Tips for Talking to a Loved One
1. Choose the Right Time
- • Talk when things are calm
- • Don’t talk if they are drunk or high
2. Be Kind
- • Avoid blaming
- • Say what you feel using “I” statements - example: “I feel worried” instead of “You’re ruining everything”
3. Be Clear and Honest
- • Say what you’ve noticed - example: “You missed work and seem sad”
- • Ask how you can help
Ways to Support Them (And Yourself)
Set Boundaries
• Say what you can and cannot accept
• Stick to your rules - example: “I can’t support you if you’re using drugs around me”
Look After Yourself
• Take time for things you enjoy
• Try slow breathing, walking or relaxing
• Talk to a counsellor or support group
• Make sure your sleep and rest
• Know it’s okay to ask for help
What to Say (and Not Say)
Say:
• “I care about you”
• “I’m worried and want to help”
• “I’m her when you’re ready”
Avoid Saying:
• “Why can’t you just stop?”
• “You’re messing things up.”
Don’t give advice unless they ask
Extra Support for Families
Helpful Organisations
Al-Anon Family Groups - For families affected by alcohol
• Call: 020 7403 0888 (National Helpline)
• Website: Al-Anon Family Groups
Families Anonymous (FA) - Support for families affected by drugs or alcohol
• Call: 0300 660 0500 (Helpline)
• Website: Families Anonymous
SMART Recovery - Family and Friends - Support for those helping someone in recovery
• Call: 01925 220 110
• Website: SMART Recovery
Support in Derbyshire
Growing Recovery in Derbyshire - Support for families of people affected by drugs or alcohol.
• Call: 01246 211 211
• Website: Growing Recovery In Derbyshire | Growing Recovery In Derbyshire
Derbyshire Carers Association (DCA) - Supports all carers in Derbyshire.
• Call: 01773 744 963
• Website: Derbyshire Carers Association
Crisis Support
Derbyshire Mental Health Crisis Helpline -Support and advice for individuals going through a mental health crisis.
• Call: 0800 028 0077 (Available 24/7)
The Samaritans - Support for anyone feeling distressed, or if you’re worried about someone else.
• Call: 116 123 (Free and available 24/7)
• Website: Samaritans
NHS 111
• Call: 111 (Available 24/7)
• Website: NHS 111
Help for Children
Space 4 U - Support for children aged 5 to 18 who are affected by someone else's substance use.
• Call: 01332 505484
• Website: https://service.actionforchildren.org.uk/derbyshire
If you’re worried about a child’s safety, contact ‘Call Derbyshire’ (Derbyshire County Council)
• Call: 01629 533190.
• Website: Call Derbyshire - Derbyshire County Council