The Sibling Project: Episode 3 - Merna & Linda

The Growing Up Chaotic Show

According to SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, nearly 24.6 million Americans were illicit drug users in 2013. Now just for a moment, take that number and try to imagine the number of people that were impacted by that illicit drug use. Think about the families. Think about the number of mothers, fathers, cousins, grandfathers, co-workers and best friends. Think about all the people that were pulled into and torn apart by the viscous cycle of addiction. Clearly, the numbers are staggering and the heartache is real and we need to start talking about it. That’s why I’ve created The Sibling Project: Exploring How The Lives of Siblings Are Impacted By Addiction. Over the next several weeks, I will be speaking one on one with a group who’s voice we rarely if ever get to hear, the siblings of addicts and alcoholics. It is my hope, with this series of podcasts, that we can spark a new conversation that focuses on the countless number of siblings living and struggling alongside an addicted loved one. Joining us for the third episode of The Sibling Project are sisters Merna and Linda. Hailing from a family of eight, Merna and Linda lost one of their sisters to an alcohol influenced suicide. These two are no strangers to the chaos of addiction as both of their parents were alcoholics as well.