Experiences Following a Sibling's Substance-Related Death: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: The death of a family member due to substance use may negatively affect family dynamics and the coping mechanisms of surviving family members, as the loved one may have already been perceived as lost during the period of substance use. Substance-related deaths are considered special due to their sudden nature and the circumstances surrounding the cause of death. The grief of siblings, in particular, is often overlooked, which highlights the importance of collecting comprehensive information about their experiences. Aim: The purpose of this systematic review is to describe siblings' experiences of losing a brother or sister to a substance-related death. The aim is to generate knowledge that enhances understanding of this topic and supports the development of appropriate and targeted support services. Methods: Nine articles were selected through the database search, and four additional articles were manually selected. The data from the initial search was analyzed using inductive content analysis. The results of the updated search were analyzed deductively on the basis of the previous results framework. Findings: The systematic review showed that siblings experienced being abandoned and carried the burden of loss. They also felt environmental insecurity and felt they will recover from grief. Support and assistance resources targeted at siblings are lacking. Attitudes and interactions of others have a significant impact on their grief experience.