Relatives Service

1NE recognises that addiction is a family illness. The person who is chemically addicted, whether to alcohol or another substance, is not the only one affected. Often family members and close friends have been driven to their limits trying to maintain their own sanity and well being of those around them, as well as support/try and help the addict. 1NE offers a place for those affected by another's drinking or drug taking to receive help for themselves. Family members of current clients on the day programme are encouraged to attend the family programme.

Client Profile

Clients who attend the relatives' service also undergo an assessment but will normally be seen on an individual basis initially. Long running groups for the relatives have been held on a Thursday afternoon and Wednesday evening (ACOA). There is a new group programme being formed which will be fully functioning in September 2005.

Minimum age for the Relatives Service is 13.

Weekend Workshops

Both branches of the service hold weekend workshops. These are well attended by current and ex clients and topics covered by the family service include 'breaking the cycles', 'family systems'. Topics covered in the service for the clients with drink problems include 'shame' and 'twelve step meditation'. There have been six recent weekend workshops with plans for more in the future.

We also run meditation workshops around the twelve step programme. Some of the clients have requested a residential weekend away and this innovative idea is at a consultation stage.