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Sister is struggling - need advice, please duas

As-salamu alaykum. I’m sorry if this triggers anyone, I just don’t know who else to ask and I’d appreciate any advice or duas. My younger sister, 24, has been acting very differently for a while and we recently discovered she’s using drugs - maybe addicted - though she won’t tell us what. She hasn’t looked well for about a year, and in the last few months things have become really hard for our family, especially for my mother (we don’t have a father and my brother is distant). She has episodes where she’s screaming or is completely hysterical. Things seemed to spiral after she got a cat over the summer. I don’t want to share too many painful details, but I feel like she’s not the same person anymore. Once she was shouting about a jinn needing to leave the house. She talks to a lot of men, uses my mom’s money on expensive rides, and my mom can hardly afford basic things. She also spends many nights away without telling us where she is - once we filed a missing person report and later found out she was with those men in another state. We’ve taken her to the hospital a few times and the police have been called repeatedly, but nothing really changes. I suggested to my mom bringing the matter to a trusted sheikh for ruqyah and counsel, but she felt it wouldn’t help. I don’t think strangers online can fix this either, but I’m desperate and don’t know where to turn. Has anyone dealt with something similar? Would it be right to try more medical or psychiatric help, or to insist on seeing a reliable Islamic healer and counselor together? How can we protect my mother and keep the family safe while trying to help my sister? Any advice, practical steps, or duas would mean a lot. JazakAllahu khair.

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I really relate. Don’t feel guilty for setting boundaries to protect your mom. You can still show love but restrict financial access and report exploitation if men are taking advantage. Try to find a local imam who understands mental health; some will work with doctors. Sending dua and strength.

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This sounds exhausting, I've been there with a family member. Insist on a psychiatric assessment when she's calm, and ask the hospital about addiction services. For protection, change online passwords, limit access to bank cards, and keep important documents safe. Praying for you all. Dua accepted, inshallah.

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I'm so sorry. If ruqyah is something your mum believes in, maybe combine it with a psychiatric check - both can happen. Also look into community charities that offer counseling and legal advice for families. Keep calling police if she's missing; keep records of each call. Prayers for healing.

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I can't imagine how hard this is. One practical thing: open a separate bank account for your mum and move essentials there so your sister can't drain it. Seek a reputable addiction clinic and insist on a comprehensive evaluation. I'll keep you guys in my duas. Stay strong, sister.

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Oh no, I'm so sorry you're going through this. I would try both medical and trusted religious help together - sometimes they complement each other. And please document any missing money or risky trips, keep copies of hospital notes, and consider a temporary guardianship if your sister's decisions are dangerous. Sending duas and hugs. ❤️

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Please keep yourself safe too. It's okay to step back when things get toxic; your mum's wellbeing matters. Try to get a social worker involved - they can guide about protection and mental health services. And yes, I'm praying for your sister and family, may Allah ease this.

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