My sister and I were concerned about my aunt's behavior. She seemed very emotional, irrational, and paranoid. I was looking at some of the side effects or signs of a prescription drug abusers and it seems like the shoe fits. I really do not know what to do. Any advise would be helpful.
Talk to your parent and ask if they can intervene. Or if you feel comfortable enough, go ask her. People just don't communicate anymore. Just stop her and ask her if she is ok and needs help. How hard is that?
That is the question, how close are you to your aunt to discuss such a matter? It's something really delicate, so my first idea would be indeed to talk to your parent, after all he is her brother and an older person so eventually he might have some ideas on how to help her.
What do you mean wahmed, take it to parents? Talk to his parents? Well yes, that's how I see it too, considering their parents do care. Many times and sadly no one really cares, but if their parents can so something about it that would be better sure.
If I was close enough to my aunt that I have an open relationship I would speak up and ask her. I have had to confront people I love about drug abuse and it is not easy regardless how close you are. If someone is addicted they may be embarrassed to speak up and admit it. Just tell them you are coming from a caring place and worried about their well being, and if you do not feel comfortable or believe she may not feel comfortable with telling you about it speak to your parents about your concerns.
That's what I would do too, it depends totally on the sort of relation we have. Many times we expect someone to do something when that someone is us, we need to get to actions if we want to help!
Well, some meds have that effect on me too, are you sure your aunt is not taking birth control pills or something like that? The birth control pills i was taking earlier really messed badly with my mood, it seemed I was going crazy... it almost ended my relationship. Some meds have some really bad side effects Better investigate a bit more before you bring this up.
When I look at the meds my older family members take I am stunned, many times it's 5, 6, 7 pills or more per day. Does this make any sense?
I always prefer the more direct approach. When you suspect that someone has been abusing drugs, you get straight to the point. You are concerned about them. They won't think you are being intrusive, trying to barge into their lives and tell them what they should do. In fact this is the easiest way to find out if they are willing to fight their addiction. Any denial would mean your aunt isn't ready to change yet and before she is, nothing you say will get her to stop using abusing prescription drugs.
Yes, denial is the first symptom that someone doesn't want to face the problem, but at the same time we will only see denial if we confront the person.
She very well might be addicted to prescription drugs, but then again she might be going through a rough patch in her life. Have you tried to approach her and ask her why she has been so irritable lately? I hope that if you ask, that doesnt create an issue. I would try approaching her very kindly.
It wouldn't be the first case. My sister-in-law is in her mid-forties and has been taking anti-depressants for years now. As far as I see it she is addicted for life.