Caring for someone with a substance dependency can be confusing, frustrating and sometimes lonely. There are many sorts of substance misuse and dependencies, including legal (alcohol, tobacco and solvents), or illegal (cannabis, heroin and cocaine) or prescribed drugs that are addictive (e.g. diazepam). In addition to physical and/or psychological addiction, the cared for person could also suffer symptoms of anxiety, depression as well as other mental health problems.
Often the biggest strain on a carer is concern for the affected person’s safety and wellbeing, possible fear of the their behaviour and maybe having to involve the police during a crisis. Carers may also reach a point where they feel their cared for person is beyond help, however there are the following specialist organisations that not only do this but also provide support to carers.
Al-Anon provide support groups for anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else’s drinking. Find your local weekly meeting by calling 0207 403 0888.
Carers Leeds Support Group have monthly meetings for carers of people who have problems with drug and or alcohol use.
web www.carersleeds.org.uk
email info@carersleeds.org.uk
tel 0113 246 8338
address 6–8 The Headrow, Leeds LS1 6PT
There are a large number of services to help people who have drug, alcohol and, or substance misuse problem. These can be found by contacting Safer Leeds, tel: 0113 395 0839.