Drug addiction is a debilitating disease that can greatly affect not only a person’s health but their relationships with others.

Especially in close relationships, substance abuse can take its worst toll. When thinking of how drug addiction affects siblings, it’s heartbreaking to imagine what a brother or sister may feel witnessing their sibling suffer from this disease. Regardless of the effect substance abuse can have on close relationships, addiction is sometimes too difficult for users to overcome on their own. At our addiction treatment center in Heartland, we know how addiction affects siblings, and we encourage those suffering from addiction to seek treatment at our alcohol and drug addiction rehab facility.

What are The Effects of Addiction on Siblings?

The negative effects of drug and alcohol abuse on the body are generally understood, but how addiction affects siblings isn’t always discussed. A relationship between siblings is a strong bond that has been created since birth and continuously strengthened over time. For brothers and sisters who are close to their siblings, watching each other suffer from anything is difficult. As with anyone you’d love, close siblings have their best interests in mind.

Substance abuse can negatively change a person’s character, and therefore the dynamic of a relationship between siblings. As the negative side effects of substance abuse continue to change the user’s behavior, the way they treat others also changes. Users may become more isolated and will try to distance themselves. They may also be in denial, which can make it difficult for their siblings, friends, or other loved ones to help. Loss of trust, betrayal, and pain can all result from a brother’s or sister’s drug addiction. To avoid the negative impact of drug abuse, seek treatment at our rehab facility in Illinois.

Signs to Look Out For

Although symptoms vary depending on the substance and the amount is taken, there are general symptoms that point to addiction. By knowing what the signs are, you can better understand how addiction affects siblings.

Some of these include:

• Red eyes
• Weight loss
• Lack of appetite
• Too much or too little energy
• Lack of hygiene
• Missing work or school
• Secretive about certain activities
• Lack of sleep
• Financial issues
• Irritability
• Defensiveness
• Anxiety
• Easily confused

Because this disease is progressive, it can be difficult to catch the signs at the earlier points of use. However, it’s necessary to address addiction the moment it is realized. If your sibling needs help for an addiction, our residential treatment program may be the answer.

How You Can Help Your Sibling with Addiction

At Banyan Heartland, we know how drug addiction affects siblings and how heartbreaking this experience can be. Fortunately, there are ways you can help. The first and most important thing to do is to seek professional drug or alcohol abuse treatment for your sibling. We can help individuals battling substance abuse begin their journey to sobriety in our medically monitored detox program. Throughout this program, patients will receive the guidance and care they need to safely undergo withdrawal symptoms.

Remember to not only encourage your sibling during their recovery but to also help them maintain their sobriety outside of their treatment. Watch out for any craving triggers that may be present at home or in their surroundings. Be as loving and supportive as you can; you can have a positive impact on their recovery.

If you or anyone you know is suffering from substance abuse, do not wait to get help. Call us at 888-280-4763 now