Brothers and sisters may attend this program that aims to educate siblings about the disease of addiction, provide them with opportunities for peer support, help them understand the impact of the disease on the family, and build their coping skills and foster resilience. The program will run concurrently with the Parent Program in order to be convenient for parents and siblings to attend their respective programs at the same time. The agenda will include activities such as age-appropriate lectures, journaling or drawing, interactive activities with other siblings and/or parents, educational videos, and participation in the family conference.

"We are fortunate to offer this pilot program at no cost to parents, thanks to a generous grant provided by the Diermeier Family Foundation," said Jim Steinhagen, executive director of HCYF. "Our hope is that the pilot program generates the interest level that parents and referents expressed in our market research. If the interest is there, we'll make this program a regular part of our service offerings."

Learn more about Hazelden's program for siblings. 

Published Summer 2008, The Voice