When a family member is experiencing a drug abuse problem it can affect not only the one person but an entire social network around them. Substance abuse can stem from a number of traumatic experiences in life and long term drug abuse can be detrimental to a person’s health and can impact negatively on a successful rehabilitation.
Drug abuse can also lead to problems within our community and cause concern for the safety of other people going about their day. This includes unsociable behaviour, driving under the influence of drugs, violence, child abuse and sexual assault. It also contributes to increased homelessness, crime, unemployment and above all, family separation.
Some of the abused drugs include:
- Steroids
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Marijuana
- Party drugs
- Crystal Methamphetamine
- Prescription drugs
- Inhalants
What kind of help is available?
Intake – provides treatment services depending on where you reside and make use of local knowledge to provide a path towards recovery.
Counselling – offer one on one with or without family involvement and group counselling programs and can come in the form of face to face, online and over the phone support services.
Withdrawal – support individuals to safely withdraw from drug use with the aid of hospital services and doctors, or under supervision in a residential environment.
Rehabilitation – comes in the form of both residential and non-residential rehabilitation and provides an intensive program over a few weeks. Focuses on a range of treatment methods that can include counselling, health and life skills program and working on the underlying issues leading to drug dependence.
Where to find help?
Family Drug Helpline
A helpline open for anyone that needs to speak to someone who understands how it feels when a family member has a drug abuse issue. Available 24 hours 7 days a week on Phone 1300 660 068.
Family Drug Education Programs
Turning Point provides a drug education program: BreakThrough – Ice education for families help to understand the symptoms when a family member has a problem with ice and develop strategies to help the affected person. Sessions are free of charge and runs over 4 hours.
Family Drug Support Services
Family Focus Program offers professional counselling and family therapy to friends, carers, parents and family members. Is funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and services are provided at no cost to family members. Contact 1800 778 278.