When someone you love is struggling with alcohol or other drug use, it can affect the whole family.
You may feel worried, exhausted, frustrated or unsure what to do next. Many families describe feeling like they are constantly reacting to crises, trying to help, or walking on eggshells.
If this sounds familiar, please know you are not alone.
Around 1 in 10 adults are affected by another person’s addiction (Adfam).
Your loved one may not be ready to change yet.
But you do not have to wait for them to change before getting support for yourself.
We support people at every stage of the recovery cycle, whether your loved one is or is not getting help because at ADAPT, we believe families deserve support too.
Families deserve help in their own right and also as the people who can best help a loved one into and through recovery.
Adapt offers a variety of services to support people that are struggling with addiction. From simply listening and being there to helping people get off of the streets. Adapt is proud of the work it is able to achieve.
The ADAPT/Vesta Approach Family Programme is a structured six-week educational programme designed to help families better understand addiction and develop practical strategies that focuses on two important goals;
1. Helping you live your most happy and peaceful life
2. Learn practical strategies that can help get your family into recovery
While we cannot control another person’s behaviour, families often find that changing how they respond can have a powerful impact on their relationship with their loved one.
Sessions are supportive, informative and practical. They provide knowledge and tools that families can use in everyday life.
The programme is delivered by Victoria Seed, Family Addiction and Recovery Specialist, who has over twenty years’ experience supporting families affected by addiction.
The programme introduces six practical strategies that help families respond differently to addiction while prioritising their own wellbeing.
These elements form the foundation of the programme.
1. Wellbeing
Prioritising your own wellbeing is the first step to your own recovery
2. Boundaries
Understanding how to set boundaries when unwanted behaviours happen in your relationship.
3. Withdrawing from intoxicated or unwanted behaviours
Knowing when and how to step away from behaviours.
4. Helping without ‘enabling’ (protecting)
Supporting a loved towards/through recovery and away from addiction.
5. Communicating without conflict
Learning ways to communicate positively.
6. Rewards
Recognising and responding to positive behaviour and change.
The online group programme includes:
After completing the programme, participants can also attend monthly ongoing support sessions for as long as needed. These sessions allow families to continue strengthening their confidence and reinforcing the strategies introduced during the programme.
The programme is open to two groups of people.
Families whose loved one is accessing ADAPT
If your loved one is currently receiving support from ADAPT, we welcome you to join the family programme so you can have the best chance possible of whole family recovery.
Families seeking support for themselves
You can also access support even if your loved one is not currently ready to change.
Many families join the programme when they are trying to encourage someone to seek help.
If you would like support, you can refer yourself using our online referral form.
Once we receive your referral, you will receive information about the next available programme and how to get started.
If your loved one would like support for their own alcohol or other drug use, they can also access help through ADAPT.
You can refer them, or they can refer themselves, using the ADAPT referral form.
Is this a group programme?
Yes. The ADAPT Family Programme is delivered through online group sessions.
Many families find it helpful to learn alongside others who are experiencing similar challenges. The sessions are structured, supportive and focused on practical strategies. You will not be forced to speak if you do not feel comfortable to.
Do I need my loved one to be in treatment at ADAPT?
No. You can access family support even if your loved one is not currently receiving help.
Many families join the programme while they are trying to encourage someone to seek support.
Is this counselling or therapy?
No. The programme is a structured educational programme that provides information, guidance and practical strategies for families affected by alcohol or other drug use. A combination of education, mentoring and coaching is the delivery method for this programme.
Is the programme free?
Yes. The programme is free to access thanks to charitable funding. Donations to support ADAPT’s work are welcome but not required.
You can donate here.
What happens after I submit the referral form?
Once we receive your referral, we will contact you as soon as possible about the next available programme and how to get started.
What if a group programme is not suitable for me?
The programme is delivered in groups. If you feel a group programme may not be suitable for you, please mention this in the referral form and we will advise on alternative options for support. Please note that the funding for ADAPT is for this programme. We are unable to fund individual support at this stage.
If you are in immediate crisis
This programme provides structured family support and is not a crisis service.
If you are worried about someone’s immediate safety, please contact 999 or your local emergency services.
