Family Support in Scotland: Unveiling the Realities of Alcohol and Drug Use
More or less every single service I spoke to acknowledged that there was a big gap there for specialist services for young people who were impacted by somebody else's alcohol and drug use, and a lot of services also mentioned that there was a gap for young people with their own substance use as well.
Imagine facing the daily struggle of supporting a loved one through their battle with substance abuse. That's the reality for many families in Scotland, and it's the focus of this episode of 'Life with Alcohol and Drugs'. The podcast, brought to you by Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs, delves into a revealing report titled ‘There’s Only So Much One Person Can Do – A ‘Deep Dive’ into Family Support in Scotland’.
Rebecca McColl, the report's writer and Policy and Research Assistant at Scottish Families, shares the key findings and paints a vivid picture of the current landscape of family support services across Scotland. From a lack of awareness about available services to chronic underfunding and understaffing, the report highlights significant gaps in support.
One of the most alarming issues is the absence of specialized services for young people affected by someone else's substance use, as well as those dealing with their own substance issues. The episode also explores how the COVID-19 pandemic has further strained these already limited resources, making it even harder for families to access the help they desperately need. Rebecca’s insights shed light on the critical need for better funding, increased staff capacity, and greater awareness of available services.
She also discusses practical recommendations for improving family support services in Scotland, making this episode a must-listen for anyone touched by substance abuse issues. Whether you're directly affected or simply interested in understanding the challenges faced by these families, this episode offers a compassionate and informative look into their world.