FA Home To The Concerned Family Member or Friend

For Relatives and Friends Concerned About the Use of Drugs or Related Behavioral Problems I

TO THE CONCERNED FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND
From Some People Who’ve Been Through It

If you have found evidence, or have even a vague suspicion that someone close to you may have a drug problem, we know how you feel. We know well what it is like to be alone with this problem. We remember the feelings of panic and frustration that resulted from this discovery. We in Families Anonymous have shared this experience too.

For a while some of us tried to ignore our suspicions. We were too afraid to examine the situation more closely because what would we do if we found that our fears were really true?

As the drug user’s problems became worse, our frantic attempts to help only led to his becoming more hostile and rebellious, which. left us even more upset and desperate. At times we felt resentful and depressed at the degree to which our own lives were being affected by another person’s problems.

In the FA program we learned that the drug user’s illness affects the lives of everyone close to him, and that we too needed help. We discovered that many of our efforts to control or change the situation were often unintentionally enabling or encouraging this person to continue a self-destructive pattern. It has been a great relief to learn more effective ways of coping with this situation, while at the same time gaining some peace of mind, hope, and help, for a better way to live.

Many times the drug user is simply not ready or willing to stop using but we have learned there is much we can do to avoid standing in the way of his recovery. For the user seeking help, drug recovery programs are available. However, FA is designed for us, the parent, grandparent. spouse. or other emotionally involved relative or friends.

We use first names only since this is an anonymous program. No dues or fees are required. The weekly meetings are held regularly throughout the year, and attendance is welcomed without prior arrangements. You will not be urged to participate in the group discussions but may join in and ask questions if you wish. We do understand how you feel.

St. Lukes United Church Facility
(Corners of Indian Rd S & Wellington St.)
Call George & Pat: 519-466-3163
We meet every Wednesday with the exception of major holiday weekends
7:00 – 8:00 pm