Family Support Programme

Our Family Support Programme is designed to help concerned persons of the individual with substance use disorder. It has been our experience at Tabor Group for many years, that when a family is affected by addiction, then the whole family can benefit from support. The types of supports that have been shown to help are education, one-to-one support and peer support groups, all of which are provided through the Tabor Group Family Support Programme.

In 2020 a total of 368 family members attended Tabor Group’s Family Support Programme, giving them the opportunity to be directly involved in their relative’s treatment while also receiving the appropriate education and support for themselves. By learning about addiction and how families tend to be affected, participants are empowered to make more informed choices in their lives, as they learn how to respond more effectively to addiction and early recovery.

Just as we encourage those in treatment to make positive changes to improve the quality of their lives, our hope is that their families will also embrace this idea of positive change for themselves.

Our Family Support Programme is not just for the loved ones of individuals in treatment with Tabor Group, but support is also provided to good effect to families whose loved one opt not to take help with addiction treatment.

Is your family member or friend ready to get help?

People in addiction go through stages which is known as the process of addiction. Understanding where your loved one is at on ‘The Wheel of Change will help you to support them at each stage.

Who can attend the Family Support Programme?

Families who have a relative resident taking part in any of Tabor Group’s treatment programmes can participate in any of our family programmes following a referral from a Tabor Group counsellor and after meeting with the Family Services Officer. support is also provided to good effect to families whose loved one opt not to take help with addiction treatment.

It helps to be with others who know what it is like

In 2020 a total of 368 family members attended our Family Day Programme, giving them the opportunity to be directly involved in their relative’s treatment while also receiving the appropriate education and support for themselves. By learning about addiction and how families tend to be affected, participants at our Family Day Programme are empowered to make more informed choices in their lives, as they learn how to respond more effectively to addiction and early recovery.

Getting help  

Our service offers:

• One to one family meetings in Tabor Lodge
• Four week family programme at Tabor Lodge
• Family support groups in Cork City
• Intervention advice and support
• Referrals to other agencies

Contact the Family Programme on 021 488 7110

_________________________________

One to One family meetings

You can arrange a confidential, one to one meeting with our family services counsellor at Tabor Group. You can talk about what you are going through, get understanding of how best to help your loved one and develop a plan to support change.  You can have as many sessions as you need.

Sessions are one-hour and the fee is €50.00

Please ring 021 488 71 10 for more information or to arrange a meeting.                                

Four Week Family Programme

This education based programme is offered both for families with a relative in treatment with us and for those who have not. For those not in treatment the programme is morning only from 10.00 to 12.30. Each week offers themed talks on addiction in the family, interactive workshops and the opportunity to be with others coping with addiction.

Support Groups in Cork City

We run an ongoing, rolling 12-Week facilitated Support Group on Wednesday evenings from 7.30 to 9.30 throughout the year at Ennismore Retreat Centre in Cork City. The group has 12 modules on topics relevant to how families are impacted by addiction with accompanying worksheets and hand-outs.  There is plenty of time to discuss current challenges and home situations and to receive support from people who are also coping and living with addiction. Everyone is welcome.

Intervention advice 

Please ring to speak with our Family Services Officer to talk through how you might set up a family meeting to encourage your addicted family member to seek help.  Whilst there is no right way to do this we can offer you guidelines on creating a plan to ensure all family members are in agreement about the intended outcome of the meeting, who should attend, what to say and not say, how to invite your addicted family member to the meeting and how to stay calm.

Click here for more information on intervention.

Signs and Symptoms of Living with Addiction

• You feel that if they were happy you would be happy
• Frequent arguments
• Frequent oppressive silences
• You argue with or lecture someone about their addictive behaviour
• You try to fix the situation /person but they don’t stop
• You feel you are walking on eggshells
• You frequently bail someone out of trouble
• You worry about bringing people to your home
• You are worried about finances
• You worry every time the phone rings
• You are worried about drug dealers calling to your home
• You are constantly checking up on where someone else is
• You feel sad and broken hearted
• You feel angry or fearful
• You avoid family or work gatherings
• You are concerned for your safety and the safety of others
• You are worried about the impact on yourself or on children
• You haven’t had a night out in ages
• You haven’t been on holiday for years
• You wish you had your loved one back
• You feel trapped and hopeless
• You realise you need help

Living with addiction can impact your mental and physical health

• Shame and stigma
• Anxiety or depression
• Lack of trust
• Low self esteem
• Sleep difficulties
• Fear and grief
• Frustration and anger
• Exhaustion
• Body weaknesses
• High / low blood pressure
• Weight issues