We are saddened to hear of the increase in drug-related deaths in the statistics which were published today by the National Records of Scotland which show there were 867 drug-related deaths in Scotland in 2016. These deaths are preventable and it is upsetting that so many people have lost their lives. Behind each one of these deaths is a hidden grieving family who will be impacted by their loved one’s death.
We know that families act as a protective factor for many people with drug problems. Families are doing whatever they can to keep their family members safe, support them into treatment and keep them alive.
Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs Chief Executive Officer, Justina Murray, stated:
“Today’s statistics are extremely concerning, but we believe that this number would be even higher if not for the efforts families are making in keeping their loved ones safe and alive. We do not know the total number of families who will be dealing with drug-related loss and grief as nobody collects or publishes these statistics, but we know there will be many. This includes many who will be going without the support and the opportunity to grieve due to the stigma, loneliness, and isolation which are linked to drug-related bereavement.”
Today the Scottish Families staff team will be out across Scotland in response to these statistics. We will be offering information about our services and advice to anyone who is looking for support or who is worried about someone’s alcohol or drug use. This includes our unique bereavement counselling service which supports families across Scotland.
We offer a free confidential support service that is funded by the Scottish Government to anyone who has lost someone they care about where drugs have had an impact. The service is for anyone who lives in Scotland and over the age of 16. We fund a network of counsellors in Scotland which allows us to make sure that the service is free, local, and accessible for everyone. Our bereavement support service can be accessed through our helpline: 08080 10 10 11.
A family member, who wishes to remain anonymous, explains how Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs supported her after the loss of her husband; “I had tried for so long to come to terms with the loss of my husband. He was clean and sober and doing really well. It was such a shock to the whole family when he was found dead and my world fell apart. From the first call to Scottish Families, everything seemed so easy and within a week I had my first counselling appointment booked. It’s been 13 months since I had my counselling and my life is back on track.”
Our counselling team recognise the needs of the families we work with; “To lose a loved one in any circumstances can be absolutely devastating. However, to lose a loved one in circumstances that involve drugs can be especially difficult as there are often additional challenges to face. The stigma, prejudice, and misunderstanding that regularly surround addiction can make the task of grieving so much more difficult. Being able to access help and support is so important and will, without a doubt, be a lifeline for many people.”
Notes to Editors:
About Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs:
Scottish Families’ is a membership organisation and hub of a national network of family support groups across Scotland providing information and support through:
- National Helpline – 08080 10 10 11
- National Telehealth programme
- Bereavement support service
- Website & web-chat facility, www.sfad.org.uk
- Direct support through regional/local family support groups
For further information and comment contact:
Justina Murray, Chief Executive Officer, Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs
Tel 0141 465 7523, Mob 07904280669, email CEO@sfad.org.uk.