Family Addiction Support | Help for Families

About The Family Addiction Support Network (FASN)

The Family Addiction Support Network (FASN) offers support services to families affected by substance misuse across the North East of Ireland.

Who We Are:

FASN is a peer-led support network made up of individuals who are not only ‘experts by experience’ but are also professionally educated and trained. We help family members understand that although you cannot control your loved one’s behaviour, you did not cause it—and you cannot cure it. However, you can learn how to cope with the impact of addiction, set healthy boundaries, and take care of your own well-being. Through our services, you can gain a deeper understanding of addiction and its effects, empowering you to make informed decisions and find hope in difficult circumstances.

Our services include weekly peer-led support groups, one-on-one sessions, counselling, educational programs, a 24/7 helpline, and a confidential drug-related intimidation reporting service.

Our Vision:

To empower and support families impacted by addiction, fostering hope, resilience, and recovery in a compassionate and understanding community.

Our Mission:

To provide vital support, education, and advocacy for families affected by addiction, helping them navigate the challenges and build healthier, stronger futures.

FASN – Our Core Values

Collaboration: We believe that positive change is possible by listening to and working with families, communities, and partner organisations. Together, we can achieve our goal of supporting families affected by addiction.

Excellence & Evidence: Our work is driven by evidence, lived experience, and the needs of the families we support. We strive for excellence in everything we do, sharing our knowledge and expertise while empowering others to create lasting positive change.

Respect & Empathy: We respect and value the unique experiences, perspectives, and strengths that each individual brings. The needs of families and communities are always at the heart of our work, and we approach every situation with empathy and understanding.

Independence & Sustainability: Our commitment to independence and sustainability drives our work. We are dedicated to doing what is right, free from external pressure, and ensuring that our support for families remains strong, effective, and long-lasting.

Accountability: We are committed to transparency, integrity, and good governance. We hold ourselves accountable to the families we support, our volunteers, our partners, and all those who trust and work with us.

Principles of FASN’s Work:

We believe that supporting family members and loved ones affected by addiction strengthens and empowers our communities.
We believe that raising awareness of addiction and its impact on loved ones and family members is a shared responsibility.
We are committed to supporting public health policies and actions that reduce addiction-related harm to family members and loved ones at both local and national levels.
We work with like-minded partners across the island to reduce addiction-related harm to family members and loved ones.
We do not accept funding from industries that conflict with our mission, including the alcohol and drug industries.