My brother blamed me for his problems
Gina reflects on the impact of her brother’s drug abuse on her life. She outlines the sacrifices she made to help her brother and the pain of being accused of negligence.

My younger brother and I were inseparable for as long as I can remember. My parents, they weren't really around that much and I always did my best to look after him.
So, when he fell into drugs, it really hurt. I felt very guilty. When I was 21, I quit my job so that I could take care of his daughter. I mean how was he going to take care of a newborn when he was just 17? I looked after her with just a financial aid of $300 a month. I barely had anything left for my daily expenses. I tried my best but at one point, he actually threatened to take his daughter away from me if I didn't give him money for drugs. It was really crazy. I didn't know at that time, was it my brother speaking, or the drug speaking.
I don't regret any of the sacrifices that I've made for my brother and his daughter. I love them very much. I just wish that he would just face up to his own responsibilities.
