It is a shock for parents to discover their child is taking drugs (Help Our Son', Barnet and Potters Bar Times, August 15).

I can say personally that I found the Barnet Council Drug Service very helpful at the time. They offered counselling for us the parents and for our drug addict child, who in the event chose not to make use of their services.

Through the National Drugline we obtained the phone number of Families Anonymous', a voluntary organisation which helps family and friends of drug users. Attending their meetings, after having suffered such shock, disbelief, helplessness, fear, anger, guilt and isolation, brought some sanity back into our lives. Meeting with other parents made us feel less isolated and we were able to discuss our probems with other people who have gone through the same experiences.

Families Anonymous run a helpline on 020 7498 4680.

Name and address supplied

August 19, 2002 16:30