Support is available to you too…
We understand that addiction doesn’t just affect the individual, it impacts on families, friends and communities.
The Family Support service of Open Road offers families individual support with one of our highly experienced team to help you come to terms with and make changes were necessary to cope with your loved one’s addiction issues.
Our team have developed individual practice over many years and with their insight, support and compassion they will help you regain control of your life, regain stability in the home and reduce your feelings of exhaustion and frustration, enabling you to progress in your life once more.
Family service support is currently available in Essex, we provide:
- One to One Support at a time that suits you (daytime or evening)
- Advice, information and sign posting
- Drug & Alcohol information
- Addiction Awareness
- Wellbeing and relaxation guidance
- Group support
- Legal Advice
For more information or to make a referral please email familysupport@openroad.org.uk or contact call our head office on 01206 369782.
Advice for family and carers
Be there for them..
Learning that a loved one has an issue with drink or drugs is very difficult for all of those involved. The care, compassion and support that you show can make a huge difference, giving them the confidence and reason to reach the stages of recovery.
Take care of yourself…
Feeling angry, fearful, hopeless or sad are just some of the understandable emotions that you may be going through yourself. Whilst your loved one is struggling and will need your support, it is most important that you look after your own health and needs first. It may well be that you are finding this situation very difficult to deal with. If this is the case then considering getting your own support through psychotherapy/counselling will be of benefit. If you notice your health deteriorating, then speak to your doctor.
Empower them with choice…
If you have found out that someone you know has an issue with drink or drugs, please avoid trying to control the situation. Open Road works with people across Essex and Medway to guide people on their journey to recovery, however, we can only work with people who want to be helped.
If you have someone in mind, who states that they do not want to change, then having a calm and honest conversation with them about how it is affecting everyone is your starting point. Learn about each other’s experiences, fears and desired outcomes before guiding them towards a service such as Open Road. Most importantly, emphasise that you are there to support them, and entering into our service has to be their choice.
There are a number of other support agencies available to you across the UK if the person you are supporting does not wish to engage in our service:
Adfam – https://www.adfam.org.uk/ – Information and support for families and friends of drug alcohol users, including meetings.
Al Anon – https://www.al-anonuk.org.uk/ – Support for anyone who has been affected by someone else’s drinking.
Famanon – https://famanon.co.uk/ – Families anonymous, providing support forums and meetings across the UK to anyone affected by someone elses use of drugs or associated behavioural problems.
UK Smart Recovery family and friends – https://www.smartrecovery.org.uk/family-friends/ – an evidence-based approach to support individuals with a loved one struggling with addiction. This organisation offers online meetings.
