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Dear Abby, my nephew’s drug addiction separates us

DEAR ABBY: I am very close to my eldest sister's three sons, especially “Lucas,” who is 38. He and I have communicated and seen each other many times over the years (we live in different states). In a way, I was his confidante. He knows that I love him like a son.

Lucas is a professional in a big city and earns a lot of money. He is popular and likes to go out with friends. We haven't seen each other for a year and a half and our phone and text communication has almost completely dried up. When I spoke to him briefly a month ago, he was visiting my sister. He told me he was going through a “hard time” and said he would call. I contacted him but he didn't respond.

A month ago, his brother's wife confided in me that Lucas had lost a lot of weight and was battling a meth addiction. I was shocked and contacted his brother to confirm that this was true. I almost got on a plane to see Lucas, but it's clear he's avoiding me.

My family usually handles things with a “don't ask, don't tell” strategy. I'm very open (I'm a licensed mediator). I've also learned a lot about addiction and I'm very worried about Lucas. I'm having stress dreams because of it. I'm also having a hard time telling my sister, but I'm waiting to talk to Lucas. I would really appreciate any advice you have. — CONCERNED AUNT IN CALIFORNIA

DEAR WORRIED AUNT: It's possible that your sister already knows about her son's addiction, especially if it has caused physical changes. However, if she doesn't know, I don't think you should break the news. Lucas will have to do that on his own.

I also think it would be a mistake to force a face-to-face meeting with your nephew. If you want to reach out to him and remind him how much you love him and tell him you know what's going on, I don't see any harm in that.

If you have information in your professional capacity that could be of use to Lucas, by all means offer it to him. But breaking free from his addiction is something he must do on his own, when he is ready.

DEAR ABBY: My mother is a widow and is in a relationship with a man. One day after they went out, I noticed he left his phone behind. I know it sounds awful, but I snooped around and found out he was texting another woman. He calls her “gorgeous,” offers to bring her food, wishes her “sweet dreams,” sends her photos of himself, etc.

I always knew mom could do better, and I had my suspicions about this guy. I'm very protective of her. She's been through so much. What do I do with this information? If I tell her, I'll be ashamed I even looked. Please help me. — SNOOP IN MISSOURI

DEAR SNOOP: You MUST tell your mother what you did and found out. Don't describe it as “he's cheating” because you don't know for sure. Just state the facts and then let her investigate and come to her own conclusions.

Dear Abby was written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or PO Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

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