Welcome to the CADS Auckland Family and Friends page.

"Families come in all shapes and sizes – families may be people related by blood ties, marriage, friends or other close relationships"

If you have clicked onto this page you may well have concerns about someone else’s use of alcohol and/or other drugs (AOD). You are in the right place. There is hope.

 Here at CADS we are aware that being alongside someone who is using AOD in a way that is causing problems for themselves and others can be very stressful and confusing. The ongoing use and consequent stress of those involved can have a negative impact on families, emotionally, financially and socially.

Those alongside someone using AOD in this manner are often experiencing anxiety, fear, grief, hopelessness, shame and isolation and may not know where to turn to for help.

Family and friends may need to access CADS services as support for them-selves to manage these feelings, learn about dependency, substances, boundaries and useful coping strategies.

CADS has a range of options available as support for you:

• Family & Friends Information Evenings
• Family & friends Support groups in all the CADS Units
• One to one counselling as support

Here is some feedback from two family members who have accessed CADS services:

"Coming to CADS “has changed our family dynamics and helped reduce my personal stress levels for which I have been hospitalised several times...” and ”Many thanks for the knowledge shared, support mechanisms and practical help. I am a better, more confident person, more able to cope and our marriage will be stronger...”

CADS is committed to including family in our service provision. Evidence tells us that when our clients have family included in their treatment it strengthens the work we do and can enhance positive outcomes.

You are welcome to seek support for yourself whether the person you are concerned about is a CADS client or not.

If you do have concerns about someone else’s use of AOD and want information about treatment options for them, or you would like support for yourself, then contact us on 09 845-1818 or walk into a CADS Clinic at any of our units between 10.00am – 1.00pm Monday - Friday.

Some websites that you might find helpful

• Al-Anon www.al-anon.org.nz
• Relationship Services www.relate.org.nz

When you’re ready!