All Services Are Accessible Through The

All services are accessible through the

HELPLINE 01224 594700

Monday - Friday > 11am – 1.30pm, 2pm - 5pm, 5.30pm – 7.00pm

Saturday & Sunday > 2.00pm – 5.00pm

Helpline mobile - 07927 192 706

Helpline email -
Helpline Services:

·  Access to an experienced worker

·  Advice / information on drugs and related issues

·  Information on and access to 1:1 appointments, Family & Friends Support Group and other Drugs Action services

Family & Friends Support Group:

The Family & Friends Support Group provides confidential support and advice for families and friends of drug users in a safe and welcoming environment. Two drug workers attend the group to facilitate and provide accurate information & advice.

Prior to attending Group meetings, new members are seen on an individual basis by a drugs worker to ensure that the Group is appropriate for them

Meeting Times: 7:00pm - 9:00pm every alternate Wednesday

Counselling Service:

1:1 support is available for families and friends of those who use drugs.

Other Drugs Action services for Families:

·  Families First - for families affected parental drug use

·  Pregnancy & Post-Natal services - for women who are using drugs and expecting a baby, and their families.

·  Other Useful Contact Numbers:

· 

·  1. ADFAM - www.adfam.org.uk - 020 7928 8898

·  2. SFAD - 08080 10 10 11

·  3. Scottish Prisoners Family Helpline -

·  (Freephone) 0500 839383

Coping Ideas for Families & Friends of Drug Users

Parents, friends and relatives of drug users who attend Drugs Action’s Family & Friends Support Group put this list together. It is not intended to cover all situations, but all of this advice has been useful to the group members at various times whilst coping with the drug user:

Try to:

·  keep calm

·  find out facts about drugs

·  listen to the drug user - try not to judge

·  use telephone helplines e.g. Drugs Action

·  speak to the drug user about drugs

·  talk about health

·  be supportive to the drug user

·  encourage and support the drug user to have a daily routine

·  set realistic ground rules e.g. limits on your use of phone, who visits your home, drug use at home

·  try to keep the family unit together

·  try to get on with your life

·  look after yourself

·  ask for help

·  choose a friend or two (usually no more) for regular support

·  get regular support from a drugs worker or Family & Friends Support Group

·  be positive

Try not to:

·  panic

·  over-react

·  shout

·  fight

·  criticise or be suspicious

·  use terms like ‘junkie’ or ‘druggie’

·  always label the person as a drug user

·  mention drugs all the time

·  break ground rules

·  do everything for the person using drugs

·  let it take over your life

·  blame yourself or feel guilty

·  be ashamed and keep it a secret