FASN 5K & FAMILY FUN RUN, DUNDALK, 1.1.2023, 12pm – 1pm
The FASN 5K & Family Fun Run will take place this New Year’s Day, 1.1.2023 at 12 pm. This fundraiser is organised the Family Addiction Support Network (FASN) with an Garda Siochana, Louth Division.
We are delighted to announce that our main sponsor this year will be yet again Dundalk Credit Union.
We are currently seeking more sponsorship from businesses and organisations based in the North East. Please contact us on 0873178581 or cindy.fasn@gmail.com
Further details on the race and how to register will be made be made available soon. Please keep an eye on our social media pages – https://www.facebook.com/fasnsupport
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.
WHAT SERVICES FASN PROVIDES TO FAMILY MEMBERS
FASN News & Events
Press Release: Communities Doing It for Themselves!
There was great excitement at the Family Addiction Support [...]
FASN International Family Drug Support Day: Stop the Stigma – 24th February 2021
Support the Family–Change the Outcome The aim of the [...]
Louth PPN Promotional Video featuring Gwen McKenna
ASN Feb 6, 2021 Click to 9 minutes.19 seconds [...]
Frank Feighan TD launches FASN Support Group Facilitator Guide
Minister for the National Drugs Strategy, Frank Feighan TD [...]
A Big Thank You to Communities Doing it for Themselves!
This is the story of families in Ireland in [...]
Coronavirus COVID-19: FASN Office Closure
Covid 19 is a contagious virus that can have [...]
Weekly Support Groups Details – Reach Out Today for Support
Navan Support Group
Wednesday Evening, 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Facilitator: James Floyd, Contact – 042 93 55251 / 087 9046405
Drogheda Support Group
Thursday Evening, 7.00pm – 9.00pm
Facilitator: Brenda Kirwan, Contact no: 042 93 55251 / 087 9046405
Dundalk Support Group
Thursday Evening, 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Facilitator: Fiona Sheelan, Contact no: 042 93 55251 / 087 9046405
Cavan Support Group Online
Monday Evening (except bank holidays), 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Facilitator: Gearaidh Matthews, Contact no: 042 93 55251 / 087 9046405
Monaghan Support Group Online
Tuesday Evenings , 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Facilitator: Barbara, Contact no: 042 93 55251 / 087 9046405
Crossing the Threshold – A facilitator’s guide to running developmental and support groups
The book is the result of a long standing collaboration between the Family Addiction Support Network and Ger Fitzpatrick of Fusion Training and Development. Click to view more
FASN calls for more Government support and funding for vital Addiction Support Services
January 2020: Jackie McKenna, Project Coordinator FASN representing families and loved ones of people experiencing addiction issues and addressing Government at the “STAND TOGETHER”community rally in Drogheda Co. Louth to call for vital support and funding for addiction support services nationwide.
WHAT FAMILY MEMBERS SAY ABOUT FASN
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
- 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 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 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.
