Direction
Finding your way through difficult moments.
When someone you care about is experiencing addiction, even simple decisions can feel complicated. Explore practical guidance to help you understand your options and decide what comes next.
11 articles found
How to talk to someone about addiction
Preparing for a conversation that feels impossible, and what to do if it doesn't go to plan.
Read Direction · 2 min readSetting healthy boundaries
What boundaries are, why they help, and how to hold them with care.
Read Direction · 2 min readHelping versus enabling
Understanding the difference between support that helps and support that shields someone from consequences.
Read Direction · 2 min readResponding to relapse
What to do, and what to look after, when someone returns to drinking or drug use.
Read Direction · 2 min readWhen someone refuses help
What you can still do when your loved one isn't ready to change.
Read Direction · 2 min readManaging financial requests
Thinking clearly about money when someone you love keeps asking.
Read Direction · 2 min readNavigating dishonesty and broken trust
Why dishonesty often accompanies addiction, and how trust can be rebuilt over time.
Read Direction · 2 min readSupporting someone in recovery
How to be supportive without taking responsibility for someone else's recovery.
Read Direction · 2 min readProtecting children and vulnerable family members
Keeping children and vulnerable people safe, and where to turn if you're worried.
Read Direction · 2 min readLooking after your own wellbeing
Why your wellbeing matters too, and practical ways to protect it.
Read Direction · 2 min readRecognising when urgent professional help may be needed
Situations that need 999, NHS 111 or other urgent support.
ReadPractical tools
Worksheets you can print or fill in.
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Difficult conversation planner
Prepare for a calm, honest conversation about drinking or drug use.
Open worksheetBoundary-setting worksheet
Think through one boundary clearly and decide how you'll hold it.
Open worksheetPersonal support plan
Map out who and what helps you, so support is easier to reach on hard days.
Open worksheetQuestions to consider when someone relapses
Steady your thinking after a relapse before deciding what to do next.
Open worksheetSelf-care checklist
A gentle check-in on the basics that are easy to lose sight of.
Open worksheet