Introduction

Family members impacted by alcohol and other drug problems have been long-cursed by social stigma, public neglect, and professional misunderstanding. Parents, spouses and children of the addicted have hidden their most life-shaping experiences behind a veil of silence and secrecy. The personal stories that they eventually shared with professionals were all too often interpreted in terms of personal psychopathology, rather than normal adaptations to a disorder both baffling and devastating.

Throughout the history of addiction, family members have been castigated more as causative agents and sources of recovery sabotage than as recovery resources or individuals deserving services in their own right.

Given this history, it is not surprising that family members have most often found healing and purpose when they banded together for their own mutual support and political advocacy.

(William L White).

The involvment of Family and carers in the treatment of a significant other is encouraged and we will be advocating that it happens.

Support

SMART Recovery UK has set up an online message board for those who are affected by anothers addiction. It can be found at www.smartrecovery.co.uk/forum where you will need to register but dont require to give your name if you dont wish to.

You can also phone our office number if you would like to speak to someone confidentially. We can call you back or arrange a time when a family member will answer your call. We are also about to set up a national text message support service and out of hours mobile phone support.

We welcome your involvement and help

As this grass roots movement for better understanding and support for Families and Carers grows we will need your help. If you are interested in helping it to grow and reach out to the thousands of families affected and influence future policy get in touch with our offce, 0845 603 9830.