When we think about caregivers, we often envision family and friends assisting elderly or less mobile loved ones with various health conditions, perhaps taking them to hospital appointments or enjoying an occasional afternoon tea. However, society frequently overlooks another crucial aspect of caregiving: caring for those struggling with addiction or mental health issues. This often leads to a significant lack of additional support and options for these caregivers, who find themselves navigating the complex and overwhelming systems of the NHS, addiction services (often unconnected to the NHS), and, increasingly, the Criminal Justice System. Each day brings with it the uncertainty of what challenges they will face, as well as the associated health issues that burden all caregivers.

For these individuals, there is little to no respite or relaxation. The idyllic image of a caregiver's life I described at the beginning feels like a distant dream. There are no special pathways or additional support systems available to them. To make matters worse, caregivers are often not viewed as necessary by the people they care for; they can feel like obstacles to those seeking their next fix. Caring for someone with an addiction can consume one's life.

These caregivers struggle to make meaningful plans for themselves as their lives hinge on the unpredictability of each day and hour. They live in a state of constant anxiety, worrying about every phone call or what might await them upon returning home. 

The challenges and complexities of this situation are vast and deserving of extensive discussion. As a society, and more importantly, as a community in Harrow, we must collectively shift our mindset. We need to recognise that caregiving and support for caregivers are not a one-size-fits-all solution; they are as dynamic and intricate as the issues faced by their loved ones for whom they care for.

After reading this, I hope you will join me in acknowledging the necessity of rethinking how we, as a community, support caregivers of individuals with addiction. 

I hope you agree that this is a conversation worth having.

David AL-Basha