This toolkit has been produced by Adfam and family members affected by the co-occurring conditions of substance use disorders and mental ill-health. It is designed for practitioners who support those caring for a loved one who is having difficulties with their mental health and substance use.
Domestic abuse predominantly affects women, and 35 years of experience supporting families affected by substance use has taught Adfam that women are disproportionately affected by the problematic drug or alcohol use of a loved one. The relationship between domestic abuse and substance use is non-causational, but the impacts of the two are interrelated.
This report shares the findings from Adfam's State of the Sector Family Support Survey which in 2019 asked 117 practitioners and managers working in family support services in England about current trends, developments, strengths and challenges in the sector. It explores a range of themes including commissioning, funding, family needs, partnership working, and service delivery.
Adfam, in collaboration with the University of York, and funded by the Forces in Mind Trust, has published a research report outlining the experiences and needs of families of veterans with substance use problems (FVSUs), along with a new model of support specifically for FVSUs.
Some of the key findings:
Dual diagnosis is the term used to describe people with mental health problems, who also misuse drugs or alcohol.
In April, 241 people coping with a friend or family member’s alcohol, drug or gambling problem responded to an online survey by Adfam which sought to understand how some of their usual daily challenges associated with addiction- fear, domestic abuse, isolation, loneliness and mental stress – might be being further exacerbated by COVID-19 and the lockdown measures imposed from March 2020.
The current global pandemic of the Covid-19 virus is resulting in unprecedented changes to peoples lives. Many of these changes will put an additional strain on the families of those with substance use problems, and already challenging circumstances may become even more difficult.
ISSUP Expert Days Event: Supporting the Families of Substance Users - An Interview with Vivienne Evans OBE
Register for the next webinar in the ISSUP Expert days series:
Supporting a friend, partner, or family member affected by problematic alcohol or drug use can be difficult. Adfam has released a new resource to inform and providing advice on how to look after your wellbeing and as well as that of your loved ones.