Urvi Gupta
Drug addiction is a profound public health issue that impacts not only the individual but also deeply disrupts family dynamics. Among family members, siblings of addicts are often the forgotten stakeholders, silently bearing emotional and psychological burdens while the focus remains on the addicted individual and their parents. The emotional toll on these siblings is immense and multifaceted, often marked by confusion, fear, resentment, guilt, and shame. As parents channel their energy and resources toward the addicted child’s recovery, siblings frequently feel neglected and overlooked. This neglect can lead to a sense of invisibility, where their own emotional needs and achievements are dismissed, creating long-lasting scars. Many siblings experience what psychologists refer to as “ambiguous loss,” where their brother or sister is physically present but emotionally absent due to substance abuse.The psychological responses of siblings vary depending on their age and birth order. Younger siblings may feel fear and confusion as they witness erratic behavior at home, while adolescents often struggle with a complex mix of loyalty and resentment. Older siblings, on the other hand, are more likely to assume parental roles in the familya phenomenon known as parentificationleading them to carry an exaggerated sense of responsibility. This role reversal often results in chronic anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and loss of their own childhood. Across all ages, siblings may internalize guilt and self-blame, believing they could have prevented the addiction or somehow contributed to it. The stigma surrounding substance abuse amplifies these challenges, leaving siblings hesitant to confide in friends or extended family. Social withdrawal becomes common, as they strive to conceal their family struggles from the outside world.
The entry of the addicted sibling into rehabilitation brings its own emotional complexities. For some, there is hope and a sense of relief at the temporary absence of chaos, while for others, it intensifies feelings of isolation as family attention continues to center on the recovering addict. Unfortunately, rehabilitation programs often fail to include siblings in therapy sessions, missing a crucial opportunity to address their psychological trauma and integrate them into the healing process. Without support, some siblings may resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance use, denial, or perfectionism to reclaim attention and control. However, others find adaptive strategies, seeking support from counselors or peers, engaging in creative expression, or channeling their pain into academic and professional achievements.
A truly holistic recovery framework must consider siblings as essential participants in the rehabilitation journey. Family therapy models like Structural Family Therapy (SFT) and Multi-Dimensional Family Therapy (MDFT) can provide structured spaces for siblings to process their emotions, establish healthy boundaries, and develop resilience. Schools and community programs also have a vital role in offering psychological support through counseling services and peer groups. Addressing the needs of siblings is not only an act of compassion but a therapeutic necessity. Recovery should extend beyond treating the individual addict to healing the entire family unit. Only then can we claim true success in breaking the cycles of pain and dysfunction caused by addiction.
(The author is Clinical Psychology Scholar Sharda University Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh)
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