The Hidden Impact of Substance Use on Children and Young People

The Hidden Impact of Substance Use on Children and Young People

In this episode of Breaking the Stigma, we explore the often unseen impact that substance use can have on children and young people. Hosted by Barbara Zaman from the ADP Support Team, this episode features Chloe Dudgeon from Dumfries and Galloway Council Youth Work Service and the Dumfries and Galloway Young Women’s Network.  Together, they discuss the powerful new film Behind Closed Doors, created with young people across Dumfries and Galloway to highlight the emotional and psychological impact of parental and family substance use. The conversation explores trauma, stigma, poverty, violence against women and girls, early exposure to substances, and the importance of creating safe, trusted spaces where young people feel able to talk openly and access support. Chloe also shares insight into current trends affecting young people, including increasing cannabis use, experimentation with substances at a younger age, and the importance of harm reduction, partnership working and trauma-informed support. This episode is an important reminder that substance use does not only affect individuals. It impacts families, relationships, childhoods and futures. Because sometimes the experiences children carry are the ones adults never fully see. For more information and support, visit dgadp.co.uk Produced by Your Fairy Podmother®️www.fairypodmother.co.uk

Human Rights, Recovery and Respect - Understanding the Charter of Rights

In this episode of Breaking the Stigma, we explore the Charter of Rights and why a rights-based approach is essential when supporting people affected by drugs and alcohol. Hosted by Faye from the ADP Support Team, this episode features Tom Bennett, Rights and Recovery Development Officer with the Scottish Recovery Consortium (SRC).  Together, they discuss the seven key human rights within the Charter of Rights and what they mean in practice for people affected by substance use, recovery communities, services and professionals working across Scotland. The conversation explores stigma, discrimination, advocacy, recovery, trauma-informed practice and why people affected by substance use must be treated with dignity, compassion and respect. Tom also explains the FAIR model, how services can better uphold human rights, and why education and awareness are vital in changing attitudes and improving outcomes. This episode is an important conversation for anyone accessing support, working within services, supporting a loved one, or wanting to better understand how human rights connect to recovery and wellbeing. Because everyone deserves to have their voice heard, their dignity protected, and their rights respected. For more information and support, visit dgadp.co.uk. Find The Scottish recovery Consortium here: https://scottishrecoveryconsortium.org/ [https://scottishrecoveryconsortium.org/] Produced by Your Fairy Podmother®️www.fairypodmother.co.uk

Women’s Health and Addiction - The Hidden Barriers We Must Address

In this episode of Breaking the Stigma, we focus on women’s health and the unique challenges faced by women affected by substance use, trauma and involvement in the justice system. Hosted by Barbara from the ADP Support Team, this episode features Vicki, Community Justice Partnership Manager for Dumfries and Galloway, and Michelle, Recovery Worker with With You in Dumfries and Galloway. Together, they explore the barriers women face when trying to access health services, including stigma, trauma, inequality in service provision, and the impact of complex life experiences such as domestic abuse, mental health challenges and motherhood. The conversation highlights gaps in areas such as reproductive health, menopause support, and dual diagnosis, while also exploring how services can better listen to and act on lived experience. The importance of safe, women-only spaces, peer support, and building trust is a key theme throughout. This episode also looks at how services must move beyond being trauma-informed to becoming gender-informed, recognising that women’s experiences are different and require a more tailored, compassionate approach. Whether you are a woman affected by drugs or alcohol, supporting someone who is, or working within services, this episode offers insight, understanding and a call to action for change. Because to truly support women, we must first understand their experiences. For more information and support, visit dgadp.co.uk. We are With YOU: Phone  0800 035 0793 [callto:0800%20035%200793]  Email: dumfriesgalloway@wearewithyou.org.uk  [dumfriesgalloway@wearewithyou.org.uk] Community Justice Partnership: https://www.dgppp.org.uk/about-partnership-and-strategic-partnerships/key-strategic-partnerships/community-justice [https://www.dgppp.org.uk/about-partnership-and-strategic-partnerships/key-strategic-partnerships/community-justice] Produced by Your Fairy Podmother®️www.fairypodmother.co.uk

Recovery IS possible!

In this episode of Breaking the Stigma, we explore what recovery really looks like... not just in theory, but in everyday life. Hosted by Faye from the ADP Support Team, this episode features Charly from Dumfries and Galloway Recovery Together (DGRT) and Andrew, founder of Southwest Recovery Cafe. Through honest and powerful conversation, Charly and Andrew share their own lived experiences of recovery, what it means to them personally, and how recovery communities are helping people across Dumfries and Galloway find connection, purpose and hope. The episode explores how peer-led recovery groups work, how individuals can get involved, and why having a sense of community can make all the difference. It also highlights the challenges people face, including stigma, and the importance of creating safe, supportive spaces where people feel understood and not judged. Whether you are at the start of your recovery journey, supporting someone else, or working within services, this episode offers insight, reassurance and a powerful reminder that recovery is possible. Because sometimes, the first step is simply knowing that there is another way forward. For more information and local support, visit dgadp.co.uk. For Southwest Recovery Cafe - Find us on Facebook or call 07858 417137 For D&G Recovery Together - Find us on Facebook or call 07548 309727 or email Dumfriesandgallowayrecoverytog@gmail.com Produced by Your Fairy Podmother®️www.fairypodmother.co.uk

Family Support - You're Not Alone

In this episode of Breaking the Stigma, we turn the focus to the people often affected but less often heard - families. Hosted by Jacqueline Stewart from the ADP Support Team, this episode features Angela Robertson, Chief Executive of Alcohol and Drug Support South West Scotland (ADSSWS), Elizabeth McColm, who works within the Being There family support service, and Sarah, who shares her experience of supporting a loved one. Together, they explore the real impact that drugs and alcohol can have on families, emotionally, practically, and day to day.  The conversation highlights the challenges families face, the importance of feeling heard and supported, and how services like Being There  provide vital help across Dumfries and Galloway. With a mix of professional insight and lived experience, this episode offers reassurance, understanding and practical guidance for anyone supporting someone affected by substance use. Whether you are a parent, partner, friend, or working within services, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone, and that support is available for families too. Because when one person is affected, so are many others. For more information and local support, visit dgadp.co.uk. For Alcohol & Drug Support South West Scotland https://www.adssws.co.uk/ [https://www.adssws.co.uk/] For Being There Family Support: https://www.adssws.co.uk/being-there/ [https://www.adssws.co.uk/being-there/] Produced by Your Fairy Podmother®️www.fairypodmother.co.uk