Drugs
Help for Families of Drug Abusers
The Home Office has launched a new support campaign aimed at families who are victims of siblings who use drugs.
The 2-year anti-stigma campaign aims to take away the shame faced by relatives of drug abusers and encourage them to seek assistance. Adfam will receive over £200,000 in Government grants to fund the campaign, working with partner charities to examine the support work effectiveness for people closest to drug users.
Many people's perception of drug users focus upon the damage done to themselves and society. Yet overlooked is the is the damage done to closest relatives.
Families are often the first port of call when money runs out to pay for a drug habit. Things go missing at home, usually in form the of:
cash
valuables
possessions.
Repercussions then arise involving the police, or worse, the local drug pushers - repercussions that can tear families apart. A support base for help is needed.
Adfam is to provide that help, tackling drug abuse damage toward:
individuals
families
communities.
The Government is providing its full assistance, investing record amounts in tackling drugs, with £1.2 billion spent this year alone.
The Government is supporting Adfam's vital work to break down this family stigma, as well as using other initiatives to strengthen the cause. The innovative new drugs campaign, FRANK, a £3 million campaign, is the first to target parents and carers as well as young people with advice and support. To talk to FRANK call: 0800 776600
Last update: Monday, July 21, 2008