Craigieburn families are being offered workshops designed to help them support loved ones battling ice addiction.
Turning Point drug and alcohol centre brings its Breakthrough: ice education for families sessions to the suburb later this month, to help people better understand ice and its impact on families and communities.
The centre’s education officer, Dean Rogut, said the workshops cover what ice is and how it affects users’ mental health.
Participants also learn about the treatment options available to their loved ones, as well as support services for families and friends.
“Often families dealing with this get lost. They spend so much time caring for their loved one that they forget about themselves,” Mr Rogut said. “We talk about strategies and what people can actually do when dealing with this.
“We talk about boundaries, communication skills and self care, and how to help their loved ones through recovery.”
The workshops are part of the state government’s ice action plan, which was released last year.
Turning Point has been running the workshops across the state since last October.
Mr Rogut said the centre’s aim was to speak to as many people as possible to let families know they are not alone.
He estimates that 1600 people have already taken part in workshops.
“They are going through what they are going through. There is help available for them. They can reach out to get support,” he said.
“Ice is one of those drugs that affects everyone. A relatively small population is using ice, but it affects so many people.”
The two-hour workshops are on Wednesday, September 21 and 28, at Craigieburn Headspace, Craigieburn Central, 6.30-8.30pm.
To attend workshops, go online at: www.turningpoint.org.au/education/breakthrough
