It is the first in the county to specifically help family members of drug addicts, rather than the addicts themselves, and will offer family members of addicts the chance to speak to people who have been through the same experiences.
The sessions will run in Witney, Oxford, Abingdon, and Bicester.
SMART chief executive, Darren Worthington said: “Families and friends are the forgotten victims of drug and alcohol abuse, and their needs often get overlooked.
“By giving people a place to go, to ask questions and to meet others who can understand their situation, we hope that the silence that many family members feel surrounds their situation can be broken.”
Terry Gilfoyle, SMART learner development co-ordinator, added: “Dealing with the problems that drug and alcohol can cause is also very difficult for the family members.
“The feelings of isolation, anger, guilt, stress and all other emotions that come with this puts a strain on everyone within the family.
“All too often resources and finances are directed on users, but family members also go through the trauma, as well as lots of emotional and psychological stresses.”
The Witney group will be meeting on the second Thursday of the month (starting February 11), 7pm-9pm, at Marlborough House, Marlborough Lane, Witney. For more information about the new group, call SMART, on 01865 403151, or visit www.smartcjs.org.uk/go/family http://www.smartcjs.org.uk/go/family
