When addiction lives in your home, everyone feels it. In this candid conversation, host Val O’Brien sits down with longtime friend Sean to unpack what it was like growing up with a sibling battling addiction—and how God met him in the middle of fear, resentment, and uncertainty.

They talk practical steps for students living with an addicted parent/sibling, why secrecy keeps families stuck, and the slow, real hope of recovery.

What you’ll hear:

- How to talk about what’s happening at home (and who to tell)

- Healthy boundaries vs. “help” that unintentionally harms

- Dealing with anger, resentment, and the “hero/fixer” identity

- Prayer when you can’t control the outcome

- A rare story of long-term sobriety—and what changed

- Encouragement for students who feel unseen

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro

01:21 – Meet Sean

03:10 – Growing Up at Home

05:35 – When Addiction Began

08:49 – Family Impact

11:06 – Resentment & Pressure

13:35 – Wrestling with Faith

17:12 – Why Secrets Hurt

19:24 – Her Turning Point

21:50 – What God Taught Me

26:32 – Advice for Students

30:41 – If You Feel Powerless

34:37 – Closing Prayer

Resources & Links:

Learn more about Aspen Ministry: https://aspenministry.org/

Learn more about the 10,000 Questions project: ask10KQ.org

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