Supporting families affected by substance misuse

Nick Booth, Bristol Families & Carers Service Team Leader at our partner agency Developing Health and Independence (DHI), explains why it is so important to support families affected by substance misuse.

A Native American saying states that if we are to heal a sick tree, we should tend not only to the tree but also to the soil in which it is planted. For me, this is the perfect metaphor to explain the importance of supporting family members of loved ones with addiction problems; if we are to heal the individual we must recognise that the family may need healing too. Seeing a loved one struggling with addiction can cause huge pain and suffering, and families must be supported through this. There is also overwhelming evidence indicating that if a family is receiving support, their loved one is significantly more likely to be successful in treatment. Therefore, in tending to the soil we are improving the likelihood of the tree’s survival.

Both DHI and Golden key seek to create communities which are supportive and nurturing, to educate communities to better respond to drug use and to overcome barriers that prevent individuals and families from seeking out treatment and support. Peers from both organisations regularly go out into the community, informing people of the reality of addiction. To meet people with personal experience of addiction can be an enormously powerful experience.  It offers hope and reassures people who are also struggling that recovery is possible, but it also forces people with set ideas about drug users to reconsider their false judgements. We are humanising the face of addiction and, in doing so, enabling individuals and families to speak more openly about their experiences.

These misconceptions can make dealing with the addiction of a loved one a lonely and isolating experience. The stigma surrounding substance misuse means that many in desperate need are ashamed to reach out for help, or feel so alone in their struggles that they are not aware that help is available. For this reason, every year DHI holds our Reach Out Family Festival, a half day event for people affected by a loved one’s substance misuse. The festival involves talks and a short film from family members, professionals and policy makers; fun activities and the opportunity to learn about and have your say on the support available. More than this, it is an important opportunity for family members to come together, share their experiences, throw off the stigma and raise awareness of this overlooked issue. It’s estimated that over 1.5 million people have a close relative dealing with substance addiction in the UK; we need to make those voices heard!

This year’s conference will take place on 9th June 2016, 1-4.30pm at Somerdale Pavilion, Cross St, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 2FW. Free lunch and refreshments will be provided. If you would like to come along please RSVP to events@dhibath.org.uk