After the first time, I decided to take what control I could.
It was a two hour drive to get to the clinic. The woman at the desk was so warm and kind to me, but I couldn't shake the loneliness I felt. I listened carefully to the counselor's instructions, after which she asked me about what had brought me there, carefully assuring me that my secrets were safe with her.
At first, I was hesitant, but as I spoke, it was clear to me that she had heard my story from a hundred others, and then it felt good to let it all out. I told her about all the ways we had tried to help my brother with his addiction, and how he had been unable to overcome it