International Family Drug Support Day

International Family Drug Support Day

2025

Scroll down for specific information on each event

International Family Drug Support Day first started in 2016 and is held annually on or around 24 February to draw attention to the importance of families affected by alcohol and/or drugs, including the benefits of supporting families. When families are given education, awareness and tips on coping and keeping safe, the outcome for everyone is improved.

From small beginnings it has grown to international events in most Australian major cities and several overseas. The overall theme for the FDS events is Support the Family-Improve the Outcome and the theme for 2025 is Time for Change.

Events feature key speakers addressing key objectives:

Advocating for evidence-based changes in drug policy.
Reducing stigma and discrimination for families and individuals who use drugs.
Promoting harm reduction strategies for families, carers and friends.
Promoting support services for families, carers and friends.

The day aims to highlight:

The importance and benefits of supporting families
The critical role of FDS volunteers in providing family support across Australia

"Any family anywhere, regardless of background, economic and other circumstances can be affected by drugs. We hope this annual event will reach members of the community and change some of the negative attitudes that exist." Tony Trimingham, Founder and CEO of Family Drug Support.

"The weight of the world was on my shoulders. We were so ashamed and alone - then we found support and things changed" Viola - Mother

"What a difference it made being able to talk and have someone listen with empathy, and not tell me I was a bad parent or my approach was wrong. I can ring anytime and get stuff off my chest" Carlos - Father.

We look forward to having you join us at any one of our events to mark International Family Drug Support Day. You can find more information and register for any of our 2025 events here: International Family Drug Support Day Events 2025

Support the Family-Improve the Outcome: Time For Change.

VAADA

The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association Inc. (VAADA) is the peak body representing publicly-funded AOD services in Victoria.

VAADA work to prevent and reduce AOD-related harms in the Victorian community by ensuring the people experiencing those harms, and the organisations that support them, are well-represented in policy, program development and public discussion.

Michael Berkman MP

Michael is the State Member for the inner-west Brisbane electorate of Maiwar. He was the first Greens representative elected to Queensland Parliament in 2017. Before politics, he worked as a public interest environmental lawyer. He has personal experience supporting a close family member dealing with addiction, and is a longstanding advocate for drug harm reduction policies that emphasise a health-based, not criminalised, approach.

Michael has attended a number of Family Drug Support Day events since being elected, and remains grateful for all the support services like FDS, QuIHN and many more who provide a lifeline for people using drugs and their families.

ADF

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) is Australia’s leading organisation committed to inspiring positive change and delivering evidence-based approaches to minimise alcohol and drug harm. ADF was established in 1959 to support the many post-war veterans who became dependent on alcohol as a way of coping with the trauma of war. An empathetic and humane approach has always been central to our work.

Rev Bill Crews Foundation

Rev. Bill Crews AM is a much-loved Australian, radio broadcaster, and founder of The Rev. Bill Crews Foundation. For almost 40 years, the Foundation has been at the forefront of addressing homelessness and poverty, guided by Rev. Crews' mission to help the person in front of them. Each year, the Foundation provides half a million free meals to the poor and homeless, along with healthcare, welfare support, and education programs, including teaching disadvantaged children to read.

Rev. Crews has been recognised with numerous honours, including an Order of Australia for his services to disadvantaged and homeless youth, Humanitarian of the Year award, and the Ernst & Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year award. He has been named one of Australia’s 100 most influential people and included in the National Trust’s list of 100 “National Living Treasures."

NADA

The Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies (NADA) is the peak organisation for non-government alcohol and other drugs (AOD) services in NSW. We represent 85 organisational members that provide services in over 100 locations across NSW. They provide a broad range of AOD services, including health promotion and harm reduction, early intervention, treatment and continuing care programs. Together, we improve the health and wellbeing of people with living and lived experience of alcohol or other drug use across the NSW community.