PACT (Parents and Carers Training)

What is PACT?

The programme is a support programme designed to help ‘concerned others’ affected by a loved one’s problematic substance use. It has assisted concerned others to make significant changes to their own, as well as their loved one’s life.  Besides teaching new skills, it also provides an opportunity to share and learn from others in similar situations. The programme offers a range of skills in order to identify specific issues and develop proven action plans to address them.

What is PACT for?

The programme is designed to support all kinds of carers. It does not matter whether you are the partner, parent, son, or daughter of the user. Nor does it matter what drug or alcohol related problem they might be experiencing. So long as you are in close contact with your loved one, the programme can help you make changes for the better.

Unlike other programmes, PACT does not suggest leaving your loved one.

How does PACT work?

Whilst drug and alcohol related problems appear relentless, use is affected by the environment your loved one is in. This is not to say that you are to blame for these problems but it does mean that you can influence your loved ones environment. In doing so you can make alcohol and drug consumption less appealing and create more rewarding alternatives.  This can have a powerful effect on their behaviour without resorting to conflict.

What does PACT entail?

PACT is a skill based counselling programme.  Working one-to-one with a PACT counsellor who will in each session teach you practical skills in how to change your loved one's environment.  Your progress will be reviewed regularly to ensure we are on track. This does take perseverance, as changing old habits is hard. We will assist you in this plus the Empathy support group will offer help and support from people in similar situations.

What is the PACT Programme?

Relapse Prevention Managing Domestic Violence/Abuse

Aims of the Programme:

      Goal Setting

      Communication Skills

      Problem Solving

      Improving Your Life

      Social Networks

      Rewarding Your Loved One

      Disabling Enabling

      Introducing the Idea of Treatment