‘Taking Action on Addiction’ begins their awareness week starting from today (28th- October – 4th November).
The campaign group aim to improve the understanding of addiction and to end the stigma that surrounds it.
James Barrie, 32, a manager and former practitioner for Forward Leeds, Leeds’ alcohol and drug service said: “Addiction can be very isolating for people. There’s an awful lot of stigma surrounding it.”
“The number of people we are seeing have starting treatment in Leeds annually has gone up year on year.”
“At the moment we are supporting about 3500 adults and young people just within our one treatment service in Leeds. It’s a lot a lot of people. For a lot of people even mustering up the courage to come through the door can often be a big thing. There’s a lot of uncertainty and worry.”
What advice would you give to someone supporting a friend of family member who is struggling with their use or addiction?
James Barrie said “I think it sounds simple but definitely be there for them. I think with addiction there can be a lot of anger and frustration, you know, why can’t you stop using? That lack of understanding.”
“What we have learnt from working in this field is that they want to change has to come from the individual. I’ve sat with hundreds of people over the years, who have come and said, ‘I’m here because my wife wants me to’ or whatever it is,
“It is usually that the change happens because the person wants it. It would be about suggesting someone gets support but in a positive way. Be open with them about concerns you have and suggest and signpost them towards the services in their area.”
“Letting that person know you are there for them and providing that emotional support. Definitely do some learning around the substance they are using, just so you are a bit more knowledgeable about the risks, the effects and what sort of signs to look out for.”
“A big one as well is really celebrating the wins with that person, if they do make a little bit of progress no matter how small, really celebrating that and being really encouraging.”
For a lot of people, changes do really start with these small steps.
“There are services for people who are supporting loved ones going through addiction. We know how mentally draining or challenging it can be. How can they support someone going though addiction if they aren’t looking after themselves?”
Those who wish to attend ‘Taking Action on Addictions’ live online discussion event ( 2nd November), with this year’s theme being ‘everybody knows somebody’ can do so here: