I know there are many soldiers that live in complete hell because they're afraid of appearing weak or troubled. And that's where the alcohol comes in. PTSD sufferers use it to numb the pain; not only to live up to the expectations of others, but to escape the nightmare of PTSD. I'm a sufferer and I know that it's caused by real trauma and it's not something that you can just "snap out of". It's about the worst thing you can experience during your lifetime. You obviously love your brother and I'm sure he would be proud of you for posting your feelings. It would be a great step forward if he would start taking his medication. But the most important thing is that he learns to be true to himself and not the opinion of others. His life is worth more than someone else's opinion and having family that cares, can never be matched. Maybe his challenge, is to drop the act, admit the truth and get the best help that he can. Be his friend and let him know how you feel. Warm Regards.

Sorry to hear that someone else is taking a common route to try and cope with PTSD. I was diagnosed with PTSD about 3 years ago right after I came home from Afghanistan, about a little over 2 years ago I was convicted of my only dui I will ever get. I too had a problem with trying to "numb" the pain. It’s a long a hard road. But there is help I know in my branch of service we had ASAP (army substance abuse program) that really helped me to come to terms why I was doing the things that I did and what it was accomplishing. I found out I had accomplish nothing but getting in trouble. I would say that I know you care for your brother maybe you should talk to him about doing a self enrollment in something like that. also as far as being diagnosed with ptsd and then getting kicked out on a dishonorable discharge that simply not true I was diagnosed and finished my term in the military with a honorable discharge, and the last three years of my service it was well known threw out my command (due to hitting the deck every time a loud boom went off near me) that I had ptsd. Well hope this helps you out in trying to help your brother. Best wishes

sorry to hear about your brother. ive recovered after 3 years of being drunk because of my ptsd. its not the path. i lost being in the army, most of my family disowns me, no friends and almost lost my wife. but recovering can be done. it just takes time and support. be there for him, listen, and just remember youll always have help from others who have been there and want to help. good luck and drive on