Addiction is often described as a family disease, as it affects not only the person with the problem but has an emotional and relational consequences for a family system. Research has shown that the involvement of families in the treatment process greatly increases the prospects of a person’s recovery and healing for concerned others.

Nightingale Hospital holds a monthly family day for families and carers of those in treatment. This group is facilitated by a family therapist with expertise in addiction recovery.

Those close to the addicted person can often blame themselves and go through a wide range of emotions from despair, depression, and guilt to anger and frustration. This can lead to them feeling exhausted and having difficulty coping, as well as feeling powerless in how to deal with the situation.

Nightingale also facilitates a weekly evening family support group with a therapist present. We hope to give family members strength, hope and understanding so that they are more able to manage the situation at home. The aim of the family support group is to reduce isolation and ensure you do not have to go through this experience alone.