A DRUG support group has launched a new service for users’ parents and families.

Smart (the Substance Misuse and Alcohol Referral Team), which provides counselling and advice to drug addicts and alcoholics, is setting up new family and carer support groups.

They will be the first in Oxfordshire to help family members of drug addicts, rather than the addicts themselves and will offer them the chance to speak to people who have been through the same experiences.

The sessions will take place in Oxford, Witney, Abingdon and Bicester.

Smart chief executive Darren Worthington said: “Families and friends are the forgotten victims of drug and alcohol abuse, and their needs often get overlooked.

“By giving people a place to go, to ask questions and to meet others who can understand their situation, we hope that the silence that many family members feel surrounds their situation can be broken.”

Terry Gilfoyle, Smart’s learner development co-ordinator, added: “Dealing with the problems that drug and alcohol can cause is very difficult for family members.

“The feelings of isolation, anger, guilt, stress and all other emotions that come with this puts a strain on everyone within the family.

“All too often, resources and finances are directed on users, but family members also go through the trauma, as well as lots of emotional and psychological stresses.”

The first family and carer support group meeting is at the Old Music Hall, at the junction of Cowley Road and Marston Street, in East Oxford, tomorrow, between 7pm and 9pm.

The group will then meet at the hall every first Thursday of the month.

Additional groups will meet as follows: Abingdon: (beginning Tuesday, February 16), then the third Tuesday of the month, 7-9pm at 35 Ock Street.

Witney: (beginning Thursday, Feb 11), then the second Thursday of the month, 7-9pm, at Marlborough House, Marlborough Lane.

Bicester: (beginning Tuesday, Feb 23), fourth Tuesday of the month, 7-9pm at the Causeway Centre, 25 The Causeway.

For more information about the new groups call Smart on 01865 403151 or see the website smartcjs.org.uk