos could/would ensue , addiction doesn’t thrive so well without it….
If you want to help him then that basically means you don’t perpetuate his disease, you don’t use it for your personal gain, you don’t use it stop you from seeing your truth, or to look better in another’s eyes.

Hopefully you will stick around, share your story on the substance abuse board. You are young and time is on your side right in this moment…

And share here if you need to as well, watching the one we love wrapped in their addiction isn’t all that easy, get as much support as you can for you.