Families caught in spiral of drug use

Families with a heroin or crack-cocaine addict may be tempted to
experiment with the drugs themselves, according to research.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has found that parents of drug users
lack the time or energy to support their other children – and
siblings lose a valued relationship.

Researcher Marina Barnard said the risks had not been addressed.
She said: “Policymakers must give careful thought to ways in which
better family support can most effectively mesh with existing
treatment and prevention services.”

• Drugs in the Family from www.jrf.org.uk