Scottish families affected by drugs and alcohol

Borders Ref Help Toolkit
NHS Borders

Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs (SFAD) is a national charity which supports anyone affected by someone else’s alcohol/drug use in Scotland. SFAD provide information and support family members with confidence, communication, and general well-being, and link them to support services. SFAD also help people recognise and understand the importance of looking after themselves. 

Who to refer, who not to refer, how to refer

SFAD offer one-to-one support to anyone in Scotland over the age of 16 who is affected by someone else’s alcohol or drug use. 

Helpline: 08080 10 10 11 

Bereavement Support - If you are supporting a patient who has lost someone who used alcohol or drugs, SFAD bereavement service can give listening support and information. SFAD can also put the patient in touch with an accredited counsellor who is local to you. The service is free and is available across Scotland. 

The quickest way to contact our bereavement service is through the Helpline. 

One to one Support  

SFAD have two one-to-one support services – Telehealth and Holding On. 

  • The Telehealth service offers one-to-one support for anyone concerned about someone else’s alcohol or drug use.  
  • The Holding On service is for people who are living with extreme levels of anxiety, stress, exhaustion, chaos, and trauma daily, due to the high risk of drug/alcohol-related harm and death in their family. 

Resources and links

Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs (sfad.org.uk) 

Local service contact details

Call: 08080 10 10 11 

Email: helpline@sfad.org.uk 
Chat on our live help 
Or fill out a form here 

Editorial Information

Author(s): Susan Elliot .

Author email(s): susanelliot1@borders.scot.nhs.uk .