There are different ways in which families of people who use drugs may be affected and may affect the drug use of their family member. Some are positive and some are negative. This section focuses on the problems experienced by adult family members of people who have drug problems and the potential role of families in supporting treatment engagement.

Families of people who use drugs can experience a wide range of harms: worry and psychological distress leading to physical and mental ill-health; harm from domestic violence; exposure to threats and violence associated with the drug debts and the involvement of the drug-using family member in the illicit market; the financial burden of directly and indirectly supporting a drug user; impact on employment from stress or caring responsibilities; strain on family relationships; and loss of social life and isolation.

Family members can make a positive contribution by supporting the family member who uses drugs and encouraging them to engage with treatment.