More than 100 people who have to cope with drug abuse within their own families are meeting for what is described as the first national conference of its kind.

The two-day event has been organised by the Argyll and Clyde Alcohol and Drug Action Team.

It is great to see family support groups from across Scotland being given the opportunity to come together to share experience and influence the future

Isobel Berry Open Door Family Support Group

Its chairwoman, Eleanor Robertson, said it was "heartening " to see drug action teams from across the country coming together with family support groups.

"The support of the Scottish Executive also demonstrates the importance of families as part of a wider community action to tackle drug problems," she said.

The conference is said to be the first to address the needs of family support members rather than the professionals working with drug addicts.

Those taking part in the event are sharing their experiences of coping with drug misuse within the family.

Delegates will include Isobel Berry, of the Open Door Family Support Group in Greenock.

"It is great to see family support groups from across Scotland being given the opportunity to come together to share experience and influence the future," she said.

Dr Richard Simpson: "Drug use can affect everyone"

"It's good so many organisations are working together to make a success of this."

Deputy Justice Minister Dr Richard Simpson said: "The role of the family in tackling drug misuse and supporting their relatives through their addiction is vital in minimising the isolation drug users can so often feel.

"Drug use can affect everyone in our communities and it is crucial that those who live with it day in and day out feel able to provide a local solution to the problem by working with the drug action teams.

"We have also invested funds to enable community groups such as those coming to the conference to come up with ideas to help tackle drug misuse in their area."

It is estimated that there are 55,800 problematic drug users in Scotland.

Research has also suggested that drug misuse affects all communities across Scotland.