Chris,
Sorry for your loss i'm sure it wasn't easy.
I too know about destructive behavior in the family. My son graduated from Sothern Il. University, majored in theater arts. Got an agent, played second city i Chgo. hung out with Chris Farley and friends, played in 4 or 5 movies small parts. Got into drugs and alcohol, couldn't control his appitate for alcohol, finally couldn't get any parts, his last movie was a bit part in MO Money, wound up being a waiter, darnk his self silly every nite after work. 6 yrs ago he had no job no money. My Ex. and his mother decided we would help him get to Las Vegas where she lived (we split the airfare) with the thougts she would be able to straighten him out. It worked for a couple months then he moved in with a friend, who was also an alcholic. 3 yrs ago i got a call he was in the hospital his liver shut down. So i rushed to Vegas, not knowing if i was going to a funeral or not. Luckly he came out of it but only has 20% liver fucation. The dr's told him he does'nt need a gun to commit suicide all he needs in 1 bottle of wine. He's been clean and sober since then. He was able to go back to work after 6 mos and works in the deli in one of the large super market chains in vegas. He had talent and could have made in movies (i think) but we all know you can't fix someone who doesn't want to be fixed no matter how smart the person is.
Zip.+