Dean Dolman, recovery worker from Society of St James came along to Rebound last night and shared his personal story from drug addiction and how it affected his life and his relationships with his family, to eventual recovery and his current work as a recovery worker.
It was a very brave, honest and insightful share and helped our members understand the effects of addiction on family members from the addicts perspective. We had fantastic feedback from our members and gave many a sense of hope that recovery is possible and knowledge that we are powerless over a loved one’s choices.
We asked members if there were any other topics they would like to hear about and the following were suggested:
- Early stages of addiction and behaviours
- How to survive them
- What help is on offer?
- Is there any research? Do all young people take drugs?
- Is this normal?
- Use of dialogue to use in intense conversations, worried about ‘wrong’ things to say.
- How are mental health and substance misuse issues (dual diagnosis) being addressed?
We aim to try to address these issues and will let members know when we are able to get more information.