Demand for Family Addiction Service in Louth and Meath sees 26% increase

Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI), the national addiction and homeless services charity, say they have seen a 26% increase in referrals to its North-East Family Support Service. 

The charity says they offer a free confidential, non-judgemental and supportive service in counties Louth and Meath to any family member, partner or friend impacted by a loved one’s problematic use of alcohol and drugs.

Service Coordinator at North-East Family Support, Jenny O’Rourke said: “Trying to understand and support a loved one in addiction can be extremely challenging. Often people can find it difficult to share how they are feeling, or experience shame or isolation.

"This can have such a detrimental impact on so many areas of life, including emotional wellbeing, and lead to enormous amounts of stress and worry. Often loved ones are so upset about the person in addiction, they can neglect their own needs. That’s where we come in. We offer individual support, group work, peer support, drug awareness workshops, advice and information.

"Year on year, we are seeing an increase in referrals to our service. However, we have been primarily contacted by women who make up 80% of our clients. So, we want to ensure that men are aware of the service we offer too."

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A parent who availed of the service explained: “I was desperate because of my son’s drug use. I was at an all-time low, and I needed help because I just couldn’t cope.

"What stuck out for me most, was being listened to with no interruptions, they just let me talk. I had to get out what I needed to say, how I felt, what was going on. It was the empathy I was shown. I have to say, it saved my life. 

"If only more people would reach out for help. Why they don’t, is a lot to do with shame and guilt. I understand where they are coming from because I have felt that way too. You ask yourself, ‘where did I go wrong?’. ‘What did I do wrong?’. ‘How did this happen to us?’. But I have learned that there are ways and means around everything. I am able to deal with things so much better now, thanks to MQI.”

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction issues, you can contact the North East Family service on 0861366870 or email nefamilysupport@mqi.ie