Drug abuse and dependency are pervasive in today's society,
often devastating the life of the dependent person as well as
the lives of families and friends. Those with children or loved
ones involved in drugs or alcohol suffer mental, emotional,
and often physical pain while they watch hopelessly as addiction
consumes their loved ones... You may find it difficult to deal
with these hurting people. In Families Anonymous, there is help
for parents, partners, relatives and friends.
Families Anonymous (FA) is a self-help world wide fellowship
of families of drug users and those with behavioural problems.
Based on the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, FA was founded
in the USA in 1971 by a group of Los Angeles families. The first
group in this country started in London in 1980 and there are
now some 50 groups in various parts of the UK. The programmeÕs
focus is on the family and supporting them in coping with the
addict. It provides a way for these individuals to put their
lives back together and to find a sense of serenity.
Families Anonymous works in many ways. Its basic strength comes
from sharing of common problems. There are no fees required
for meetings or membership. FA does not solicit or accept any
funding from outside bodies. The office is staffed by volunteers
and is funded by voluntary contributions given at meetings and
by the sale of FA literature. FA is an anonymous programme where
only first names are used. In the FA group members learn to
come to terms with the problem that is disrupting their lives.
Attending meetings helps members adopt an honest and consistent
approach towards the addict. This in turn often brings the addict
to realise that he/she needs help to live without drugs. Experience
has shown that help for the family and friends means important
help for the drug-dependent person.
Copies of any enclosures are available in quantity at minimum
charges to professionals like you, who are in a position to
reach people in pain who might not otherwise hear about FA.
Please liaise with the FA UK office for your literature requests.
General Practioners
Counsellors
Treatment Centres
Hospitals
Law Professionals
