DRUGS and alcohol destroys families.
When someone in the family is using drugs and alcohol, everyone suffers. How do you keep loving, caring and supporting someone when all they seem to care about is using?
Yet families continue to support those who are dependent despite all the chaos. Many dependent users have simply stated that without their family support, they would be dead. Such is the strength of their love and support. By hanging in there, families actually save the community untold amounts.
However, in return families are often judged and discounted.
Rather than getting support, families are left to deal with huge amounts of blame, shame and stigma. It is a nightmare that no-one can fully understand. If left to face enormous challenges without support, isolation and helplessness can set in.
Help and support is available from Family Drug Support (FDS). FDS have been providing a range of support services for over 17 years specifically designed for family members of alcohol and drug dependents.
Stepping Stones to Success is FDS’ award winning program. FDS have delivered this course more than 130 times in the last 10 years providing reality-based support to more than 1300 family members.
Theo is the program manager and course leader.
“I have seen the enormous difference from when people enter the course and when they leave,” he said. “They are stronger, better supported and have taken on skills to better manage their relationship with the user. This will in turn help the user towards better outcomes.”
Jane is a past Stepping Stones participant and the mother of a drug-dependent son.
“Stepping Stones helped me accept that staying connected does not mean I have to remain helpless and lose myself,” she said. “Like many others, I thought I was all alone. Having a safe and non-judgmental space to be with others and share in the collective wisdom and experience was a powerful and life changing experience.”
The course aims to increase people’s confidence and competence in managing drug issues. It provides a reality based approach that includes self-care and valuing self. For many previous course participants, the experience has been profound.
John is a father who completed the course.
“I feel my whole attitude towards the drug user has changed. I can understand and communicate on a deeper level and by doing so, we have started to reconnect and work together on tough issues like trust,” he said.
Course leader Theo said there were no guarantees but participants would be glad they had come along.
“Becoming more resilient and having skills to cope better will allow you to survive the journey intact,” he said. “You will be in a safe and non-judgmental space along with others facing similar challenges.”
The course will run in Port Macquarie over two weekends 26-27 July and in late August (two consecutive weekends) from 9.30am to 4pm. Spaces are limited and bookings are essential. Please contact Pam to book on 0438 994 269. The cost is $60 with fee assistance available.
For 24 hours a day help and support, call toll free 1300 368 186
