The Sibling Project: Episode 2 - Ginny Atwood

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. 

In this second episode of The Sibling Project, I'm chatting with Ginny Atwood. Ginny lost her younger brother Chris in 2013 to an accidental and tragic overdose. After her brother passed away, Ginny and her grieving family started the Chris Atwood Foundation. A foundation that Ginny hopes will help stomp out stigmas and bring some much needed awareness to the dangers of addiction.