State of the Family Support Sector 2023

Adfam's latest research examines current circumstances and practice in supporting families affected by substance use in the UK. This includes current trends, developments, strengths and challenges facing those working to support family members.

Adfam's 2023 report is the only research looking at family support in this way in the UK since Adfam’s previous State of the Sector report in 2019, with the latest version taking account of the unique circumstances and developments that have taken place since, including the covid pandemic, cost of living crisis and new Drugs Strategy. The report’s findings are based entirely on the input and responses of those working within or connected to services that support families affected by substance use.

Many practitioners working in family support reported working with higher caseloads than ever before, alongside growing complexity of the clients they are working with and their situation with their family member with a substance use problem.

The report estimates that only 21% of the families of people in treatment are getting any help and emphasises the importance of having properly funded support available to these families, providing expert advice, guidance, counselling and friendship. This support can make a vital difference in the lives and outcomes for families and their loved ones.

Download the report here: https://adfam.org.uk/state-of-the-family-support-sector-2023/