Laura's Story

Laura was referred to the service by her employer who had seen our service advertised locally. After breaking down in her place of work under stress, she told her story to her supervisor who called WDP for advice and information. Her eldest son (who is 32 years old) had been using crack cocaine for two years and the situation had become unbearable for her. She had numerous confrontations with her son and was fearful of what he would do. He had stolen from her and destroyed her personal belongings, she felt she had no one to talk to about her situation and so was trying to deal with the problem alone.

Laura felt that her issue was a personal matter that she should deal with. After initially having a brief conversation over the phone to assure Laura that our service operates a confidentiality policy, we told her that she was able to discuss her situation with a member of staff who would offer advice, information and support without making any judgments. Laura felt that her son's drug use was too painful and embarrassing to raise with her family and friends and therefore isolated herself from receiving the support she needed. She arranged to attend the Harrow Road project to meet with Rachel who coordinates our Christopher Project service.

The Christopher Project service is a new addition to the service at WDP and works directly with families, friends and the wider community who are affected by substance misuse.

Laura was offered one-to-one sessions with Rachel to explore how she could support her son whilst at the same time address her own needs of support. Laura had to initially find out more about crack cocaine and how it works in the body. This helped Laura understand the change in her son's behaviour and remember what her son was like before his drug use. Laura's son was not engaged in treatment and at this stage had no intention on accessing a service; however Laura was encouraged to find that there were services available for both her and her son.

After a number of one-to-one sessions Laura felt that she had received the advice and information she'd needed which had empowered her to address her situation; she also welcomed the support. Laura felt the sessions she had received from WDP had resulted in tremendous progress in her relationship with her son.

They both still have a long way to go, however Laura has discussed her son's drug use with her family who have offered her support without judgment. Laura feels confident to return to WDP whenever she needs encouragement. Her son feels that he is not yet ready for treatment but is aware of where to get help when he makes that decision.