Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Sherlock for the question. I agree with Mr. Slattery. There has to be a stand-alone service for family members for their own separate recovery because, as others have said, addiction impacts the whole family in a devastating way. It is really important that the recognition for family support and family therapy is part of the comprehensive public health approach in Ireland. The reality is that family members are devastated watching someone they love go down that self-destructive route. It can bring them into a very dark place. It is important that is recognised. It is about investment in help. Often, in a typical family of parents and children, for example, if one family member is lost in problematic alcohol, drug or even gambling use and in a very dark place, if he or she recovers, it can really impact the children and even sometimes break the legacy of addiction.

Such a stand-alone service is really important. I know all of the services here today do that, which is fantastic. FASN does really phenomenal work in the north east with regard to its family supports. There definitely has to be a stand-alone service for family members.