Harmful use or addiction to alcohol and other drugs doesn’t discriminate.
Addiction and harmful use of substances can be debilitating for the person using substances and it can become incredibly difficult, taking an emotional and mental toll on the family and loved ones of those using.
Through their partnership with Family Drug and Gambling Help, Primary Care Connect is now offering a free program in Moira Shire after successfully facilitating the program in Shepparton for the past 18 months.
InFocus is a comprehensive education program designed for people who are affected by a loved one’s substance use.
The program provides practical information, coping strategies, life skills and the opportunity for people to connect through their shared experiences.
“Supporting a loved one through addiction can be incredibly isolating and lonely with many people often feeling judged and ostracised, and InFocus helps to relieve some of those hard feelings,” program facilitator Nicole Mason said.
“By providing relevant information about drug and alcohol dependency, family responses and 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 program is conducted in person, over two days beginning on April 1 in Cobram.
It is hoped the program can also be rolled out in Yarrawonga in the coming months.
Ms Mason provides one on one counselling and support for anyone needing that support, through the Family Drug Support Program.
She said one of the benefits of InFocus was that it introduced participants to others in a similar situation.
Telehealth counselling is available for people in the Yarrawonga area.
Anyone needing assistance for substance abuse can contact the office on 5823 3200 and ask to speak with Nikki.
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