Where to find help if you are battling addiction at Christmas time

or every one person who uses substances to a problematic level, it directly affects a minimum of five other people … that’s a lot of people living in chaos and Christmas can be a very stressful time of year for most families.”

Help is there is you need it. Phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the National Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline on 1800 250 015.

Christmas is a joyous time for many, but for those who have been on the frontlines with family members battling addiction it can be complicated and challenging season.

Breakthrough For Families is a Toowoomba-based free support group program for the friends and family members of people who are struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.

Facilitator Tess Heming said the program, which is delivered by not-for-profit organisation Drug Arm, provides a safe, non-judgemental and confidential space for loved ones to access support.

And with Christmas approaching, many families are living in a crisis situation.

“Australia has an unhealthy culture around alcohol and associate it with celebrating events like Christmas and new year,” Ms Heming said.

“For every one person who uses substances to a problematic level, it directly affects a minimum of five other people … that’s a lot of people living in chaos and Christmas can be a very stressful time of year for most families.

Ms Heming said Breakthrough For Families provides participants with the facts surrounding addiction and helps them to develop strategies on how they can best support themselves and their loved ones.

“Through engaging with me I can give them education on what psychoactive substances are, discuss the stages of change, tips for effective communication and how important boundaries are,” she said.

“The program provides strategies to make changes to their own circumstances and build resilience and I can give them skills on supporting change and other ways to encourage their loved one.”

No referral is required for the free and voluntary program and the delivery approach is flexible, allowing the community to access it in person or via telephone.

For more information about the program or support services available, please phone Tess Heming on 0437 468 368.

If you are struggling phone Drug Arm on 3620 8860, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.

In the case of an emergency, please phone triple-0.