Testimonials

The Family support unit and the services provided by people like Philip and Mary are a godsend. The services provided me the opportunity for the first time in my life to confront things I never had before and feel that there was support available whenever I'd often felt alone and helpless. To have these resources, all for free, in an area like Blanchardstown, where so many people are affected by issues concerning mental health and drug misuse, and often have no idea how to seek help or support, it is essential. These services can be a lifeline for those who feel hopeless and lost, especially in areas like this, where it’s needed the most.

Eggshells…Anyone who has grown up with addiction knows that eggshells are what you walk on every day. It is an unpredictable, anxiety inducing, chaotic environment. Our Dad was one of the kindest, most loving, and generous people you could meet but for reasons we will never know, was a tormented soul that found relief from alcohol. Alcoholism is a family disease that leaves its scars on everyone and erodes your mental health. This impact is something that we continue to work on, learn from, and heal from today.

Recently we both completed the 5 Step method with the Dublin 15 Family support service (B.L.D.A.T.F). The team there are amazing, all you have to do is mention addiction and they understand, put you at ease, listen, and support you with heartfelt professionalism. Our case was unique, as our Dad passed away in Nov 2016, so we were completing the course retrospectively. However, we both still benefited hugely from this course and would encourage any affected family member (AFM) from addiction to reach out to the support available. Whether the addict is still in your life or not, you need support and time to heal.

One of the hardest parts of addiction can be accepting the impact your relationship with the addict has on you and learning to deal with it. Grieving for our Dad has taught us that you never ever get over someone you love when they pass away but you learn to accept it and live with it as time goes by. Living with the impact of growing up with addiction is similar, you never really get over it because it has shaped you and becomes part of you but accepting this, talking about it, and learning to walk with it is vital for the healing process.