Having someone you care about who uses substances can create many problems for families and carers. The stigma and shame associated with substance use often means families and carers suffer in silence creating severe isolation, which can then result in depression and associated health problems for the people affected by the other person’s substance use. To find out that someone you care about is u
sing substances can leave you floundering in a tidal wave of emotions, such as denial, anger, shame, frustration, fear and sheer bewilderment. An addict’s illness and pain spreads out to encompass parents, partners, children, siblings and friends. At Spoda we can offer you empathy and understanding; we are non-judgemental and can offer you a safe and confidential environment to discuss your situation. We can support you in your own right or offer support to assist you to help the person you care about who uses substances. TELEPHONE SUPPORT LINE: 0845 600 3320
Support for family members and carers of substance users has a positive impact on:
- The engagement of users in treatment services.
- The retention of users in treatment.
- The outcomes from treatment and sustainability of treatment. Spoda ia a client-centred agency and it aims to support people in various ways that is suited to their needs, as best as possible. Support can be received by means of:
- Telephone support.
- 1:1 meetings either at your home, Spoda’s premises or in a booked room within a GP’s surgery – wherever you feel is safest and most comfortable.
- Group meetings – where other family members and carers meet to talk openly (if they wish) about various issues. Advocacy.
- Educational Sessions - e.g. How Can Spoda Support You? Removing the Isolation - A listening ear:
Many people who suffer as a result of someone else’s substance use, often do so in silence – after all, it is not usually something that is discussed with others as we know there is a real stigma around illicit substance use – this can include prescribed medication. Furthermore, the thought of calling a helpline and off-loading your story to a stranger can be quite daunting – we at Spoda know this all too well. We will listen to your concerns in a non-judgemental way which will hopefully make you feel that you have been fully heard and acknowledged. This will go some way towards removing the isolation you might feel in your current situation. Reducing Fears - Dispelling the facts from the myths:
Most of our fears are usually born from lack of knowledge about substances and all that is associated with it. Television, films the media and what we may be told by others, including the substance user, may actually be quite unhelpful in raising fears and anxieties. Receiving up-to-date, accurate information and being able to talk freely without the added worry of feeling ‘stupid’ is a great way in making us feeling less helpless about our situation. Your fears can now be addressed and mainly overcome through gaining further insight into the substance users’ world. Regaining Control - Making sense of your situation:
Challenging the substance user about her/his drugs use can be a challenge in itself, after all we may think “They are using – so they must be the expert – so what they say must be true” which can leave you feeling powerless in dealing with things. However, understanding the 6 stages within the Cycle of Change (a useful theory about addiction) can help us to make sense of where the user is in relation to wanting to change. Knowing at what point the user is can help you to identify what you can do to motivate the user to change their behaviour – however small to begin with. Spoda have been providing services to families and carers who live within the county of Derbyshire since 1998. We have been and remain one of the pioneers in developing services to address the wide range of issues facing families and carers affected by another person’s substance use. Facebook will NOT be used for client contact/support/advice. If you require support please use the support line mentioned above.
