Press Release: Support the Family – Improve the Outcome!
Click to listen to the interview with Minister Catherine Byrne which was broadcast by Dundalk FM
FASN Press Release: Report Launch: How Families Are Affected By Substance Misuse
The Family Addiction Support Network is delighted to launch the report on its recently commissioned research “Findings from a study on how families are affected by substance misuse in the North East Region of Ireland “ on the 14th May 2019 at 9.30am at the Carnbeg Hotel, Armagh Road, Dundalk.
The report will be launched by Catherine Byrne TD, Minister of State at the Department of Health with responsibility for Health Promotion and the National Drugs Strategy. The launch will also be attended by local representatives and other service providers from the statutory, community and voluntary sector and many of the families severely impacted by the addiction of a loved one.
A key backdrop to the study is the
National Drug Strategy – Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery
which for the first-time included families as service users in their own right.
The interface between changes in social policy and families has a long and chequered history in Ireland. This study is the first to look at the inter-face within the context of adult family members affected by substance mis-use in the North East Region of Ireland.
It is also driven by the narrative of families, valued as “experts by experience” and gives a voice to the chaos, trauma and distress visited on families impacted by addiction of a family member.
Going forward the key findings of this study will hopefully help formulate changes in service provision and practice that will improve the opportunities for families to engage meaningfully with their own recovery and wellbeing.
If anyone would like to contact the Family Addiction Support Network, details below:
Phone Numbers: 0429355251/0879046405
Email Address: info.fasn@gmail.com
The Family Addiction Support Network would like to thank all those who took part in their recent research project around the needs of families living with addiction in the North East and would like to invite you to the launch of the report.
This is a very important piece of research as it will improve awareness and understanding of how substance misuse affects family members, help guide the provision of services within the FASN organisation and help influence policies at local, regional and national levels on family support issues.
Most importantly it gives families a “voice” – without your input it would never have happened.
Our Mission:
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.
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:
- 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.
WHAT IS FAMILY SUPPORT?
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.
What does a Family Support Group do?
A Family Support Group is a safe, confidential, non-judgemental place for family members to discuss issues emerging from the problem of drug or alcohol use within the family. From the shared experiences of the group, members may find useful strategies for coping with their particular problem. More importantly the support group is more than just having a group of friends. It is about respecting each other’s right to speak and to let go of the worries and stresses they have as a result of drug or alcohol use in the family.
OUR FAMILY SUPPORT GROUPS FOR ALL THOSE LIVING WITH SUBSTANCE MISUSE
We offer an open, friendly, accessible and non-judgmental family support service so that no family has to live with the isolation that drug use can bring. Come along to one of our weekly meetings that take place in Dundalk, Cavan, Drogheda or Navan. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you feel, for the moment, you need 1 to 1 support. We are are here to help & support you.
Call: 042 93 55251 / 087 9046405 /
Emall: info.fasn@gmail.com
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
 
26 Bridge Street,
Cavan
Co. Cavan
Monaghan Support Group
Tuesday Evenings , 7.30pm – 9.30pm
 
Iontas Centre,
Castleblaney,
Co. Monaghan
Upcoming Events
26th February 2019
International Family Drug Support Day
14th February 2019
FASN Quiz Night
19th December 2018
FASN Volunteer Group Facilitator Opportunity
10th December 2018
FASN Pop Up Shop
Location: Longwalk Shopping Center, Dundalk
16th November 2018
Annual Commemoration Service 2018
Location: Lios Dubh, Armagh Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth
Wednesday, 22nd August 2018
Fun Raising Fund Raising Auction
Location: Lios Dubh Centre, Armagh Road, Dundalk, A91 T668
Latest from the Blog
Read various helpful articles addiction support resources across the world:
SEVEN STAGES
Stages of addiction Stage One: Unknowing This describes when families are unable to recognize the existence of a drug problem in their homes, either ignoring early telltale signs or attributing them to signs of adolescence. Often by the time this stage is over the...
PROCESS OF ADDICTION
The process of addiction and the wheel of change It may be useful to examine the process of addiction and the stages that a person goes through when trying to make changes in their lives. When a person is using drugs they go through a number of stages. These stages...
5-STEP METHOD
What is the 5-Step Method? Key aspects and principles of the 5-Step Method This intervention is focused on affected and concerned family members - In contrast to other models used with family members in the addiction field, the 5-Step Method is clearly focused on the...
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