Addictions
If you are caring for someone who has an addiction or substance dependency, these are some of the issues you may be concerned about:
- where to turn for support and advice
- how to deal with changes in the person’s behaviour and personality
- the effects of addiction on the person’s health
- the toll on you and your family
Here is some advice you may find useful
- be aware of the impact of caring on your emotional or psychological health
- try to find people that you can talk to about your feelings and with whom you can share your concerns
- try to talk through issues and feelings with the person you are caring for and the rest of your family for mutual support and understanding
- try to come to terms with the fact that you cannot control or take responsibility for another person’s actions.
- establish boundaries
Local organisations
- Oxfordshire County Council information about alcohol and drug addiction
- Oxfordshire Drug and Alcohol Action team: 01865 260250
- Oxfordshire carers' centres and young carers.
- Community Addiction Team - community-based organisation for people experiencing substance abuse. Based at Rectory Centre, Rectory Road, Oxford OX4 1BU 01865 455635
- Oxfordshire Community Drug Agency offers various services and groups for drug and alcohol users and their relatives, including structured individual support, women’s group, relatives’ support group:
Oxford CDA 205 Cowley Road, Oxford, OX4 1XA 01865 723500
North Oxfordshire CDA Banbury 01295 273511
West Oxfordshire CDA Witney 01993 774892
South Oxfordshire and Vale CDA Wallingford 01491 823119
- Luther Street Medical Centre - GP practice for vulnerable people 16+ providing GP surgery, nurses clinics, drugs worker clinics and referrals to agencies for non-medical issues such as housing and benefits. 01865 726008.
- SMART (Substance Misuse Arrest Referral Scheme) - for people who find themselves in trouble with drugs 01865 243539.
National organisations
- Addaction: this is a national drug and alcohol treatment charity. 020 7251 5860
- Al-Anon: help for relatives and friends of problem drinkers. Confidential helpline 020 7403 0888
- Drugscope: this is a leading drug charity and a centre of expertise on drugs. 020 7928 1211 www.drugscope.org.uk
- Families anonymous: support for families and friends of those taking drugs. Helpline 0845 1200 660
- Turning Point: provides a range of services 020 7702 2300
- Release: office hours, Monday to Friday, 020 7729 9904 Local rate 0845 450 0215 Email: ask@release.org.uk
- Drinkline: 24-hour national helpline, 0800 917 8282
- Alcohol concern: 020 7922 8667
- Re-Solv: Helpline: 0808 800 2345
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