In Episode 43 of the Bare Knuckle Recovery podcast, hosts Zach Dawson and Ciara Bolling sit down with sisters Kelsie and Sidney Miller to share a raw, emotional look at addiction, grief, and recovery within their family.

Sidney, now over five years sober, serves as the Director of Operations at Fort Wayne Recovery, while Kelsie works as the Admissions Manager for Allendale Treatment and Fort Wayne Recovery. Together, they share what it was like growing up together, navigating party culture, and watching substance use take hold of Sidney and their younger brother, Trevin.

The sisters open up about the early days of hiding active addiction, life-threatening overdoses, and the challenges families face when trying to save someone they love.

Sidney details her journey through treatment, while Kelsie shares the agonizing reality of being the sober older sister hunting down loved ones to ensure they were still alive.

They also discuss Trevin’s inspiring 18-month journey of sobriety through drug court, his devotion as a father to his children, Leo and Lily, and the devastating relapse that led to his fatal fentanyl overdose just months after graduating from the program.

Today, Kelsie and Sidney honor Trevin’s memory by dedicating their careers to helping other individuals and families find a way out of addiction.

In this episode, we discuss:

→ Kelsie and Sidney’s roles working behind the scenes in treatment admissions and aftercare operations.

→ How Sidney slid under the radar as a middle child while family attention remained focused on Trevin.

→ The family intervention that uncovered Sidney’s heroin use and her first rehab stay in California.

→ Surviving an overdose at a South Bend gas station thanks to CPR from strangers.

→ The intertwined cycle of Sidney and Trevin using together, going to treatment together, and fighting for each other’s sobriety.

→ The structure of drug court that gave Trevin 18 months of sobriety, employment, and precious time with his children.

→ Why casual drinking after sobriety is a dangerous slippery slope for addicts.

→ The tragic day Trevin was lost to a fentanyl overdose and the intense shock, anger, and grief that followed.

→ Keeping Trevin’s spirit alive through the humor, personalities, and lives of his children, Leo and Lily.

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, help is available. Reach out to our team here.