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We are here to provide support and information to family and friends affected by someone's alcohol or drug use to enable them to continue to care effectively for as long as is appropriate.
When someone is addicted to alcohol or drugs it doesn't only affect them, it also has a huge impact on the lives of those close to them. The chaos which often surrounds addiction can make it difficult for a person to maintain control of their lives. At times like these, others - often family and friends - can feel they have to help out, whether or not they really want to. They may not know where to go for support.
Family and friends may provide the following help:
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crisis support e.g.
overdose, police involvement
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practical support:
childcare, a place to stay
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financial support
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emotional support
This can put a strain on their own lives and can affect their health and well being. Being emotionally involved themselves can mean it is difficult to assess when it is appropriate to give support and when it is time to stand back.
Families coping with the behaviour of an alcohol or drug user often feel isolated and unable to ask for support for themselves. They may feel affected by the stigma attached to alcohol or drug use. They may also feel guilty and ashamed.
Even if a person's addiction is stable, those close to them may be worried and need more information about the addiction and its common side effects.
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provide support and
information over the phone and face to face
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help to run support
group meetings
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develop training and
support for families and carers
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work with other
agencies develop local support services
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raise the awareness of
the needs of family members and carers at a policy level
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The support we can provide will depend on how someone else's addiction affects you. This could involve looking at how you are coping emotionally and perhaps looking at practical issues such as benefits or housing. We can also put you in touch with other agencies or Vocal services if appropriate.
Families and friends often play a crucial role in the lives of drug and alcohol users. However you are important too. We are here to help you.
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VOCAL is currently
developing support for family members, friends and carers of drug users
in Gilmerton, Southhouse/Burdiehouse, Gracemount, Moredun and the Inch,
with the support of the South Edinburgh Partnership.
The project adopts a person- and family-centred approach,including the development of 'circles of support' for families and friends of drug users. 'Circles of support' in many cases include support groups and
befriending, but may at times take different forms, such as working to
increase support from the wider family network or from within a person's
immediate community.
The project is developing links at
individual, organisational and community levels. We encourage
family members and carers to become involved with the project on a range
of levels and links will be made between people in similar situations in
order to break down isolation. Support offered includes benefits and
welfare advice, information on health issues and services, advocacy
support and emotional support.
Families are encouraged to link into existing VOCAL services such as counselling, groupwork and carers' training. Where VOCAL is unable to provide specific services, for example debt counselling, we will help people to access agencies with the appropriate expertise.
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Contact the Family Support service
If you are
worried about someone's alcohol or drug use and would like to talk to someone or
you would like any further information about the work of the Family
Support service please contact:
Moira Scarcliffe: 0131 622
6262 Monday - Thursday.
Alternatively, write to:
Family Support Service, VOCAL Carers Centre, 8-13 Johnston Terrace, EDINBURGH, EH1 2PW, or email:
fsn@carers.net
Or
Hazel Rendall (South
Edinburgh): 0131 664 8506, Monday - Friday
Alternatively, write to:
Family Support (South Edinburgh), 64 Gilmerton Dykes Street,
EDINBURGH, EH17 8PL, or email:
hazel@vocal.carers.net
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It's hard for me too
This is a self-help guide for family and friends living with the effects of drug or alcohol abuse. Click here to download.
Castle Project (catchment area: South East Edinburgh)
PO Box 922, Edinburgh, EH16 4DU. Tel: 0131 699 0068. E-mail:staff@castlepro.freeserve.co.uk
Drug & Alcohol Service (catchment area: West Lothian)
43 Adelaide Street, Craigshill, Livingston, EH54 5HQ. Tel: 01506 430225
Greater Liberton Drug Project (catchment area: South Edinburgh)
4 Drum Street, Edinburgh, EH17 8QQ. Tel: 0131 664 2839
Hype for young people
18 & under (catchment area: Edinburgh), c/o Simpson House, 52 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3NS. Tel: 0131 466 4600
Mid & East Lothian Drugs (MELD) (catchment area: Mid & East Lothian)
4c Newmills Road, Dalkeith, EH22 1DU. Tel: 0131 660 3566. E-mail: meld-drugs@btconnect.com
North Edinburgh Drug Advice Centre (NEDAC) (catchment area: North West Edinburgh)
10 Pennywell Court, Edinburgh, EH4 4TZ. Tel: 0131 332 2314. E-mail:drugs@nedac.freeserve.co.uk
Simpson House (catchment area: Edinburgh & Lothians)
52 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3NS, Tel: 0131 225 6028. E-mail:simpson.house@care4free.net
Turning Point Leith (catchment area: North East Edinburgh), 3 Smith's Place, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 8NT. Tel: 0131 554 7516
West Edinburgh Support Team (catchment area: South West Edinburgh)
12a Dumbryden Road, Edinburgh, EH14 2AB. Tel: 0131 442 2465
Alternatively you can phone the following helplines for support:
National Drugs Helpline (24 hours): 0800 77 66 00
PADA (24 hours) Family Support Helpline: 08457 023867
Scottish Network for Families Affected by Drugs National helpline for families & parents: 08080 101011
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