Hello- Thank you for asking the question. I have over 30 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families & am happy to reply.

I am sorry to hear about this and having worked with recovering addicts for nearly 35 years, the most important thing you can do is to not enable the situation.

To do so, is to only set yourself up for more pain. You have to realize that there is only so much you can do and to set clear boundaries as to what your limits are in respect to your cousin.

If he has relapsed, there are choices he can make to get back in rehab or get a sponsor through A.A.

That is his job, not yours and if he thinks he can use you to further his addiction, he will.....it is the sad part of this devastating process.

As you say, you may have to "let go and let God"

The following link is perfect for you in helping to define your boundaries and limits. You can use it as a template for dealing with your cousin:

http://joy2meu.com/Personal_Boundaries.htm

I also encourage everyone to get involved with Al Anon:

http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/

I completely understand and your should pass on the above links to them so they can learn how to set limits.

I will also give you another helpful link to share with the family. Reading it is sometime more saturating that trying to explain it.

http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/info2/a/aa052197.htm

http://alcoholism.about.com/od/dyna/Denial_and_Enabling.htm

Share these links with your family, and for yourself, use the information provided regarding personal boundaries. It will help you and in time, help your cousin.

I wish you the very best, feel free to follow up if you have additional questions.

Bill

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