Need some serious advice.

[visim91]

I wouldn't worry about the booze/weed.

It's the theft really and while I doubt you'll follow visim91's advice I don't think that's a brilliant idea either. As much value as I place on psychedelics they're not a magical "turn you into not a douchebag" drug, I love LSD but I know plenty of *******s who've taken loads of it and are still complete *******s.

I'd confront him directly, even if he doesn't believe you about your rationale for looking in his bag he's still clearly in the wrong and if you can at all manage it I'd endeavour to get that purse to it's proper owner.

Just on an ethical basis I wouldn't be able to let this sort of thing slide myself.

Fair enough. What you bring in is what you get out.
--
On another note, I do believe your brother is full of fear: for his future, as well as the present bind he's found himself in. Hell, he may not even admit to it himself. These sorts of things are relatively subconscious. Superficial conversation will likely get you nowhere, as you will most certainly come into contact with a stubborn and unpleasant shell. Some call it denial. I find it to be a mix: of the former - and complacency.

Take a lemon: The rind is good. The meat is good; but, the pith is very bitter. So we separate the pith and are left with productive pieces.
Separate the pith, and your lemon's got a future.

 

[zioxide]

how do you know he stole? maybe it's some chick he was banging and she forgot it. you're assuming way too much here it seems.

otherwise, drinking and smoking weed sounds like almost every college student i know. the ones who didn't never left their dorms and didn't have any friends.

 

[TheGenerous]

call the police to bring him on reality. That's as real as it can gets.

 

[renewed]

Just keep being cool with him etc... try to get him to do stuff with you outside of the house if possible. I wouldn't bring up the issue though.

Unfortunately with boozers and pot heads telling them they have a problem will just distance them from you. They have to realize that they themselves have an issue and want to change it. That's when you show you are there to support him.

Obviously he has some self-respect issues and so just try to show him you love him and want to hang out with him etc. Maybe a true friends is all he needs right now.