Addiction and its impact on family relations : the siblings’ viewpoint

Abstract

This study explores the siblings’ experience of residing with a brother or sister suffering from a substance use problem. In-depth interviews were conducted with six siblings recruited through purposeful sampling. The interpretation of this interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) study was supported by social constructionist, attachment, and resilience theories. Eight superordinate themes emerged from this analysis, highlighting the experience of these participants. These themes outline the losses and challenges experienced within the household, the impact these had on participants’ emotional and physical well-being, as well as the shifts in family relationships, which contributed to them feeling forgotten. Also reflected in this study was how siblings adopted different roles to support their family members and protect themselves. Participants’ coping skills and resilience were also highlighted. The findings resulted in recommendations for future research. Whereas the study’s strengths and limitations, as well as implications for training and practice, were also put forward.