Key issues:
The children and other family members of a person who uses drugs problematically may experience a range of health, social and economic harms. This miniguide focuses on both the families of adults who have drug-related problems and the families of children and young people in need of support as a result of drug-related behaviours. Family members can make an important contribution by supporting the relative who uses drugs and encouraging them to engage with treatment. However, family members may experience a range of problems related to their relative’s drug use, including worry and psychological distress, strains on family relations and financial burdens.

Children whose parents or primary carers use drugs problematically can be particularly vulnerable, but many children who live with a parent who uses drugs do not experience any harm. Building and supporting children’s resilience is therefore important, alongside identifying and addressing their specific problems. Family members can also make a positive contribution by supporting the relative who uses drugs and encouraging them to engage with treatment...

Note: This miniguide is one of a larger set, which together comprise Health and social responses to drug problems: a European guide. It provides an overview of the most important aspects to consider when planning or delivering health and social responses for families of people who use drugs and reviews the availability and effectiveness of the responses. It also considers implications for policy and practice.