1. The National Family Support Network 5-Step Method Conference – 5-Step in Groups Siobhán Maher/Robert Browne 11.11.14

2. What is Family Support? Family Support can be offered on a one-to-one basis or in a group setting. The model of family support that the Network advocates is peer family support. This is where a number of people with a common problem, in our case living with drug use, come together to share their experiences. What does a Family Support Group do? A Family Support Group is a safe, confidential, non judgemental place for family members to discuss issues emerging from the problem of drug use within the family What is Family Support

3. The stress-strain-coping-support (SSCS) model (Copello, Ibanga, Orford, Templeton, Velleman) This model underpins the 5-Step Method. While previous models of substance misuse have typically blamed family members for dysfunction – the SSCS Model does not. In the SSCS model, family members are BOTH part of the solution, AND also have needs in their own right. Family members are at the heart of the response. Considers how harms to individuals and families can be reduced.

4. The Experience of Family Members How difficult it is to live with someone (as a spouse, or as a parent or as a child) when that person misuses alcohol or drugs. The various impacts that the drinker or drug user has on their lives. How this has affected them as family members, who have to worry and often bear the brunt of any changes in the substance misuser. How they often become anxious, or depressed, or how the worry seems to lead to effects on their physical health too. How they cope or deal with these difficulties. From a careful examination of what they say about how they cope, it seems that there are 3 main ways that people cope with living with a drug or alcohol misuser. And people across the world have also said that the amount and type of social support that they receive is an important influence on the well-being of the family member.

5. The stress-strain-coping-support (SSCS) model (Copello, Ibanga, Orford, Templeton, Velleman) Developed from what family members told the ADF Group in various research studies: Families experience stress as a result of someone else’s problem drinking or drug use; this has an impact on them. The strain of dealing with the substance misuse leads to physical and psychological ill health. The strain is influenced/mediated by: – Method(s) of coping – Level and quality of social support

6. Step 1: Listen, reassure and explore concerns Allow family member to describe situation Identify relevant stresses Identify need for further information Communicate realistic optimism Identify need for future contacts Step 2: Provide relevant, specific and targeted information Increase knowledge and understanding Reduce stress arising from lack of knowledge or misconceptions Step 3: Explore coping responses Identify current coping responses Explore advantages and disadvantages of current coping strategies Explore alternative coping responses Explore advantages and disadvantages of alternative ways of coping 5-Step Method

7. Step 4: Discuss Social Support Draw a social network diagram Aim to improve communication within the family Aim for a unified and coherent approach Explore potential new sources of support Step 5: Discuss and explore further needs Is there a need for further help? Discuss possible options with family member Facilitate contact between family member and other sources of specialist help 5-Step Method

8.  It interrupts the negative dynamic of drug use within the family.  It helps family members look after their own needs.  It helps the families of drug users to make constructive choices.  It helps families to reinforce the work of the service agencies.  It enables families to be a resource to their own communities.

9.  Welcome  Ground Rules/contract  Confidentiality  Outline of group session  Self help handbook  FMQ/3 Month follow up  Time management

10.  Non judgemental acceptance of others  Willingness to self-disclose  Respecting confidentiality  Recognising the available support in the group  Respecting others  Willingness to accept feedback

11.  Give your attention to members as they share their story  Being aware of your own body language and reactions when listening and responding to speakers  Offering all the opportunity to speak and not allowing one member to dominate  Encouraging calmness and serenity within the group  Make sure members leave the group with a sense of support

12.  Home practice – suggest that members complete exercises in self-help handbook  Encourage members to read through next step and practice new skills learned  Encourage members to bring any unanswered questions to the next session

13.  http:// www.beaumont.ie/index.jsp?a=473&n=532&p=528#relaxation

14.  What are the two most positive outcomes of using 5-Step Method with groups?  What blocks/barriers might present in using the method in a group setting? Please prioritise a maximum of 2 of each.