Behind the Silence: Siblings' Experiences of Addiction in the Family

ABSTRACT This study explores siblings' experience of living with a sibling 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 wellbeing, as well as the shifts in family relationships, which contributed to them feeling forgotten. Also reflected in this study is how siblings adopted different roles to support their family members and protect themselves. Participants' coping skills and resilience are also highlighted. The findings highlight recommendations for future research, along with a discussion of the study's strengths and limitations, and its implications for training and practice.