HAVING AN ALCOHOL/SUBSTANCE ADDICTED SIBLING: A QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to reveal the emotional and behavioral projections of the experience of having an alcohol/substance addicted sibling. For this purpose, while the qualitative research method was preferred in the study; Face-to-face and online interviews were conducted with a total of 13 participants who have the characteristics of being the siblings of the addicted individual, and a total of 48 codings were made on the data obtained, and these codings were combined under 3 main themes and analyzed by descriptive analysis method. As a result of the research, it has been revealed that addicted siblings experience negative emotions, they are faced with some risk factors because they live in the same household with the addict, they take some precautions and plan their lives on the axis of addiction. It has been understood these people can assume the role of parents in the family and they can act as intermediaries between their siblings and parents. In the studies conducted with alcohol/substance addicts, it is thought that the inclusion of older brothers/sisters in the process is important in terms of maintaining a healthy household order.

Keywords

• alcohol
• substance
• addiction
• sibling