Drug and alcohol-related bereavement and the role of peer support
Keywords:
Drugs, alcohol, traumatic bereavement, stigma, peer supportAbstract
AbstractMany people experience acute isolation, lack of support and social stigma following a drug or alcohol related bereavement. This article highlights trends within drug and alcohol-related bereavement and the common themes which surface when someone dies in this way. It goes on to explore the work of the BEAD – bereaved through drugs and alcohol project between Cruse Bereavement Care and Adfam in supporting this overlooked and under-supported group of bereaved people. It gives a particular emphasis on how BEAD’s team of dedicated, trained, peer support volunteers – all themselves bereaved through alcohol and drugs – are playing a significant role.
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