Not My Family, Never My Child

Book excerpt: A practical handbook for anyone who suspects (or knows) someone they care about is a drug user. Drawing on the tragic loss of his own son to a heroin overdose and over 20 years working as a counsellor, Tony Trimingham cuts through the media hype and politicking to address the real issues facing the families and friends of someone struggling with addiction. Filled with constructive suggestions and strategies, Not My Family Never My Child is aimed at supporting parents, family members and loved ones of drug users and the users themselves through the difficult journey of drug dependency. It includes detailed information on: warning signs, early intervention, coping and survival strategies, treatment and where to go for additional advice and support. Not My Family Never My Child is an invaluable tool that will help families and friends cope with and get through the trauma, guilt and challenges of supporting someone struggling with drug addiction. Tony Trimingham established the Damien Trimingham Foundation after the death of his 23-year-old son from a drug overdose. A counsellor for 20 years, Tony has assisted many families affected by illicit drug use through the Foundation's working project, Family Drug Support. In 1999 The Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia awarded Tony an Australia Day Medallion for outstanding achievement in the reduction of alcohol and drug-related harm. In 2008 he was the joint winner of the Prime Minister's Award for work in the field of drugs and alcohol.