Helping hand for addicts' carers

People caring for substance abusers often feel guilty and ashamed

A new service is to offer help and support to people caring for substance abusers on Tyneside.

Gateshead Council and the local primary care trust estimate that more than 2,000 people are affected by the impact of drugs and alcohol on loved ones.

As carers they may have no-one to turn to themselves, and often feel they have failed their relative or friend.

A special programme will now train volunteers who have been through similar experiences to offer support.

Linda Moore, the council's carer involvement officer, said that people looking after those misusing drink or drugs face many problems.

'Guilt and shame'

She said: "Feelings of anger, betrayal, and isolation are common but there are also physical effects such as violence and theft of property.

"People live with it for as long as they can and try to manage it on their own.

"We want to help them understand it's not all down to them and get advice from people who have lived through this experience themselves.

"It will be a long slow job. None of this will be achieved overnight because of the stigma, guilt and shame but we are hoping for a mushroom effect as more people realise there is support here for them."