Family and Friends Support Program
Alcohol & other Drugs
Funders:
Project Partners
Status Update: Website is live
Alcohol and drug use not only affects people using the drug, but it also can have an adverse impact on their family, friends and their community. Families and friends play a critical role in the recovery of people using alcohol/other drugs. However, there is little support for families in this situation.
We have developed an online intervention to support those using ice (crystal methamphetamine), an online support program for the family and friends of ice users and we also want to develop an online support program for the families and friends of people who use alcohol and others drugs. In order to do this we would like to speak to the families and friends of those who use alcohol/other drugs about the challenges they have faced, what successes they have had, how they have coped and who or what they have found helpful in dealing with this situation. The purpose of gathering this information is so that others in a similar situation may be helped.
About
Aim
- Improve access to evidence based information about alcohol/other drugs for AFFM’s (affected family members and friends).
- Provide information about how to access services and/or support for a loved one using alcohol/other drugs
- Provide an online support program to assist AFFM’s with the distress associated with caring for a loved one using alcohol/other drugs.
During the development and implementation of FFSP and 5-Step Method training, consultation with AFFMs and clinicians has identified a strong need for a more comprehensive support program for AFFMs that helps them to support friends and family members who are using drugs in addition to crystal methamphetamine (e.g., ecstasy, prescription opiates, heroin, cannabis), and for problematic alcohol use. There is tremendous good will to be a better support person amongst AFFMs, but a lack of knowledge and understanding about how to appropriately provide this support, to prevent escalation of use/experimentation to an alcohol/substance use disorder, and despair about how to help their loved one gain control (or quit) their current levels of use/drinking.
why
About the FFSP Program
FFSP is a free online intervention and support package for families/friends supporting loved ones using alcohol and other drugs. It includes information on how families and friends can best help their loved ones and protect them from adverse impacts of their drug-using lifestyle. FFSP recognises that supporting someone who is using can be extremely stressful, and aims to assist families and friends to best manage the demands of this role.
WHO IS FFSP FOR?
FFSP is designed for people concerned about someone else’s use of alcohol and other drugs and the impact it is having on them personally. FFSP is not a substitute for clinical/medical treatment or advice. FFSP is designed for people that are over the age of 18. If you are under 18 years of age, you still may benefit from using FFSP, but may also seek help for mental health, alcohol/other drug use, or related issues via eHeadspace (https://www.eheadspace.org.au). If you are over 18 years of age, and are seeking help for your own mental health or alcohol/other drug use concerns, please contact your treating medical practitioner or crisis lines such as the Mental Health Line 1800 011 511 and Alcohol and Drug Information Service 9361 8000 (Sydney) or free call 1800 422 599.