Episode Details

ABOUT THE EPISODE:
They're the ones left in the dust and shadow of a child who's misusing substances - the siblings. They witness the craziness and chaos, see the manipulation of their parents, they might get blackmailed or harassed - it's scary and parents are often left wondering what this is doing to their other kids - yet are so exhausted they don't even know where to start.

This episode will be incredibly helpful if your substance-using child's behavior is negatively impacting the other kids in (and out) of your home. I spoke with two of the foremost experts in family relationships, systems and dynamics - Krissy Pozatek, author of The Parallel Process, and Dr. Nicole Kosanke, director of family services at CMC and co-author of the must-read book, Beyond Addiction.

You'll hear from these two about ways to approach the sibling relationship and practical things you can do to lessen the negative impact of having a brother or sister misusing drugs or alcohol including:

• how you can apply CRAFT skills to help your non-substance using child cope
• what younger kids really need when they have a sibling misusing drugs or alcohol
• what magical thinking is and why it might be dangerous for your other kids
• things you can do to help your other kids manage their feelings well
• the role of parental authority in managing relationships within the family and making your home a safe space
• approaches that are harmful rather than helpful when a sibling is using substances
• what you can do about a manipulative or narcissistic child
• figuring out what is age-appropriate information to share with siblings
• and lots more!

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Nicole Kosanke, Ph.D. and Kriss Pozatek, MSW
• Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change
• Center for Motivation and Change (CMC)
• The Parallel Process
• The Normal One: Life With a Difficult or Damaged Sibling (Safer)

This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community
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Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol

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