CARES for Siblings
- CARES for Siblings
Because This Hasn’t Been Easy
If your brother or sister is struggling with addiction, you may be carrying pain you don’t always talk about. Maybe you’ve been the peacekeeper, the forgotten one, the fixer—or the one who had to walk away.
At CARES, we want you to know: your experience matters.
- A Community of Support
You’re Not Just a Bystander—You’re a Survivor of This Too
Addiction in a sibling can fracture families, shift priorities, and leave you caught between love and self-preservation. Maybe you’ve asked yourself:
- Why do they keep choosing this?
- Why does no one ask how I’m doing?
- How do I help without losing myself?
You are not alone. CARES is a safe space to begin answering those questions—with support, not shame.
Supporting Yourself Like You Support Your Family
If your brother or sister is currently facing the challenges of addiction, you might be bearing a heavy burden of emotional pain that you don’t often share with others. Perhaps you have taken on the role of the peacekeeper in your family, constantly trying to maintain harmony and avoid conflict, even as tension simmers beneath the surface. You might feel overlooked, living in the shadow of your sibling’s struggles, leading to feelings of being the “forgotten one” who has to manage their own needs while supporting others. Alternatively, you might have assumed the role of the fixer, always rushing in with solutions and trying to rescue them from their troubles, sacrificing your own well-being in the process. Or, in some cases, you may have found that the healthiest choice was to walk away, creating distance to protect your own heart, leaving you with a mix of guilt and sorrow. Each of these experiences weighs heavily, shaping the complex emotions you navigate as you care for a loved one battling addiction.
- A Community Who Cares
What CARES Offers Siblings
Weekly Expert Talks
Our speakers include therapists, doctors, authors, and individuals who understand addiction and family trauma. Learn how to cope with guilt, resentment, detachment, boundaries, and grief—from people who get it.
Resources That Actually Help
Each session features clickable tools—books, therapy guides, boundary-setting frameworks, and self-care practices you can begin using immediately.
A Community That Sees You
Siblings are often the silent sufferers. You might have been expected to stay strong, stay quiet, or step up. At CARES, we listen to your story—and help you find healing in it.
Support for the Long Haul
Whether your sibling is in crisis, recovery, or somewhere in between, we offer resources that help you stay grounded, centered, and whole.
- Why Join CARES
Why CARES?
Because loving someone in addiction doesn’t mean sacrificing your own well-being.
Because being a sibling doesn’t mean staying silent.
Because your voice matters here.
- How We Connect
Join Us
We are excited to introduce the Cornerstone CARES speaker series, a collaborative initiative with The Texas CARES Program and the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin. Starting at Cornerstone Church ATX, our series aims to reach communities across the nation, creating a supportive environment for families affected by addiction. Through these sessions, we will share personal stories, expert insights, and evidence-based strategies to assist individuals and families on their journey to recovery. Join us in building a compassionate community dedicated to healing and hope.
- Articles + Events
You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to show up.
The overarching mission of CARES is to create an environment where “those who love and protect can feel love and protection.” Each gathering is a step towards helping caregivers find clarity and confidence in their roles, equipping them with the knowledge to navigate the recovery landscape without the burden of doubt.
- Contact Us Today