Support for Family & Friends

We help friends and family members who are supporting a loved one through their substance use

“I have a social worker for my children because of my alcohol use. They are on a Child Protection Plan. The family worker comes to all the meetings with me and takes lots of notes and asks questions which really helps. The Family worker then talks to me after the meeting to make sure I’m Ok and I understand what’s been said and what they want me to do. We then work out a plan together so I can do the things I need to. I’m glad I have someone at the meetings with me because it’s intimidating with all the people there and it can be really scary.” 

Anon

Working with the Dorset Family Team

We know how hard it is to watch your loved one make poor decisions and not feel able to influence them for the better. It’s a frightening place and our family workers can explain what’s happening, help you have the right conversations and give you the tools that you will need to come out the other side together. 

The Specialist Family Worker Teams

We have teams in both Devon and Dorset who are here to help you.

It can be worrying when a friend or family member is misusing drugs or alcohol. Often it creates lots of problems not just for the person using the substances but for those around them as well.

As a friend or family member there is often a lot of stigma, shame and isolation that comes with having someone we care about misuse substances. When you find out that someone you care about is using drugs and alcohol it can often bring up lots of emotions such as anger, fear and confusion.

To get support for yourself as a friend or family member please call 0800 233 5444 (if you live in Devon) or 0800 043 4656 (if you live in Dorset)  and you will be put in touch with one of our family leads who will talk with you and offer you a range of support through a difficult time.

Useful reading

People can feel frightened to make their first approach to a service like ours, but we’ll put you at your ease and treat you with respect and dignity. Here are a few resources that many people have found useful as they prepare to meet our family team. 

Organisations which can help with supporting a loved one or relative:

DrugFam (9am to 9pm phone line):

https://www.drugfam.co.uk

Families Anonymous:
https://famanon.org.uk

Turning Point UK:
 https://www.turning-point.co.uk/find-a-service.html#

FRANK:
 https://www.talktofrank.com

ADFAM:
https://adfam.org.uk/help-for-families

RELEASE:
https://www.release.org.uk/helpline