In this episode, we discuss how addiction affects families, the challenges of supporting a loved one, and practical, evidence-based approaches to conversations with others who may be experiencing addiction problems.

Richard Velleman is Emeritus Professor of Mental Health Research at the University of Bath, Co-Director of the Addictions and Related Research Group at Sangath (India), and a founder of the Addiction and the Family International Network (AFINet). A clinical and academic psychologist, he is internationally recognised for his work on addiction, family members affected by addiction, and psychological interventions. He co-developed the influential Stress-Strain-Information-Coping-Support (SSICS) model and 5-Step Method, which are used worldwide to support families affected by addiction. His current work focuses on improving access to mental health care through community-based and digital interventions in the UK, India, and internationally.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• AFINet (Addiction and the Family International Network) – Research, resources and support for people affected by a loved one's addiction: https://afinetwork.info/
• AFINet 5-Step Method – Evidence-based approach to supporting affected family members: https://afinetwork.info/the-5-step-method-resource-hub/
• Adfam (UK) – Information and support for families affected by drugs, alcohol and gambling: https://adfam.org.uk/

Peer support

• Al-Anon – Support for families and friends of people with alcohol problems: https://al-anon.org/
• Alateen – Support for young people affected by someone else's drinking: https://al-anon.org/for-members/group-resources/alateen/
• Nar-Anon – Support for families and friends of people who use drugs: https://nar-anon.org/
• Families Anonymous – Support for families affected by addiction and related behaviours: https://familiesanonymous.org/

Other evidence-based support

• Alternatives – Support groups and practical help for families and friends: https://www.alternat-i-ves.org/
• SMART Recovery Family & Friends – Evidence-based support programmes (country-specific):
  • Australia: https://smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au/family-friends-program
  • UK: https://smartrecovery.org.uk/smart_family__friends/
  • USA: https://smartrecovery.org/family
  • Canada: https://smartrecovery-canada.ca/programs
• Invitation to Change – Compassionate, evidence-based approach for helping someone with substance use problems: https://cmcffc.org/approach/invitation-to-change

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If you are interested in one-to-one support for your drinking with Dr James Morris, contact him at DrJamesMorris.com

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In this episode I talk to Professor Hanna Pickard about addiction, identity and denial, and how these are relevant to understanding and treating alcohol problems.

Hanna Pickard is Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of Philosophy and Bioethics and Krieger-Eisenhower Professor at Johns Hopkins University.

In addition to her wok as a philosopher and as a therapist, she has published extensively on the topic of addiction. Her new book, What Would You Do Alone in a Cage with Nothing but Cocaine? A Philosophy of Addiction is available to order here via her website.

Support the show

If you are interested in one-to-one support for your drinking with Dr James Morris, contact him at DrJamesMorris.com

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For more episodes visit https://alcoholpodcast.buzzsprout.com/

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In this episode we discuss alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD), what it is, its treatment, and hear Lesley's experience as a survivor of ARLD and transplant. Lesley was a patient of Dr Ashwin Dhanda, a liver specialist, and both provide their insights into the condition and how society should do more to raise awareness of and prevent alcohol-related harm and ARLD.

Ashwin Dhanda is Professor of Liver Medicine at the University of Plymouth and a liver specialist at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. He leads a programme of research around stigma in alcohol-related liver disease including identifying causes of stigma and how it affects people and designing interventions to tackle it.

Lesley was diagnosed with ARLD in December 2019, which led to a liver transplant in December 2019. She is part of a liver support group supporting other patients and working as a patient representative with Ashwin on a research project around stigma in alcohol related liver disease and helping the research team design interventions to tackle it from a patient/peer perspective.

Support the show

If you are interested in one-to-one support for your drinking with Dr James Morris, contact him at DrJamesMorris.com

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For more episodes visit https://alcoholpodcast.buzzsprout.com/

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