When you’re worried about a loved one’s drinking or drug use, the first steps towards getting help can feel overwhelming.
Who do you call? What do you ask? How do you understand what’s needed, and navigate what can feel like a confusing road to recovery?

In this episode, we’re joined by Sue (CEO) and Claire (House Manager) from Brynawel, who handle many of the first enquiries from families and individuals seeking support.

We talk about:

• What those first phone calls usually sound like — and why

• The difference between detox and rehab

• How to access local support and what is available in the community

• The two main routes into residential rehab in the UK: self-funding vs local authority funding

• Why ethical services won’t admit someone immediately without proper checks

• What families can do to help — and what they can’t do for someone

• How we carry hope in the work we do as a rehab

If you’re making the first call — or thinking about it — this episode offers a calm, practical guide to help you take the next step.

For more information, you can call us on: 01443 226 864

or email: contact@brynawelhouse.org

www.brynawel.org

Services mentioned in this episode are...

barod.cymru

alcoholchange.org.uk

adferiad.org

rehabcymru.org.uk

dan247.org.uk

smartrecovery.org.uk

alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

na.org (carcotics anonymous)

cocaineanonymous.org.uk

Christmas can be a happy time — but it can also bring pressure, expectation, and extra challenges, especially when alcohol or addiction is part of family life.

In this episode of The Families and Carers Toolkit, we are joined by Brynawel's Head Therapist Paul Doster and Aftercare Practitioner Laura to talk about navigating Christmas when a loved one is in recovery or still struggling with substance use.

We explore how families can approach the festive period with more openness and kindness, the importance of early conversations, setting supportive boundaries, and letting go of the idea of a “perfect” Christmas in favour of something that feels safer and more manageable for everyone.

A gentle, honest conversation for anyone looking to find a calmer, compassionate way through the holidays where alcohol or substance use is involved.

In Episode 4, I sit down with therapist Annie to talk about the often-overlooked practice of self-care. We explore why it’s so easy to neglect ourselves when supporting someone in addiction, and how our emotional awareness is key to understanding what we really need. Annie shares insights into the four areas of wellbeing—emotional, mental, physical, and social—and we look at the role of therapy, the “feelings wheel,” and the importance of giving ourselves permission to rest and heal. We close with a simple self-care challenge and a guided meditation to help reconnect with the body and breath.

In this episode of The Families and Carers Toolkit, we sits down with family support worker Niamh to explore the difficult terrain of living alongside a loved one’s addiction. We discuss the tipping point where a person in dependence starts to develop a wish to find help, and the role that families play in supporting — or unintentionally enabling — their loved one. Niamh shares insights from her work with families and we explore the difference between being “nice” and being truly kind, the importance of healthy boundaries, and how skillful communication can play a key role. This conversation sheds light on the painful realities families face, while also offering practical guidance for self-care, resilience, and compassion.

Gabor Mate's book "In the Realm of the Hungry Ghosts" which is mentioned in the podcast is widely available online.

In this episode we sit down with Paul Doster, Head Therapist at Brynawel Rehab. With over 16 years of experience, Paul shares his insights into what makes recovery possible — from the healing role of nature and safety, to the importance of reconnecting with body, self, and family.

We explore the challenges families face when a loved one is in addiction: enabling, boundaries and shame. Paul also discusses the Forgotten Voices family support group, the role of therapy in unpacking trauma, and why recovery must ultimately be chosen by the individual, with families walking alongside rather than carrying the burden alone.

This conversation is full of practical wisdom and compassionate guidance for anyone supporting a loved one through addiction.

In this opening episode, we sit down with Sue Gwynn, CEO of Brynawel Rehab, for a wide-ranging and deeply human conversation about recovery, connection, and the work of creating a healing community. With over 15 years connection with Brynawel and a rich background in mental health, Sue reflects on what makes this place a holistic healing environment — and how care, when practiced with integrity, becomes a powerful force for change.

We explore how families and carers can support their loved ones while also taking care of themselves, and how boundaries, honesty, and compassion can coexist.

This is a conversation about what it means to put care into action — for others, and for ourselves.

Recommended by Sue in this episode:
📖 Codependent No More by Melody Beattie