Communities get angry when they see drug use out in the open. If we don’t see it, if we turn our backs, it’s doesn’t exist. Right? But what if we flip the script and ask – what is the role of the public in education, awareness and support for people who use drugs? In this final episode of our Parenting and Drug Use series, we ask the difficult questions about the Public as Parent. What has happened to neighbours looking out for each other? You will hear the unusual perspectives of ward ...

There is perhaps nothing more controversial than pregnancy and drug use. Few people understand the complex issues that people dependent on drugs who become pregnant face – and the difficult pregnancy, birth and post-partum journey they must navigate. In this episode we will be hearing from Moesfiqa, a mother who has been on methadone while pregnant, Dr Duncan Laurenson who treats people on methadone and Julie Mac Donnell, an activist for the rights and responsibilities of pregnant peopl...

Do you know a parent who uses drugs? Be honest – did you judge them? Parents are responsible for nurturing and caring for their children so when you hear of a parent who uses drugs, you are bound to have thoughts. And questions. This second episode in our series on “Parenting and Drug Use” goes deep into the topic of parents who use drugs. Their struggles, their heartbreaks, the love they have for their children and how a new parenting programme is helping them to be better and more pre...

Youth is a time of transition and there are lots of reasons why young people use drugs: to fit in, to see what it feels like, for confidence or to distract from difficult thoughts or feelings. But when experimentation becomes problematic use, it can have ripple effects on the fabric of families. In the first episode of our four-part series on Parenting and Drug Use, we take a real, raw look at parenting young people who use drugs. What it’s like to be young and into drugs, what to look out fo...

Say It Anyway is NACOSA’s new podcast where real voices take the mic. No jargon, no judgement – just raw, honest conversations that bring hidden perspectives into the light. From untold stories to everyday experiences, it’s like a ‘kuier’ with an old friend who isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions. This is a podcast about people, their lives and the stories that shape our communities. Pull up a chair, tune in, and let’s say it anyway. Say it Anyway is a NACOSA podcast whe...