JamesW

Hs anyone ever noticed when a dog is down, kick it.

My brother, who lives in Dublin, I live in the UK, has send me the most horrible emails. He id an heroin addict.

All that changed is I told him I wanted to stop.

Erica375

Hi, James. East coast of US, I'm up early and saw your post. I'm so sorry you have to deal with that.

I don't known what makes some people need to kick others when they're down. Fear, maybe?

My hope for you today is that you will be able to rise above this sad situation and be a better person. More easily said than done, I know.

Remember, "When they go low, we go high."

Hang in there. We are here for you.

Dee74

can you send yr bros emails to spam for a while,James?
Negativity was the last thing I needed when I was getting sober.

D

Delilah1

I have had to limit my communication with my brother because he can be toxic, and is still an active addict. It may be helpful to take Dee’s advice on this one.

Steely

Thing is, James, HE'S the one whose down.

You're on the UP!

Sometimes people don't like to see us get well. It changes the power relationship.

Keep getting well James.

biminiblue

I don't think anyone who is addicted can have rational conversations - and email (and texting) are some of the most toxic inventions ever. People can just spout off with all their venom and have zero consequences.

When I was newly sober many years ago in my thirties I had to stay away from my mother. No calls or visits - she was just too angry and judgemental and I couldn't handle it at all.

I agree with Dee, I would block him till you feel stronger.

Hawkeye13

When you get between active addicts and their addiction, they turn mean out of fear and the desire to protect their "beloved" drug of choice.

When you told him you quit, maybe he's feeling that his own addiction is somehow being judged / threatened because of this?
I've read several threads over the years about people being angry their loved one has quit as it brings to light the issues with their own substance abuse problems.

Of course, it is dangerous to try and get inside someone's head, so maybe block him for now, take care of you and your own sobriety and get solid in recovery.

That's the most important thing, and you are the one person you do have control over.

TheAten

This is very true - yesterday I had a very down day, and reflecting upon it I realise a lot of it had to do with someone else’s negativity being pushed on me. I left the conversation early but it had rather the profound affect on me.