First Ireland based International Family Drug Support Day – A great success!

The Family Addiction Support Network organised an information/awareness event at their premises Lois Dubh, Dundalk, last Tuesday 26th February 2019. This comes on the back of the new National Drugs’ Strategy ‘Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery; a health led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025’ and to the mark the International Family Drug Support Day 24th February 2019.

The event was well attended by local services providers both from the Statutory and Community and Voluntary Sector.

In her opening address the Chairperson of the Family Addiction Support Network Jackie Mc Kenna spoke of the event having been organised to firstly support the International Family Support Day which was an initiative to create global awareness around Family Support.

Whether it’s Dundalk, Dublin, Newry, or in Holland, Hong Kong or New York, the effect of substance misuse on the Family is the same worldwide. She also spoke of the importance of introducing those attending the seminar to the work of the Family Addiction Support Network helping them to understand the necessity of families being supported and included in the treatment & rehabilitation of their loved one.

Jackie went on to state that it was important to create public awareness of the impact of drug-related violence/intimidation has on the local communities in which drug dealers live and operate and the huge pressure it puts on families, and last but not least, collectively, we need to break down the stigma and isolation experienced by drug users and their families within our communities which often creates barriers to them accessing support.

Jackie spoke of the need to create an environment that offered compassion and support instead of judgement and exclusion.

One of the key speakers Gwen McKenna, the original founder member of the Family Addiction Support Network and co-ordinator of service provision, outlined the work she undertakes on behalf of the Network including training and internal support and supervision to all Peer Led Family Support Facilitators and leads out on the delivery of the 5 Step Method within FASN and the development of new Peer Family Support Groups.

Gwen also works on a one to one basis with family members and spoke passionately of the distress they suffer and the barriers they encounter to access support for themselves and their family member.

Gwen emphasized the need for the voices of the family members to be heard and that they are involved in the development and delivery of service provision.

Another guest Speaker Anna Quigley, Citywide, spoke of how the families will be included in the New Drug Strategy through the inclusion of the National Family Support Network as members of the National Structure tasked to develop the new national Drugs Strategy.

She also delivered a presentation on the National Stop the Stigma Campaign to highlight the need for Addiction to be understood and seen as a health issue not a crime.

The final presentation of the morning was delivered by Ger Doherty, National Family Support Network, supported by Garda Inspector Ronan Carey on the Drug-related Intimidation Reporting Programme.

This was a highly informative and thought provoking presentation. Before closing a lively discussion on the mornings presentations took place with a resounding acknowledgement that greater networking occasions like this are essential.

Family Addiction Support Network Ph: 042 9355251 Email: info.fasn@gmail.com www.fasn.ie

To assist families in the North East of Ireland to achieve a greater understanding of addiction, empower them to improve their quality of life and fulfil a positive role in the recovery of their loved one, should they choose to take it.

• 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.

• The truth is, addiction is a disease. A person with an addiction can’t “just stop” taking drugs. A drug or alcohol problem isn’t something to be ashamed about—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 disease 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.

Family Support can be offered on a one-to-one basis or in a group setting. The model of family support that the Network advocates is peer family support. This is where a number of people with a common problem in our case living with drug use, come together to share their experiences.

Navan Support Group

Wednesday Evening, 7.00pm – 9.00pm

Unit 2, First Floor,
Kennedy Road,
Navan,
Co. Meath

Drogheda Support Group

Thursday Evening, 7.30pm – 9.30pm

The Stables,
Batchelors’ Lane
Drogheda
Co. Louth

Dundalk Support Group

Thursday Evening, 7.30pm – 9.30pm

The Hub, Lios Dubh
Armagh Rd
Dundalk
Co.Louth

Cavan Support Group

Monday Evening (except bank holidays), 7.30pm – 9.30pm

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26 Bridge Street,
Cavan
Co. Cavan

Monaghan Support Group

Tuesday Evenings , 7.30pm – 9.30pm

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Iontas Centre,
Castleblaney,
Co. Monaghan