Message Board

Following are messages of support we have received for the International Family Drug Support Day.

Hidden reality

Written by Janet on 30 January 2016.

I volunteer with Family Drug Support—have worked on the phone line, and currently facilitate a weekly support group. In this work I have discovered a hidden reality of middle class Australian life: the massive scale of the impact and heartbreak experienced by the families of dependent users of drugs and alcohol. So many parents and other family members who find their way to FDS have felt compelled by shame and stigma to hide their situation from workmates, friends and extended family. The result is a secret layer of pain and disfunction. Once people are able to access the support of the FDS phone line, groups, website and courses, they report that their lives improve dramatically— with a ripple effect that extends far and wide, often also positively affecting the person with the drug dependency. As the slogan for the day says, drug use can happen in any family. Talking about it will make a difference. It is also a necessary first step to finding effective approaches to the devastating realities of drug and alcohol problems in our society.

Saving the family

Written by Anne carroll on 29 January 2016.

The utter chaos that is caused to a family when a family member is a drug user is beyond imagining. Like many families ours fractured as people disagreed on what should be done. FDS helped us navigate the chaos, disagreements and behaviours (of all family members including the drug user). It is as simple and as complicated as that - by remaining intact, we were able to provide constancy and support (never approval) to our family member. This would never have been possible without FDS.. I firmly believe that in saving families.. FDS saves lives.

Understanding drug dependence

Written by Beth on 29 January 2016.

Before discovering FDS I felt scared, fragile and alone. FDS gave me the framework to understanding drug dependence and the complicated slow process which is recovery.
FDS is an organisation which listens without judgement, giving relief and hope from anxiety and despair.
FDS advocates respect to all, harm reduction and supported treatment not criminal records.
As a board member and phone volunteer I have gained immeasurable support from this wonderful organisation and am proud to be a part of it.

Harm Reduction

Written by Harm Reduction Australia on 28 January 2016.

Harm Reduction Australia is proud to be a supporter of the National Family Drug Support Day on the 24th February 2016 and as highlighted in the latest National Family Drug Support Day media release we recognise that not only can drug use affect any family but that it is wrong to base policy on the assumption that the millions of people that are using drugs in this country require criminalisation.

Support is vital

Written by James (FDS) on 28 January 2016.

I take calls for Family Drug Support. So many callers say "I can't talk about these things to anyone else." I know how much it helps to have a listening ear, and the support our phone line provides. That's why awareness of FDS services is imperative - not just for individuals affected by someone's drug use, but also for D&A services, Health services and the greater community. Through awareness, we can reduce the stigma and judgement, and increase support for families.

We want to hear from you

Written by Tony Trimingham (FDS) on 27 January 2016.

Hi everyone. We would like to hear your experiences with family support.Please take a few minutes to tell us a bit about your story and the importance of family support.