Even though siblings often notice substance use before the rest of the family, as peers they lack the tools and perspective to fully recognize what’s happening – and including parents can feel like a betrayal.

On this episode of “Rethinking Rock Bottom,” hosts Dr. Carrie Wilkens and Reverend Jan M. Brown welcome Meg and Stephen, siblings who were very close and then grew apart as substance use played an increasingly complicated role in their relationship. Together they highlight the struggles of Stephen’s substance use, the secrets and burdens that Meg felt she had to carry alone, and why she, as a sibling, did not fully understand or appreciate her role in Stephen’s healing journey – landing on the hope they have found in their relationship as they have each healed.