This research aims to contribute to a greater understanding of the ways families affected by substance use seek support. The report explores the availability and effectiveness of such support as well as providing information useful to service agencies, families and communities on existing drug and alcohol services and supports in the western region.

Based on the literature and the findings of the survey this report recommends drug and alcohol family support services should:
• Improve co-ordination with all relevant services and utilise inter-agency partnership structures;
• Publicise family support drug and alcohol services better and increase public awareness and knowledge of substance misuse;
• Establish best practice in drug and alcohol family support and provide regular and worthwhile training courses;
• Include service users and family members in development of drug and alcohol family support services: and
• Ensure an inclusive approach which includes ethnic and cultural minorities within this development process.