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CityWide Family Support Network Resource Pack

Annual Work Conference 2009 Booking Form

What does a Family Support Group do?
A Family Support Group is a safe, confidential, non-judgemental place for family members to discuss issues emerging from the problem of drug use within the family. From the shared experiences of the group, members may find the solution to their particular problem. More importantly the support group is more than just having a group of friends. It is about respecting each other’s right to speak and to let go of the worries and stresses they have as a result of drug use in the family.

Why join a Family Support Group?
It is a place where families can come to speak about their disappointment, anger, manipulation, hurt, fear and many other emotions that are experienced when a family member is using drugs. It is a place where those affected by drug use in the family can become empowered and gain strength to deal with negative emotions and further develop positive emotions.

Coming to a family support group for help is not an admission of failure but a way of finding strength. Most families dealing with drug use are looking for answers. ‘How can I help my child?’ In many cases family members don’t realize they need help for themselves. They have been affected more than they could have believed.

“I found out about the local Family Support Group and went along. I felt I couldn’t cope any more on my own. I was amazed to learn that there were other families in the community experiencing just what we were. We were able to share our experiences. Doing that, you begin to let go of it. And the best bit about it...because you’re sharing common experiences...because you know that these people understand what you are going through...you can begin to laugh...you begin to see a funny side. When you sit back and share the images, you have to laugh. Here we are worried sick, running around trying to find cures, excusing their robbing, blaming ourselves, living in constant tension, creeping around them, nursing grief and all the while, they’re having a great time, getting high!”

Personal story taken from the Family Support Network Resource Pack