[CaptainHaplo]

There is no "pat" answer. Drugs screw up lives, and your seeing it. But ultimately, while I can sympathize with those caught in such a web, it was their CHOICE to step into it. So that sympathy has its limits.

The concern is for the innocent children, who grow up learning what? They don't see how responsible choices lead to responsible, and fullfilling, lives. Too often, that puts them on the path to failure as well.

My son, whom I have custody of, visits his mother every other weekend. His oldest brother, now 17, is on house arrest at his mothers home for conspiracy to commit armed robbery. His oldest sister and her husband, along with their 2 VERY YOUNG children, also are staying in his mother's home due to them both facing multiple felony drug charges (possession and intent to sell - schedules 1,2 and 3). I don't talk to him about those young people, but I have sat him down, time and again, to discuss with him how his choices in life are helping him to succeed every day. As a parent, we have to reinforce the values and ethics in our children, and he has grown into a strong little man able to hold his own and choose right no matter what. To say I am proud of him is the worlds biggest understatement. Sure I cringe whenever he goes, but I know that he has learned to be strong enough to keep on the right road.

Unfortunately, as it appears in your sister-in-law's case, she lacked that. No one can say why really, but for whatever reason she made her choices. The thing now is - what can you do to protect the children. Ultimately, you can only do so much, but do what you can to keep up to date with what is going on, because often people that choose that path end up providing the opportunities you need to act for those kids.