How Can I Help This Person?

Hmm, maybe she and you have different kinds of fun? You may define 'her kind of fun' as self destructive, clearly she does not.
I'm assuming she's an adult?
Just keep her close.
Not everyone who has the 'wrong kind of fun' when they're younger is headed for disaster.
I suppose if she had children and was neglecting them in some way....

Otherwise, being an active part of her life without judgement is good for everyone, whether we're 'learning the hard way' or not.

:)

Preaching to her won't help. Just be there for her.

You don't say whether you communicate. Why not start writing her letters or emails and just let her vent to you. I wouldn't offer too much advice without being asked, but you can express concerns quietly. Sounds like you love your cousin so why not just be her friend.

I think you need to not judge her and if she asks for your advice give it to her then.

You really can't *DO* anything. It might be O. of the following issues:
1. Immaturity
2. She comes from a sheltered background and is now *going crazy* b/c she doesn't have to answer to her parents
3. She has an addiction issue.
In any case, it will be up to her to decide she's had enough and wants to change.
When she is ready, change will happen.
Until then, there's really nothing you can do. Just be there if she wants to talk.

i've been where she is now, and there really is no way to help her until she is ready for the help. when she gets low enough, she will come around... until then, just be there for her as much as you can.

All you can do is let that person know that you are there for them. If you start pointing out what she is doing wrong it will hurt your relationship. IF you don't have relationship with her right now, it won't help it. Pray for her andlet her know your love her and that you are there for support but I don;t know if I would go any further.

Is she telling you all of this herself? If so, she could be asking for advice in a round about way.

It's perfectly okay to give loved ones advice. So long as you do it in a way that is not judging or demeaning. I would tell her that you've noticed she is having a bit of a hard time and maybe offer some words of wisdom that you have learned over the years.

If all of this stuff is gossip that she hasn't told you, then I would simply ask how she is doing and show true concern for her well being. Let her know you are always there to talk. Maybe offer some good tips you've learned over the years in regards to saving for your future and staying safe and having a good time in a healthy way.

You can't help her. Does she really want help? Many people enjoy drinking and sleeping around and don't consider it a problem. The check bouncing will legally catch up to her if she's not careful. If she's been in the Navy for a few years, she's around 20 or 21 and therefore an adult. I would keep my mouth shut unless she specifically asks you for help or advice. She may need to learn a "hard" lesson or two if she truly has a problem.

No sure if this is an option, but can you talk or "tip off" her CO? They may be able to help with intervention. However, if she is not doing this stuff while on duty they may not be able to help.

I too have been down this road. Unfortunatly she has to hit her own bottom to get well. Many times when you confront a person struggling with addiction, they will reject you even more. They tend to respond with "I'll show you; I'll hurt me". If you feel she is harming others, you may need to get the police involved. It is a tough road and I will pray for you and her. Just remember, her problem should not burden you. It is very easy to get emotionallly invested in an addicts world. You need to focus on you and your family.

I am surprised that she has been able to get away with that type of behavior while in the military. There is usually a code of conduct that all members are expected to adhere to. If she gets too out of control her CO will hear about it and the military will counsel her to change her ways.

If you are only hearing about her behavior third hand, there is really no polite way to bring this up with her. Why don't you set up a girls day out the next time she is home on leave, spend some time with her, and see what comes up in conversation. Open a line of communication with her so she will have an outlet to talk about her life if and when she wants that.