Families of drug users urged to seek support

The families of drug users are being urged to seek support through a new campaign, Home Secretary David Blunkett announced today.

The two-year anti-stigma campaign aims to "take away the shame" faced by relatives of drug abusers and encourage them to seek advice and assistance.

Adfam, which was founded in 1984 by the mother of a drug user, will receive over £200,000 to fund the campaign and to work with partner charities to examine the effectiveness of support work for the people closest to drug users.

Mr Blunkett also launched 'Journeys' - a series of Adfam booklets, funded by the Home Office, giving advice to families on coping with and helping a drug-using relative.

Mr Blunkett said: "When we think about drug users, we think about the individuals taking the drugs, the harm they are doing to themselves and to society. But we often overlook the damage done to their closest relatives.

"Families are often the first port of call when money runs out to pay for a drug habit. Things go missing at home, first cash then possessions, and before long the police are knocking at the door – or worse, the local drug dealer. Drugs tear families apart, and they need somewhere to turn for help."

The updated Drug Strategy was published on 3 December and is supported by annual expenditure of £1.2 billion this year – and will rise to nearly £1.5 billion from April 2005.

(gmcg)