Working with families: Reading list
Exploring the dynamics of substance use's ripple effect within families reveals a complex web of emotions, relationships, and challenges. These recommended readings explore the impact that substance use can have on family members. Through these texts, gain insight into coping strategies, interventions, and avenues for support that can be used to help family members. You can also visit the ISSUP network 'supporting families' to find more resources for supporting families.
1) This report, published by the the Pompidou Group, centers around the experiences of children raised in families impacted by drug and alcohol dependence. It also highlights the various services, programs, and approaches aimed at safeguarding children's well-being and fulfilling their requirements, all while simultaneously addressing the needs of the parents involved.
2) This report is the second volume on the topic of children raised in families impacted by drug and alcohol dependence published by the Pompidou Group and is based on the views of women who were interviewed and shared their personal experiences on the impact of parental drug use during childhood on their life and subsequent drug use.It also explores the barriers and facilitators to accessing services and how to improve services’ response both to women who use drugs and to children with parents who use drugs.
3) This publication is the third volume on the topic of children raised in families impacted by drug and alcohol dependence published by the Pompidou Group and explores the experience of children on the impact of drug use in the family.
4) Finally, this report is the volume on the topic of children raised in families impacted by drug and alcohol dependence published by the Pompidou Group and provides information on programmes and actions for comprehensive and non-stigmatising services and care for families.
5) This guide, entitled Healing Families, Helping Systems: A Trauma-Informed Practice Guide for Working with Children, Youth & Families, aims to promote understandings and proactive efforts related to trauma-informed approaches, which contribute to enhancing the delivery of programs and services for and with children, youth, and families.
6) This guide, published by EMCDDA, provides a summary of the key factors to think about when making plans or offering health and social support for families of individuals who are using drugs. It also examines how accessible and effective these support options are.
7) Adfam have put together a report and toolkit that explores the ways families are affected by dual diagnosis. By gathering the views of family members in the UK, the report aims to understand what it is like to have a family member with a dual diagnosis, and what needs to be done to ensure the needs of families. The related toolkit contains suggestions and resources for anyone affected by someone else’s co- occurring conditions.
8) In 2020, ISSUP spoke to Vivienne Evans OBE, who is the chief executive of Adfam and ISSUP board member, on the topic of 'Supporting the Families of Substance Users'. You can view a recording of the ISSUP Expert Days Event here.
9) It is recognised that stigma not only impacts individuals who use substances but can also affect family members and those associated with the individual. The aim of this report is to increase awareness and understanding how stigma affects family members of drug and alcohol users and open up a discussion about the nature and impact of this form of stigma.