In respect to my family and loved ones, this blog is anonymous. All names have been changed, but for the sake of the blog you can call me Elle.
A little about me… I’m a young adult who has been working in the healthcare field for 10 years now. I grew up in tight-knit family in a medium-sized, middle class town in the U.S. with my two loving parents and my brother, who is battling an addiction to drugs.
It can often feel very lonely and isolating for the family members of those battling addiction. Often times, you hear about how difficult it can be for the spouse, children, or parents of someone battling addiction. These people face tremendous challenges and deserve endless support and respect. That being said, I found so few resources directly related to the siblings of someone with an addiction.
When I first found out my brother was battling with addiction, I felt afraid, alone and confused. I so desperately wanted to know someone else going through the same obstacles and hardships as myself. So here I am, writing a blog about life as the sibling of an addict and feeling fairly certain I have no clue what I am getting myself into. If I can make one person in a similar situation feel as if they have a friend in me, then I have done what I set out to do.
Disclaimer: Though I work in healthcare, I am not a psychiatrist, psychologist, addiction treatment specialist, or licensed physician. The content of this blog is a reflection of my personal life living with a sibling battling addiction. If you or a loved one is battling addiction, there are resources, such as the National Drug Hotline (1-844-289-0879) that offer 24/7 help at just a phone call away. Seeking professional and medical attenion from a licensed professional is always encouraged.
Addiction's Sister 