I have a cousin who's a junkie

[Marr]

9. I have a brother who is exactly the same way.

He's been like that since he was a teenager, and he's in his mid-thirties now.

He'll steal anything that isn't nailed down-- even broke into our mom's house a couple of years ago and stole her jewelry. Panhandles when he needs quick cash and considers everyone just a mark to be used. Starts fist fights with strangers, has been in and out of jail more times than I can count, and destroys everything he touches.

My mom let him live in her guest house (converted garage) for awhile, hoping he'd clean up, but of course he didn't-- and she found that he'd taken a sledge hammer to the toilet and sink one day for no reason whatsoever. I assume he just decided he was done staying there, so he might as well break some shit.

It really does reach a point where you almost wish they'd just overdose and be done with it, which in itself makes you feel like shit. I know just what you mean.