Chris and Catherine's story

While individuals with substance misuse problems can access wide-ranging support, their families are often left to cope alone. Caring for a loved one with a drug or alcohol problem can take a huge toll on families, who typically find there are few support services and nowhere for them to go for help.

The story below highlights the difference that support from a Family Liaison Worker made to one family.

Jane's cousin Chris had a long-standing cannabis problem. He has been hospitalised after a drug induced psychotic attack and his behaviour made it impossible for him to live at home. Chris’s mother, Catherine, had battled for help from social services and Chris was receiving a full package of care, including a mental health coordinator, a dual diagnosis worker, a vulnerable adults worker, a supported housing officer, a key worker, a psychiatrist and his GP. However, Catherine had no support for herself and none of the professionals dealing with her son knew where she could go for help.

Catherine had become very depressed. She saw her GP frequently but was only offered anti-depressants, which did not address her needs. Eventually she was offered appointments with a psychologist. However, these were during working hours and having taken a lot of time off work when Chris was in hospital she did not feel able to attend.

Then Catherine was referred to Karen, a Family Inclusion worker with CRI, who began visiting her once a week at her home in the evening. Jane explains the difference this made to her aunt's peace of mind and wellbeing:

"Karen talks to my aunt Catherine about her issues, her hopes, her fears. My aunt has found a safe place where she is able to speak freely about the effect Chris's drug taking has had on her and her partner. She can discuss how Chris's drug use has impacted on her ability to do her job, her appearance, her weight, her self-esteem and how she has been able to explore ways in which she can slowly, slowly rebuild her life.

"Karen has also made it possible for my aunt to sit down for the first time and talk about her pain with other people who are in exactly the same position: people who are concerned, worried, frightened, guilty - ashamed of having a family member who has an addiction, whether it be alcohol or drugs.

"My own mother was addicted to drugs, so I know from personal experience the difference it would have made for me to talk to someone like Karen when I was going through my own pain and confusion. Seeing how my aunt has benefitted from Karen's support, I know I would have welcomed the opportunity with open arms."

* Name and photo has been changed to protect the identity of the service users who shared their stories with us.