tackling drugs and alcohol, changing lives

PATCHED can help family & friends and substance misusers

PATCHED is a support service for the family members and friends of substance misusers. PATCHED acknowledges that the whole family is directly affected by substance misuse. Some of the effects may include:

• Depression

• Anxiety – may result in physical symptoms, such as stomach problems and insomnia

• Deterioration in family relationships

• Anger – at the substance misuser and/or themselves

• Guilt – may feel responsible for the substance misuser’s problems

• Isolation

• Withdrawal

PATCHED finds that family members often take the behaviour of the substance misuser personally. It is important to remember that this is just a symptom of their substance misuse.

The average length of time that PATCHED clients had been affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol misuse before contacting the service between 2004 and 2007 was 5 years, with a range of 0-36 years. If you are affected by someone you love misusing drugs or alcohol, then don’t wait this long. You can phone PATCHED free of charge on 0800 085 4450. The helpline is open from 10am-10pm every day, with an out-of-hours message service. PATCHED offers a range of services, such as one-to-one counselling, support groups and training which they can give you more details about on the phone. If you act as a carer to a substance misuser, they could also help ensure you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to, such as the Carer’s Allowance or even respite.

Support Groups

Evening Support Group Dates:

Meetings take place at The Gathering Place, Orchid View, Hollingbury Brighton, BN1 8GP, every other Monday from 7.30pm-9.15pm.