I had to look up what "tik" was on Google! Mish, you just hang in there gal, and take care of yourself because you are #1!! You seem like a very perceptive person for your age and you are absolutely right about your brother---you can't help him, only he can help himself. There is lots of good stuff on this forum about codependency and I highly recommend you read all the "stickies" at the top. Welcome and peace!