BREAKING POINT

Pandemic has horrific effect on families already struggling with addiction issues

Many families in North Lanarkshire are now at “breaking point” according to a charity that supports people with concerns about others’ drug or alcohol use.

Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs (SFAD) has seen huge increases in numbers seeking help via its helplines during the pandemic.

The largest percentage increase in demand – up over 200 per cent year on year – came from people concerned about their own substance use, who were either unable to contact their local treatment service or unsure where to turn to for help.

Those contacting them concerned specifically about their use of street Valium and diazepam more than doubled.

And concerns about cocaine use were also up more than a quarter.

They witnessed a 111 per cent increase in people getting in touch with concerns over alcohol use.

Startling figures were initially revealed in the charity’s; Lockdown and Beyond – A Covid Insights Report, released in December, and their figures for January show little change.

Justina Murray, CEO of SFAD, said: “In December, we really thought we were turning a corner in terms of months of lockdowns and restrictions, and the distressing impact this has had on families affected by a loved one’s alcohol or drug use. However, we are firmly back in lockdown, with an everchanging timetable as to when this might shift, and for families this is now a desperate situation with no end in sight.

“Staying at home is not a way to ‘stay safe’ when you are affected by a loved one’s alcohol or drug use. Families are more likely to be at home and they can’t escape it.”

The charity also highlighted other concerns, such as people having no money or food, and a 13-fold increase in mental health concerns unrelated to drugs or alcohol.

Justina added: “More families have come forward for support over the past year, as their existing situation has reached crisis point. However, we know that most families – in North Lanarkshire and elsewhere – remain hidden from sight due to the stigma, shame and secrecy of addiction.

“We are now approaching a year of increased harm for families alongside decreased access to treatment, and families are at breaking point.”

Call Scottish Families Helpline on 08080 101011, email helpline@ sfad.org.uk, or webchat at www. sfad.org. uk

Rocketed Call for help The number of people turning to helplines for advice during the pandemic has