When Your Sibling is Addicted: A Different Kind of Heartbreak

Most discussions about addiction focus on the perspective of the person struggling or their immediate family—typically a parent or spouse. But today, we’re shifting the lens to an often-overlooked perspective: the sibling of an addicted person.

Having a brother or sister battling addiction is a completely different experience. Your response, emotions, and challenges are unique compared to those of a parent or spouse. Whether you grew up with an addicted sibling or their addiction emerged in adulthood, the impact on you is profound.

As a seasoned addiction counselor and someone who comes from a family with addiction, I understand this firsthand. I’ve avoided this topic for a long time because of its deeply personal nature, but today, we're diving in.

The Unique Challenges of Having an Addicted Sibling

Every sibling relationship is different, but addiction throws in additional layers of complexity. Your experience may b...