While addiction is often debilitating for the person using substances, it can also take an emotional and mental toll on those close to them.
The impacts of harmful substance use often ripple out, affecting the family and loved ones around them.
That’s why local community health organisation Primary Care Connect is once again offering InFocus, a free, comprehensive education program designed for people who are affected by a loved one’s substance use.
The program, available to community members, provides practical information, coping strategies, life skills, an opportunity to connect with others through shared experiences, and ongoing support.
“The InFocus program is designed specifically to help support, nurture, educate and inform those people who are being negatively impacted by a loved one’s substance use,” Primary Care Connect chief executive officer Trish Quibell said.
“The program is free and conducted by trained professionals who have a lived experience with substance use of a loved one.
“This program really does have the potential to transform lives, and we have already seen a lot of positive case studies from people who undertook the program in 2023.
“On top of that, it introduces participants to others who are experiencing a similar situation.
“This alone can be powerful, as often people can feel lonely, judged or isolated when trying to support a loved one with substance use.”
According to Primary Care Connect, by providing relevant information about drug and alcohol dependency, family responses, the change process, and recovery, the program aims to shift the focus from the challenges the support person is currently facing, to a new way of living.
The InFocus program is provided in partnership with Family Drug and Gambling Help.
It will be provided I person over two days this month at the Billabong Garden Complex, located at 295 Numurkah Rd, Shepparton.
The program will run on Tuesday, November 26 and Wednesday, November 27, from 10am to 3pm each day.
For more information, or to register for the program, call Primary Care Connect on 5823 3200 and ask to speak to Nikki.
You can also register online here at https://tinyurl.com/enenxpn9