Having some information about drugs and substances is vital for parents and families.

If you are concerned that a family member might be taking drugs or substances, or you are looking for information to help you in talk to them about drugs, this section is a useful starting point. Dealing with a son or daughter who has a serious drug or alcohol problem can be an emotional rollercoaster. The withdrawal symptoms from drugs like heroin can be very severe and cravings can continue to be a problem for quite some time. It may take several attempts before your son or daughter successfully breaks their addiction even with support.

And while your child must want to stop using drugs or alcohol first – there are many different treatments and support services which they can use to support them.

You may also want to look into support groups for family members. This is a good opportunity for you to voice your feelings and see how others are coping.