How long does the programme take?

It will take around 12 weeks to complete the Vesta Approach Programme. For one to one support, you will have a weekly therapeutic session with me and then practice the techniques we have discussed during the week. By the end of the programme, you will feel more confident and less stressed!
The online groupwork programme is 12 weeks.

Is there any ongoing support?

There is a private Facebook group for all clients who are participating in any version of the Vesta Programme. This is a fantastic way of family members living in the same situation to support each other a forge a community which can be accessed for as long as needed. Access my free group here. 

How old do I need to be to get help?
At the moment, The Vesta Approach supports people aged 18 and over living with a drug or alcohol user who is also age 18 and over. This will change in the future as I create additional support programmes. Children and young people need to be worked with in a very different way. I can still support you if you have children living in the family home.

If you are a child or young person and you need support, please contact:

http://www.nacoa.org.uk/ For children of alcoholics

https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/ For any support and advice with a family member who uses drugs or alcohol

Will the programme work for family members of alcohol or drug users?

The programme can still be effective for family members of drug or alcohol users. Some people may use both drugs and alcohol. We can sort this out when you enquire about support.

What if I use drugs or alcohol myself?
Some family members may use drugs or alcohol themselves. This doesn’t mean that you also have a problem with them. Many people use drugs and alcohol recreationally and their use does not affect other areas of their life. However, if you do want your loved one to change their own use because of the problems it is causing, you may need to stop using for a while or agree not to use around them. This is a personal choice and will formulate part of the boundary setting we go through in the programme.
Can my loved one participate in the programme?
No. This programme is for what we call “concerned others” to help you to live a better life and learn the skills to support your loved one. Your loved ones will need to access drug and alcohol treatment from a recognised treatment provider. We cover this in the programme.
What does "family recovery" mean?
The term “family” applies to anyone at all, whether you have a partner, you are married, you have children or not. It is whatever family means to you. I support both men and women.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA, 2011) describes “recovery” as “a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.” It is recommended that abstinence from drug or alcohol use leads to recovery in individuals. I am interested in family recovery also as this is often a neglected area of support.

When someone stops using drugs or alcohol, although it is the start of recovery, it will lead to additional problems that individuals and families have to deal with which the Vesta Approach can help with.

Who is the Vesta Programme for?
At the moment, the Vesta Programme is for people living with a drug or alcohol user. Participants in the programme must be over 18 and so must the person using drugs or alcohol (your loved one). This may change in the future. A programme for family members living with under 18’s who are using drugs and alcohol is something I am determined to create.

In a nutshell:

  • You ideally need to live with your loved one or have daily contact.
  • Your loved one needs to be 18 or over and currently experiencing problems from using drugs or alcohol (even if they don’t admit it).
  • Your loved one will not be involved in your therapy. This is for you.