Responding Well for Families: Understanding Addiction & How to Respond

Responding Well for Families: Understanding Addiction & How to Respond

When someone you love is facing addiction, knowing how to respond can feel overwhelming. Many families find themselves caught between wanting to help, fearing they might make things worse and feeling unsure what actually supports change.

Responding Well for Families is a practical evening designed to help parents and families better understand addiction and learn how to respond wisely when someone they love is struggling.

Hosted by Teen Challenge Tasmania, this session draws on decades of experience working with individuals and families impacted by addiction, as well as current research on substance use and brain development.

During the evening we will explore:

• How addiction develops and why it can become life-controlling

• The impact of substances on the developing brain

• The role of choice and responsibility in addiction and recovery

• How families can unintentionally enable addiction

• Practical tools for carefronting – speaking truth with calm and clarity

• Setting healthy boundaries that protect both family and relationship

• How to respond wisely rather than reacting emotionally

The session will be led by Tanya Cavanagh, CEO of Teen Challenge Tasmania, who has many years of experience working with young people, families, schools and communities addressing substance use, prevention and early intervention.

Whether you are currently supporting a loved one in addiction or simply want to better understand how to respond when families face these challenges, this evening will provide practical insight, tools and encouragement.

Event Details

TWednesday 29th April 2026

6:30pm – 8:45pm

The Upper Room (above Hope Costumes & Thrift Store)

90 St John Street, Launceston

$25 per person

$50 for up to 4 family members

Light refreshments will be provided.

Join us for this important first session as we launch Responding Well for Families in our community.