'He owed money and these people wanted money': Drugs, debts and the silent toll on families

Mothers talk about the 'chaos' in families hit by addiction and intimidation and how a support group saved them

Two Co. Louth women talk about how The Family Addiction Support Network has helped them deal with a son's drug addiction and a violent husband. However, the body is facing a funding crisis after 20 years in operation. Photo: Moya Nolan

The banging on the door in the middle of the night was the first Emer knew there was something wrong. It was drug dealers, looking for money. Owed by her son.

“My son was involved in drug use from a young age that I wouldn’t have noticed, with his friends,” Emer said.