Millions of family members across the world are affected by the addictive behaviour (alcohol, drugs, gambling, etc) of a relative, which usually has a highly stressful impact on these affected family members or AFMs (AFMs are the parents, siblings, spouse, children of the individuals suffering from addiction). AFMs experience high levels of physical and mental health symptoms, with knock-on effects on AFMs’ finances, employment performance, parenting skills, etc. However, as the AFMs are not a group that wields collective power for social change, they have remained underserved by public health interventions.

Using evidence-based interventions, AFMs can be helped to reduce their levels of symptoms and improve their methods of coping.  One such evidence-based intervention is the 5-Step Method which empowers AFMs by exploring concerns, providing relevant information, exploring coping responses, developing greater social support and exploring further needs. Developed in the UK, the 5-Step Method is now being used in a number of developed countries, with studies demonstrating that this has significant positive effects.