Caron Treatment Center's Education Alliance

Conversations That Matter- Behavioral Health Strategies for Building Resilience in Youth

Caron's Education Alliance

  • The Sibling Side:

The Sibling Side:

Thursday 1st February 2024

Mallory Henry shares her experience growing up with a sibling who had a substance use disorder, offering valuable advice for families and professionals.
51 minutes
Informative
Compassionate
Supportive
Hopeful
Engaging

About this podcast

Conversations That Matter- Behavioral Health Strategies for Building Resilience in Youth
Author:
Caron Treatment Center's Education Alliance
Overview:
Categories:
Parenting & Children
Sobriety Toolkit
Recovery from Trauma
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Relationships & Community
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
28 (View all)
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The Sibling Side: Understanding Family Dynamics in Substance Use Recovery

Episode Overview

  • Recognise the emotional impact on siblings when a family member struggles with substance use.
  • Schools and community resources can play a vital role in supporting the entire family.
  • Changing stigmatizing language helps foster a more compassionate understanding.
  • Creating supportive environments is crucial for family-wide recovery.
  • Proactive steps from educators and child-serving professionals can make a significant difference.
You can't just expect me to be the only person that changes
When a child in the family is struggling with substance use, the focus often zeroes in on them, leaving siblings in the shadows. In this episode of 'Conversations That Matter', Mallory Henry from Caron's Education Alliance opens up about her own experience growing up with a brother who had a substance use disorder. Mallory shares the emotional rollercoaster her family endured, from initial denial to eventual acceptance and recovery.
Her story highlights the often-overlooked impact on siblings and the crucial need for family-wide support systems. Mallory's candid recounting of her brother's journey to sobriety and the family's response is both touching and enlightening. She talks about the emotional burden she carried, feeling torn between loyalty to her brother and her parents. Mallory also sheds light on the role schools and community resources can play in supporting not just the individual struggling but the entire family.
She emphasises the importance of educators and child-serving professionals being vigilant and proactive in offering support. This episode is a treasure trove of practical advice for parents and professionals alike. From recognising early signs of substance use to creating a supportive environment for all family members, Mallory provides actionable steps that can make a real difference.
She also touches on the importance of changing stigmatizing language around addiction, advocating for terms like 'person with substance use disorder' to foster a more compassionate understanding. By sharing her personal journey, Mallory offers a unique perspective that many families will find relatable and comforting. Her insights serve as a reminder that while the road to recovery is challenging, it's a journey worth taking for the well-being of the entire family.
If you're looking for heartfelt advice and practical strategies to support a family member struggling with substance use, this episode is a must-listen.