When you and your siblings are children, there is not much to worry about. You probably play outside on the swingset. Maybe, you jump into the pool. Or if it is too hot outside, you always have your toys. For a child, it may be the way their life goes, and there is no conflict with your siblings who do the same. However, the pattern of peace may shatter when one of your siblings enters their teenage years.
Presented to your sibling is the temptation of indulging in drug abuse. They might not be aware of what the drug’s side effects are. Your sibling may be only doing the drug because all of the other kids are doing it. They want to fit in. Yet, once they become hooked on the drug and unable to live without it, troubles can arise.
You may begin to notice your sibling act much different than they did before. “Why are they behaving in such a fashion?” you might ask yourself. Your sibling’s body has become dependent on the drug, and their brain is being impacted by the drug. They may showcase strange behaviors they did not have previously. The situation might become hostile when your sibling starts to create conflict.
Here, you are, having done absolutely nothing wrong while your addicted sibling believes you are guilty of wrongdoing. Words may be exchanged and tempers flair. It may be one of many fights, which start. Your sibling could become even more dangerous. You realize you have to look out for yourself. There are many ways you could respond to the aggression of an addicted sibling.
Looking at your addicted sibling, they need lots of love and concern. Perhaps, you hope to rush into the situation to save them. Your sibling may not want your help. You may also wish to avoid them altogether. As their sibling, you might remember you have your own life to deal with, and could see your life as something better to invest your time fully in than theirs. “Why should I try to help them, if they do not wish to become better?”
It is a tough question to ask because they are your flesh and blood. While you could hope to help your brother or sister, you may not always be able to help them make their way to recovery. They may push you away so far, you might never wish to speak to them again. If you see your parents doing nothing about it, you may start to complain, and suggest your addicted sibling is tearing your family apart. You can always hope for your sibling to recover. The simple truth is sometimes they cannot escape their addiction.
If your love and concern are able to break the addiction, your sibling may have the chance of a better tomorrow after all. During their rehab treatment, whether outpatient or residential, they might take it seriously, and change their life completely. During rehab, your sibling may take part in mindfulness meditation to make themselves aware of the present moment. What mindfulness can do for your sibling is to help them forget about their past and not to worry about the future. After their recovery, it could help a lot if you took part in mindfulness with them.
There is much to be gained from focusing on the present and centering your thoughts. You could find it very helpful to eliminating any barriers between you and your sibling. Aftercare services might be offered to your sibling, and they are designed to help make your sibling’s transition back to real life all the better. The aftercare can include counseling and support groups. If your family is allowed to be involved, your participation could be helpful in giving your sibling the strength they need to remain sober.
Having an addicted sibling in your family is never easy. What you need to remember is you are always the determining factor in how you act. They may still act harshly toward you anyways. You can always control your own behavior. The future may be uncertain but there is always the chance for hope. Keeping mindful of today could make your sibling’s recovery all the more powerful tomorrow.
