FOR three decades Family Addiction Support Services - FASS - has been at the frontline of Glasgow's drug problems.

They have supported families through heartache and helped heal emotional wounds caused by addictions.

And as they prepare to mark their 30th anniversary, service manager Marlene Taylor revealed the fresh challenges FASS is facing, including the fight against legal highs.

The support service, which was set up in 1986 as the Glasgow Association of Family Support Groups, has more than 180 members.

Ms Taylor, who has been with FASS since 2008 said the team has been dealing with new challenges over the years.

She said the most concerning problem to arise recently was legal highs.

She said: "Unfortunately what we are now seeing is a real emerging problem with new psychoactive substances, known as legal highs.

"My understanding is that there's a rate of two new types of legal highs produced every week. Nobody really knows what's in them.

"The problem is the use of technology - a person doesn't need to move outside their house to get these drugs now.

"They can get them with absolute ease over the internet."

Ms Taylor said families often did not know how to address legal high drug use.

She said: "We've had situations when we're dealing with a mum who's discovered maybe 200 or 300 of them (drugs) online.

"It's almost changing the dynamics of the drug field - how agencies respond and even identifying what's out there."

Ms Taylor said people needed to be aware that drug addictions do not just involve heroin.

She said: "Some drug use is seen as recreational but it can cause absolute chaos.

"It's about recognising the real dangers that can come with that.

"We've had some really tragic cases where people starting out their young lives - 16, 17, 18, have died or left with severely limiting problems. So I would encourage education."

Ms Taylor said alcohol was also a major issue.

She said: "What we also see is people using many drugs and also alcohol.

"I still think there's a big problem with prescription drugs as well."

FASS has a small army of 16 volunteers who help operate 21 support groups across Glasgow, including for families who are bereaved and kinship carers.

The majority of the volunteers and workers have been affected by family addictions.

Ms Taylor said: "We have volunteers answering the door or the phone.

"We have counselling and two bereavement groups.

"We also offer hypnotherapy and holistic therapies - that's all free of charge.

"Many people who are involved in FASS are themselves affected by alcohol and drugs - that's what sets us apart."

Ms Taylor said there was a stigma attached to drug and alcohol addictions that needed to be battled.

She said: "Hopefully things aren't as bad as they were but we still think overall there is a lot of stigma."

The service also encourages people affected by family drug use historically to visit them.

Ms Taylor said: "Whether people are affected now or have been in the past - if you've lost someone the overall grief doesn't go away."

FASS will kick start their milestone anniversary celebrations next Tuesday with an open day at their offices at 123 West Street.

It will take place between 10am and 2pm and is the first of a series of events planned this year.

There are also planned fun days across Glasgow in April - in the north east, north west and south.

In June a night dedicated to kinship and bereavement support groups will take place, while a grand finale will be held at the City Chambers in September.

Ms Taylor said FASS hopes to keep helping communities across the city over the next 30 years.

She said: "Our wish would be that there wasn't a service like this needed.

"However, while it is needed I very much hope we will be part of the picture in Glasgow to provide this unique support."

Jim Harrigan MBE, chairman of FASS said, “This is an important milestone not only for FASS but the families we support.

"We are delighted to open our doors on the 23rd February and allow people to see firsthand not only the impact alcohol/drugs has on children and families but also witness the incredible resilience and community spirit these families have.”