"My son who is a heroin addict"

Some years ago I found out my son was using Heroin. Obviously I was horrified. I could not believe it and quickly found out that there was nothing I could say or do could change it. He is now 45. About 3 -4 years ago when I did not know what to do, my daughter gave me a pamphlet on Parent Support at Inclusions. I rang their office and was given an appointment with a Councillor, straight away I began to feel better and she helped me realise it was not my fault, nor could I change things.

After some time she suggested me going to workshops at Bitterne to do crafts and attend well being sessions and continuing one to one appointments with the Councillor and a monthly group meeting. Between all the help it has transformed my life from being so depressed, feelings of guilt and shame, to realising it is my son's choice. I continue to receive support from psl which I continuously appreciate. I continue to have one to one support with another support worker who I always look forward to for her support.

My son attends Inclusions with a one to one with a keyworker and he definitely appreciates the help he is given. He has attended a group which he was happy to be offered, but the times and travelling proved difficult as he works hard and long hours. He is very much a functioning addict. Parent Support have definitely helped me through these past years, I could not be mentally where I am today without them. Also I know all my friends who I have met through psl all have received such great help from Parent Support. All the well being and mindfullness sessions help us all immensely.

These are followed up with monthly Life Leap group meetings. We learn so many coping skills. Whereas without it would still feel totally lost and depressed with continuous stress and anxiety, thinking we are to blame for our child's addiction. Parent Support has transformed my life and I realise I have a life to live, which does not mean I stop caring for my son but he feels better knowing that I feel better. I hope there will be a day when my son stops being a user and can enjoy life to the full again, but I also learned to accept his addiction knowing it has been going on for approximately 20 years. I would recommend Parent Support to anyone in a similar situation. They are always willing to help.