International Family Drug Support Day

Held annually on or near 24 February, International Family Drug Support Day aims to draw attention to the importance of supporting families affected by alcohol and other drugs (AOD).

This year’s theme is ‘Time for Change’ and advocates for:

• evidence-based changes in drug policy
• reducing stigma and discrimination over substance use
• promoting harm reduction strategies for families, carers and friends
• promoting support services for families, carers and friends.

Emerging Minds has created a learning pathway to support practitioners who work with parents to address substance use.

Comprised of two free online courses, the AOD learning pathway explores the potential impacts of substance use on children’s relationships, physical health, mental health and wellbeing.

The pathway provides a guide for talking with parents about their substance use and how it may be affecting their child. It also outlines strategies to empower parents by identifying their strengths and the hopes they have for their family.

It’s not too late to consider the themes and messages behind International Family Drug Support Day this year. We encourage you to use this as a prompt to reflect on how you can support parents and families affected by substance use through your practice.