Finding Strength Together: Family Support Programmes for Addicts and Alcoholics
Addiction doesn’t just impact the person struggling with substance use. The effects ripple through the lives of the people around them—especially their loved ones. The pain of watching a loved one battle drug use can leave you feeling helpless and overwhelmed. Family members often face emotional strain, financial burdens and social isolation.
This is where a family support programme offers a vital lifeline. It provides a space for people affected to find guidance, share experiences and receive the support they need to heal together.
The Importance of Family Support in Addiction Recovery
Support from a family member can offer stability and encouragement to the person struggling with substance use. Addiction can strain trust and communication within families. However, relatives can support recovery by offering understanding, empathy, and boundaries.
Involving family in treatment helps foster accountability, improve communication and rebuild trust. Families play an important role in helping a loved one overcome addiction. They can offer ongoing support, set healthy boundaries, and work together in recovery. This can help their loved one stay sober in the long term and find hope and strength together.
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Types of Support Available for Families Affected
In the United Kingdom, families have access to various support options, including counselling, support groups, and educational resources. These services provide emotional guidance, practical advice, and tools to help families cope with the challenges of a loved one’s addiction.
Help for Addiction
We offer personalised support for family members of addicts. We provide free advice, tailored treatment options and access to experienced counsellors.
- Get a Free Consultation: https://help4addiction.co.uk/start-a-consultation/
- Get Rehab Prices: https://help4addiction.co.uk/get-a-price-for-rehab-in-5-minutes/
- Contact Us: https://help4addiction.co.uk/contact-us/
- Phone Number: 0203 955 7700
NHS
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
- Phone Number: 0800 9177 650
- Email Address: help@aamail.org (email helpline), alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
Alcohol Change UK
Offers support for individuals concerned about their own or someone else’s drinking habits, including resources like a drinking quiz to assess health impacts.
- Website: alcoholchange.org.uk
- Email Address: contact@alcoholchange.org.uk
Addaction
Offers a free and confidential webchat service for individuals seeking addiction support or for their families.
- Website: https://www.addaction.org.uk/
- Webchat: www.addaction.org.uk/webchat
Change Grow Live
The organisation personalises care and emphasises a supportive and welcoming environment. They encourage individuals to bring friends or family for additional support during their visits.
- Website: changegrowlive.org
- Contact page: https://changegrowlive.org/get-in-touch/contact-us
DrugFam
DrugFam offers phone and email support for families, friends and partners.
- Website: https://www.drugfam.co.uk/
- Helpline: 0300 888 3853
- Email: office@drugfam.co.uk
Families Anonymous
Support services, including a telephone helpline, are available for families and friends of drug users across the UK. About 50 groups provide help and support to members through a 12-step program.
- Website: www.famanon.org.uk
- Helpline: 020 7498 4680
Frank
Frank is a helpline offering advice and information for anyone concerned about drug or solvent misuse. Formerly known as the National Drugs Helpline, provides support to individuals struggling with addictive substance use, as well as their families, friends, and carers.
- Website: www.talktofrank.com
- Helpline: 0300 123 6600 (24Hr)
- SMS: 82111
Release
Release is a free, confidential helpline providing legal guidance and assistance for both users and their families.
- Website: www.release.org.uk/
- Helpline: 0207 324 2989
- Email: ask@release.og.uk
Turning Point
This organisation focuses on delivering personalised and operates a range of services across the country.
- Website: https://www.turning-point.co.uk/
We Are With You
Offers free, confidential support to people in England and Scotland who have challenges with drugs, alcohol or mental health.
- Website: https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/
Balancing Empathy and Tough Love in Addiction Recovery
Families often struggle with finding the right approach to a loved one’s recovery. Here are some coping strategies to help navigate this challenging time:
- Open and Supportive Communication
Express your concerns without judgment. You must listen actively to what they have to say. Avoid confrontational language and instead approach conversations with empathy and understanding. - Prioritise Self-Care
Supporting someone with an addiction can be emotionally draining. To remain strong and helpful, you must prioritise your own mental and physical well-being. Engage in activities that bring you peace. Make sure you’re getting proper rest. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. - Set Clear Boundaries
Establishing healthy boundaries is essential in protecting your emotional health. Communicate what behaviours are unacceptable and stick to those limits. - Practice Tough Love
Sometimes the most loving thing you can do is hold your loved one accountable for their actions. It can be difficult. However, refusing to enable harmful behaviours and encouraging responsibility are critical steps toward recovery. - Seek Support for Yourself
Consider joining support groups. Connecting with others who share similar experiences can offer comfort, guidance, and perspective during difficult times.
FAQs about Family Support Programmes
Families can support the rehabilitation process by offering emotional encouragement. They are also encouraged to participate in therapy to foster a positive recovery environment.
You can find family support programmes through local healthcare providers or by calling us at Help for Addiction for referrals to relevant services near you.
Yes, you can still attend. These programmes provide guidance and coping strategies to help families manage their own well-being.
These programmes often include resources and counselling for managing the mental health effects of dealing with a loved one’s addiction. Contact us to learn more.
Many family support programmes in the UK are free or offer low-cost services. Contact us to learn more about how we can connect you with the right group for your needs.
Rebuild and Recover – Join a Support Programme Today!
Rebuild and recover together—don’t wait to take that first step. At Help for Addiction, we understand how challenging it is for families facing addiction. By connecting with the right support programme, both you and your loved one can start the journey toward healing. Reach out to us today for guidance and compassionate assistance. Seeking help is a powerful, positive step for you and your family.
About Author
Nicholas Conn
Nicholas Conn is a leading industry addiction expert who runs the UK’s largest addiction advisory service and is regularly featured in the national press, radio and TV. He is the founder and CEO of a drug and alcohol rehab center called Help4addiction, which was founded in 2015. He has been clean himself since 2009 and has worked in the Addiction and Rehab Industry for over a decade. Nick is dedicated to helping others recover and get treatment for drug and alcohol abuse. In 2013, he released a book ‘The Thin White’ line that is available on Amazon.
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