We in Bushypark believe that addiction affects the entire family and we therefore encourage family and other concerned persons to be part of the recovery process

We work with family members and concerned persons right through all the stage of the recovery process

In many cases it is family that make the first call to the centre to seek assistance and support. We welcome these enquiries and provide guidance and support to the caller in a free and confidential manner.

If person is recommended to bring someone for assessment we recommend that they attend the assessment stage of the process also to provide additional information and to gain an understanding of addiction. The assessment process is an educational process for many people as they gain a valuable insight into what addiction is and the issues re same.

During the 4 weeks of the client’s treatment we invite family members to attend each Wednesday for the day. During this day they are part of family conferences, they gain support by meeting other families in similar situations and they are given lectures to educate them on addiction and its effects

When the client completes treatment we encourage the spouse/partner to attend continuing care. The purpose of this is to gain peer support through the vital two years of the recovery process.

We encourage families to attend the fellowship meetings of AL ANON, NAR ANON, GAM ANON to assist with their own recovery. List of contacts and meeting is provided for families in the centre.

We also refer families to family therapy services where necessary – this service is funded under the National Drugs Strategy and enables families to get ten free sessions of family therapy to assist them in making the necessary changes to their lives.

Family members can also participate in any of the 3 weekly Family Support Programmes:  Tuesday evenings at 7.30 in Clarecare room 13, Harmony Row, Ennis or Tuesdays 8.00 pm-9.30 pm in the Pastoral Centre on Denmark Street, Limerick, or Wednesdays 3.30 pm-5.00 pm Pastoral Centre, Denmark Street, Limerick.  Informal opportunity to drop in for a chat and a cup of tea, meditation and relaxation, and a chance to get ideas about taking care of yourself or share your own ideas.  It’s good to know you aren’t alone.  These programmes are co-facilitated by trained counsellors and experienced facilitators. FREE DROP IN SERVICES. Tea/Coffee

Various workshops are held for couples and for family members to assist with the recovery process (see our blog section for forthcoming events)