Family support programs

It can be hard for young people to access services for a range of reasons. The stigma attached to substance use can be isolating for both young people and families.

It can be equally difficult for families to seek support for themselves or be willing to be involved in the support and care received by the young person. When families are included in the care and support the young person is receiving there tends to be better outcomes for a young person. Families and carers can play a big part in helping a young person overcome a drug problem.  

What does a family support program look like? 

There is no single approach or model but instead many ways you may get support. Family or carers supporting a young person who is using drugs are often encouraged to “get support for themselves”. This means focusing specifically on your needs. It also role models how getting support for the whole family can be useful in working towards a better living environment.   

Services such as Family Drug Support have a range of programs available to family members. They offer tips about how to cope, deal with conflict and set boundaries with a loved one who is using drugs.  In addition, beyond including you in a young person’s care and support, many drug and alcohol services often offer specific family-inclusive services. These may take the form of: 

• Family sessions where family members and a young person attend together. 

• Sessions where family members are offered time with a counsellor separate to a young person. 

• A combination of sessions for family and a young person both separately and together. 

Aside from family programs specifically addressing drug and alcohol issues, support programs exist that offer more general family support and therapy or that address other issues. While they don’t necessarily have a drug focus, they can help families work through issues that may have an impact on a young person’s drug or alcohol use.