FAMILY ADDICTION SUPPORT NETWORK
HELPING FAMILIES HELP THEMSELVES
CELEBRATING 22 YEARS OF SERVICE
24 Hour Helpline (042) 935 5251 / (087) 904 6405
are you affected by the impact of somEONE ELSE’S ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOUR?
The stress, anxiety and worry of having a loved one who has an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, drugs or any addictive behavior can have physical, emotional, social and spiritual consequences.
Family members who are affected by the impact of someone else’s addictive behavior often feel confused, frustrated, isolated, hopeless, angry and completely exhausted.
The Family Addiction Support Network can help you reduce these feelings. We promote resilience and recovery by helping you identify how addictive behaviors affect your family and most importantly, help you to find ways to cope and take care of yourself.
We are ‘experts by experience’ but are also professionally educated and trained and we can help you, as family members identify that though you can not control your loved ones behavior, you didn’t cause it & that you can not cure it.
However we can help you learn to cope and in coping – you can & will learn to take back control of your own life.
Call us today to get access to help, understanding and access to our services.
MAKE A DONATION TO THE FAMILY ADDICTION SUPPORT NETWORK
WHAT SERVICES FASN PROVIDES TO FAMILY MEMBERS
Weekly Support Groups Details – Reach Out Today for Support
Meath Family Support Group
Based in Navan
Wednesday Evening, 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Facilitator: James & Barbara, Contact – 042 93 55251 / 087 9046405
Drogheda Louth Family Support Group
Thursday Evening, 7.00pm – 9.00pm
Facilitator: Mary, Contact no: 042 93 55251 / 087 9046405
Dundalk Louth Family Support Group
Thursday Evening, 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Facilitator: Fiona, Contact no: 042 93 55251 / 087 9046405
Cavan Family Support Group
Based in Cavan Town
Monday Evening (except bank holidays), 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Facilitator: Gearaidh & Gwen, Contact no: 042 93 55251 / 087 9046405
Monaghan Support Group
Based in Castleblaney
Tuesday Evening , 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Facilitator: Gerry, Contact no: 042 93 55251 / 087 9046405
WHAT FAMILY MEMBERS SAY ABOUT FASN
I recently linked in with FASN and attended the 5 Step Programme. I found the programme to be educational and the facilitator to be very friendly, compassionate and understanding of my emotional, physical and material needs. I would highly recommend this programme. The new social norm is support groups. We learn that we do not have to struggle alone and try to figure it out ourselves. We can reach out and work together to find more positive solutions. It is up to us as individuals. We can leave the pain of the past behind and heal. I feel I would love to go on and volunteer in FASN as I feel I have a world of knowledge, a lot to contribute and would love to work to support others.
Family Support became my lifeline. Each week I couldn’t wait to get to my group. It became like my family. I was accepted, never criticized or judged for the way in which I handled situations. Thank you, Thank you Family Support.
I learned to look after myself and got new coping skills. It has brought me great peace, tolerance and freedom to let my family member take the consequences for the choices THEY make. Heartfelt thanks Family Support!
The people at FASN understood everything my family and I was going through simply because they had been there too. They gave me a glimmer of hope and so and I was so glad when I attended my first family support meeting.
What is Addiction?
- Addiction is a complex disease, often chronic in nature, which affects the functioning of the brain and body.
- It also causes serious damage to families, relationships, schools, workplaces and neighbourhoods.
- The most common symptoms of addiction are severe loss of control, continued use despite serious consequences, preoccupation with using, failed attempts to quit, tolerance and withdrawal.
- Addiction can be effectively prevented, treated and managed by healthcare professionals in combination with family or peer support.
Drug Stigma & Shame
- A person with an addiction will find it very difficult “just stop” without support. A drug, gambling or alcohol problem isn’t something to be ashamed of – it’s something to get help for.
- Stigma looms over parents or family members who have a loved one struggling with a substance use disorder. Insensitive and dehumanising words like “junkie” or “druggie” can, and do sting. Far too often, society has a knee-jerk reaction to those struggling with an addiction disorder.
- What must be understood is that a drug or alcohol addiction is not a moral failing. It’s a condition that requires professional treatment.
- Stigma causes guilt and shame and is the major component that prevents those experiencing addiction — and their loved ones — from seeking professional help.