Holyoake offers group education, therapy and support programs for families impacted by problematic drug use and gambling.
We at Holyoake recognise that, while the problem drug user or gambler may use their habit to enhance enjoyable feelings and avoid painful ones, it is often the other family members that have to deal with the concrete stress, fear, grief, anger, shame and other strong emotions that come with the problem.
Research indicates that working with the families can achieve more positive results than just working with the substance user or gambler alone. As such, Holyoake in Sydney and in the Hunter, attempt to work with different members of the family to initiate and maintain change for individuals and for the family system as a whole.
There are structured Holyoake group programs available for children (from as young as five), adolescents, and adults: the sons, daughters, siblings, husbands and wives, parents and grandparents who are or have been effected by someone else's drug use. There are also programs available for adolescent users (in Sydney) and adult male and female users (in Maitland).
The Relationships in FOCUS Program (Sydney and Hunter) has for many years provided assistance for the partners and other adult family members who have been affected by someone else?s gambling, alcohol or other drug problems.
The Parents of Users Program (PAUSE - Sydney) has emerged out of the FOCUS framework, acknowledging that the parents of young users have particular issues they need to deal with: issues involving communication, adolescent development, legal, cultural and ethical expectations around parenting.
Kaleidoscope Programs (Sydney): For Kids aged 5 to 17 years who have been affected by someone else?s gambling, alcohol or other drug problems.
Pathways to Change program (Sydney): For adolescents from 12 - 17 years who are experimenting with drugs or alcohol.
Read more