Brother drug addict mother enabler?

by Jen
(St. Louis)

Hello,
My brother is a drug addict. I think he is doing cocaine but wouldn't be surprised if it were something else. He is 36 with two young children separated from their mother and the kids at this time.

He first got hooked at the age of 18 or so while partying. He was hooked immediately. Close to death around 20 years old. Clean from cocaine for a good stretch but always had a beer or weed to smoke.

The last three years he has been non working in my mom's basement doing his habit. She enabled him no doubt. I found out he cleared her bank account and stole anything of value to pawn. She removed herself from her house and he is in the basement.

My dilemma is that anything I do help the situation my mom will undo (not intentionally). She is 71 but since losing my father her health has gone down hill big time as well as her mental alertness. She believes anything he says.

Do I treat her as "senile" and take her home and possessions so he can't get them or do I let him die in her basement? I'm not sure what my role is supposed to be.

I am the strongest in the family but it seems like I'm all alone in my efforts and I have a family to take care of myself.

Any advice is greatly appreciated, I don't feel like I have much time left before it's too late for him.