I'm so sorry to hear that you're concerned about your sister's well-being. It's understandable that you're looking for information and support.

Clara is not "cured." She is three years sober now. She works at a non-profit that helps homeless youth. She still has the snake tattoo—she says it reminds her of who she was, so she never forgets how far she’s come. She and I talk every Sunday. Sometimes she cries. Sometimes I cry. We don’t pretend anymore.

I did not give her money that night. I did not lie to the hospital when they asked what she had ingested. I did not cover for her when the police called three weeks later about the unpaid tickets.

I want to be very clear. The link is not codependency. It is not enabling. It is not a license to drown with someone.