About Us


...no one plans to be an addict, no smoker plans to die of cancer...

Ballymena Family & Addicts Support Group was established in December 2000 by a group of concerned parents who came together to offer support, information and advice to anyone affected by drug misuse. What is unique about the group is that everyone involved has someone who has or used to have a drug addiction so they have complete understanding of what you may be feeling if you discover a loved one who may be taking drugs.
 
We can offer you many different things but what is most important is that whatever you decide will be kept in the strictest confidence. If you simply want to talk to someone, if you need literature about signs and symptoms of drug use, or if you need your questions answered BFASG are here to help. We can aid in finding whatever help is necessary for you, for the family and for the person taking the drug.
 
We have family meetings every week where we share our feelings, thoughts and experiences and this gives us the opportunity to unload some of the pressures we may be feeling. However, we realise that not everyone wants to be in a 'group' and we make sure that if you just want to talk one on one that you can sit in our 'snug' room and talk in private.
 
The group have continued to develop and expand into many different areas and we now offer a range of alternative therapies including Indian Head massage, Reiki and Auricular Acupuncture.
 
Indian Head Massage
This treatment can be done in 10 minutes but for the full benefit it can last for approximately 45 minutes. It involves gentle or deep massage of the back, shoulders, neck, scalp and face and can be relaxing or invigorating depending on what pressure you choose. Very often stress and tension build up in these areas and Indian Head Massage can relieve the tension and reduce pain.
 
Reiki
Reiki is all about gentle touch either over the whole body, or just in areas causing you trouble. Again, it has all the benefits in reducing stress and pain and treatment times depend on the areas needing work.
 
Auricular Acupuncture
This treatment is being used world wide among those working in the drugs field but Ballymena Family & Addicts Support Group were the first people in N.Ireland to be trained. It involves placing 5 very fine sterile needles in each ear for approximately 45 minutes. Each of the needles are placed on a certain point to assist in the detox process and for stress relief. Benefits include a reduction in cravings and other withdrawal symptoms, improvement in sleep and eating patterns and it reduces anxiety.
 
All the treatments we provide are free to anyone with an addiction and for their family members. You can contact us to make an appointment.
 
We also have arts and crafts for group members and we find this can be therapeutic. So far we have covered decoupage which is building up a picture or print from 3D form and ceramic painting but we will be covering many more in the weeks and months to come.
 
We feel it is important that people understand more about drugs in order to help them deal with any situation that could arise within their own lives. We go out into the community and talk to different groups including women's groups, church groups and schools P.T.A's etc. on basic drug awareness and education. We have been part of the North Eastern Education and library Boards drug awareness road shows for parents and made a video for all pupils in the Northern Board area over the age of 14.
 
Ballymena Family and Addicts Support Group are a charity run by volunteers. We have many exciting new projects in the pipeline but our fundamental aim has never changed - to support you through a time when you need someone to talk to, when you need the find the right information and to access the right treatment.
 
We are open from 10am to 2pm Monday to Friday, and we have a 24hr answering machine service.
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