Substance Use

Specialist support to help you cope with the impact of substance use

Caring for someone who uses substances has a unique set of challenges. Understanding the reasons behind addiction and the effects substances can have on someone’s emotions and behaviour can help you cope with your caring role.

It is easy to feel isolated, alone and helpless, especially if the person using substances is a close family member or friend.

The Carers’ Support Service has a specialist support worker who can offer both one-to-one and group support. We can help you work through difficult emotions, develop coping strategies and give you the knowledge and confidence to support the person you care for.

The Angel Club is a specialist peer support group for Carers of people affected by someone else’s substance use. Find the next meeting here

Peter Cartwright, in collaboration with Adfam, has produced a series of online support video sessions for families affected by a loved one’s substance use.

If you are the family member or friend of someone who uses substances, these videos are for you. Each video is around 15 minutes in length, and across the 14 sessions, Peter will take you through a range of different themes and topics, providing valuable information and guidance on how to cope.

Watch the videos here