I READ with interest your item ‘Treatment’ (28/9/16) stating that 2538 people in Gloucestershire were treated for drug or alcohol use during the last year.

Whilst wishing those people the very best in maintaining their recovery, I can’t help thinking of their family members – parents, siblings, partners and friends – who have all been affected by the problems caused by alcohol and drug misuse.

I’ve heard it said that a practising drug user for instance can keep up to 10 people busy with worrying, nagging, advising, rescuing, bailing them out, paying off debts, and as a result suffering all manner of stress-related illnesses themselves.

That’s up to 25,000 people locally who also need treatment or understanding and support.

I suffered for years due to my son’s Class A drug abuse until I found Families Anonymous and got the help I needed to cope with the situation.

Call the helpline 0207 498 4680 or 0845 1200 660 to hear the details of meetings in Stonehouse and Gloucester.