Sibling relationships are often the longest standing relationships we have throughout our lives. They start when we’re born, and if we’re lucky, often last until long after our parents are gone. But they can be overwhelmingly complex, especially when one or more sibling struggles with substance use.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach for helping to create change in your loved one’s substance use or family relationships. Explore new tools and strategies that can help you better understand and communicate with them about their addiction, and strengthen how you speak about addiction with others.

There are many ways to treat drug and alcohol addictions depending on the type of substance and one’s individual health and lifestyle needs. Because there isn’t a “cure,” what works for one person may not work for another. Getting familiar with different options can help you empower your loved one to seek the right support.

Choosing the right therapist or medical provider is a deeply personal journey. Everyone’s needs are different, and thankfully, there are plenty of tools to help you find someone who feels like the right fit. If you're not sure where to start, here are some helpful steps to guide you.

We practice harm reduction every day—from wearing a seat belt in a car, to applying SPF while sunbathing, to providing winter coat donations to unhoused people. In substance use, harm reduction is a strategy that does not require people to abstain from using drugs or alcohol. Instead, it focuses on reducing the risks associated with substance use by encouraging using less and using safely

You're not alone in this journey. Connecting with others, sharing stories, and finding support can make all the difference. Explore online and in-person resources designed for siblings and families facing a loved one’s addiction.