Blog - The Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association

S3:E2 | Chrissie Kelly: The Role of Family Support in Addiction Recovery

Written by Brittany George | Feb 22, 2021 1:15:45 PM

When someone you love is affected by addiction, it’s hard to know how to help. However with the right knowledge, family members can play a vital role in the journey of recovery.

This week’s podcast guest Chrissie Kelly is a highly experienced Community Services Professional specialising in the alcohol and other drugs and mental health sectors. As the Queensland State Manager for Family Drug Support, Chrissie leads the Queensland team in providing support and education to families impacted by someone’s alcohol and/or drug use.

For over 22 years, Family Drug Support (FDS) has developed a highly successful model for supporting families and friends impacted by someone’s alcohol and/or drug use. This model has been effective in supporting more than 60,000 families.

This week, Chrissie and I delve into the details of the Family Drug Support model, and discuss situations that families face when supporting someone with addiction issues. This includes factors of shame and stigma, how to communicate effectively with fellow family members, and steps to actively show support.