How to help an addicted sibling get over their addiction

Addiction is one of those things that shakes an entire family, not just the person going through it. When the one struggling is your sibling, the bond makes it even more personal.

You want to protect them, fight their battles, and just see them return to who they used to be. But helping a sibling through addiction is not as simple as scolding, begging, or forcing them to change.

It requires patience, compassion, boundaries, and a long-term mindset. We understand the challenges you're facing, and that's why we've written this article to help you learn how to support your siblings.

Please note that the tips here were obtained from detailed research of top psychological journals and studies. Let's get to it!

It’s tempting to lecture or compare them to their past self, but addiction rarely disappears because of guilt trips. What your sibling needs most is a safe space where they won’t feel constantly attacked. Instead of opening conversations with anger, start with concern. A simple, “I’ve noticed you haven’t been yourself lately, and I’m worried,” goes further than a long sermon. Empathy breaks down walls that would ordinarily be hard to crack if you stayed in your high judgement seat.

Every addiction is different. What works for someone addicted to alcohol might not help someone addicted to gambling or opioids. Take time to research what they’re going through. Understanding how the substance or behavior rewires the brain enables you to approach them with more patience. It also equips you to know when you’re dealing with a moment of withdrawal, a craving, or a trigger. The more informed you are, the less powerless you’ll feel.

As much as you love them, you are not their therapist. Encourage them to seek professional treatment - whether that’s a rehabilitation center, counseling, or support groups. Sometimes siblings listen more when they know the suggestion comes from a place of love rather than control. Offer to help them find options, drive them to appointments, or even sit through a session if it makes them feel supported.

Loving someone does not mean allowing their addiction to wreck your life. If they constantly ask for money that fuels their habit, or bring chaos into your space, it’s okay to say no. Boundaries protect both of you. They teach your sibling that while you love them, you won’t enable their addiction. It may feel harsh at first, but in reality, boundaries are acts of love - they force responsibility back where it belongs.

Recovery is rarely a straight road. There will be relapses, moments of anger, and times when it feels like nothing is working. But don’t underestimate the power of small victories. If they attend a support meeting, stay clean for a week, or even open up about their struggle, celebrate that progress. Positive reinforcement can fuel their motivation far better than constant criticism.