New podcast shows impact of addiction and its wider affects

A NEW podcast looking at the work of local drug projects and the impact of addiction kicks off this week with an episode centred on the impact that addiction can have on families.

The first episode of the Tallaght Drug and Alcohol Task Force’s (TDATF) ‘Survive and Thrive’ podcast features interviews with families from the Whitechurch Addiction Support Project in Rathfarnham.

Titled ‘A Family Affair’, the episode shows the ripple effect that addiction has on families but also highlights that support is out there.

The episode will be released this Friday, December 15.

Talking about the episode, TDATF coordinator Grace Hill told The Echo: “The pilot episode highlights the reality that addiction really is a family disease and usually impacts every member of the family in different ways.

“Family members that access our family support projects were very happy to share their stories, and they appreciated the anonymity which the podcast affords them.

“In this episode, we speak with three parents who have received crucial support from Whitechurch Addiction Support Project, which supports family members impacted by substance misuse, in the Tallaght, Whitechurch and Rathfarnham areas.

“The aim of the podcast is to give a range of people a channel to tell their stories, hopefully creating awareness in the process and promoting the importance of seeking help and how to do this.”

The podcast is still at an early stage, and TDATF will assess the reaction the pilot episode garners to inform other episodes in the near future.

“At the moment we plan to review how the pilot episode is received, listenership and general feedback in the community,” said Ms Hill.

“It’s very much a learning curve for us and something we’re trialling; however, we know it has huge potential and lots of plans for future episodes if well received.

“I’d encourage people to give it a chance, give it a listen and have an open mind.

“You may never need the help yourself, but you might be able to help someone else avail of support, should they need it.”

The first episode of ‘Survive and Thrive’ is out this Friday, December 15 on Spotify, and for further information on the Tallaght Drug and Alcohol Task Force’s services visit HERE.