Mr. Joe Slattery:

Yes. The introduction stated five minutes. I did not realise I had three.

Family members are the collateral damage of addiction – the ones hurt the most, with relationships destroyed, bank accounts emptied and homes turned into war zones. They are left feeling bullied and intimidated and are made to feel they are at fault and to feel ostracised by their communities. They are heartbroken repeatedly by promises of change that never happens.

A supporting factor in people's recovery from addiction comprises the connections with and supports they have from others, including family. They are supported to work through their trauma and forgive their actions due to their addiction. What most people do not consider is that addiction is not a singular issue but a family issue impacting everyone. Everyone deserves the opportunity to recover and rebuild his or her life.