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This Week - Y : You Need Help
(Advice for families of people who use drugs)

Lots of families in the UK have a loved one who is using or trying to come off drugs.

If you're the parent, partner, child or carer of someone who uses drugs, you may feel worried, frustrated and alone.

It's important to recognise this and get the help and support you need.

Families often play an important role in helping someone come off drugs. Getting help for yourself will put you in a better position for supporting your loved one.

Support for the family and friends of people who use drugs

It can be helpful to talk to other people who know what you're going through.

Your GP can give you details of local support groups for people affected by someone else's drug use.

There are also organisations that run helplines and local support groups for people living with a person who uses drugs.

FRANK

FRANK is a support service that provides information about drugs, plus advice for people who use drugs, and their parents or carers.

Find support near you on the FRANK website

Call the Frank helpline: 0300 123 6600

Adfam

The Adfam website offers families help with finding support

Find an Adfam support group near you

Addiction Family Support

Addiction Family Support offers phone and email support to people affected by other people's drug or alcohol misuse.

Contact Addiction Family Support or call the helpline: 0300 888 3853

Families Anonymous

Families Anonymous is based on the same principles as Alcoholics Anonymous. It runs support meetings for the family and friends of people with a drug problem.

Email: office@famanon.org.uk or call the helpline: 020 7498 4680

SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery is a charity that runs programmes for recovery from addiction.

Its SMART Family and Friends Programme includes online or face-to-face meetings and online training for the family and friends of people with a drug addiction.

Release

Release offers free, confidential advice on drugs law for people who use drugs, and their families.

Email: ask@release.org.uk or call the helpline: 020 7324 2989

Where to get help for drug addiction

If you want to stop taking drugs, your GP can tell you about the treatment options and services available. They can also refer you for treatment.

Find your nearest drug addiction support services

Read more about getting help with drug addiction.

If you want to find out more about this week's subject you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.