Addiction Family Support

Addiction Family Support The leading UK registered charity supporting people affected or bereaved by a loved one’s addiction. Helpline: 0300 888 3853

Supporting people affected or bereaved by a loved one's harmful use of alcohol, drugs, or gambling.

"The question isn't 'How do I make them stop?' but 'How do I support them in making the decision to stop themselves?'"Th...
26/05/2026

"The question isn't 'How do I make them stop?' but 'How do I support them in making the decision to stop themselves?'"

That's the insight of Dr. John Kelly, Professor of Addiction Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and it's one we come back to time and again.

When your loved one is struggling with harmful use of alcohol, drugs, or gambling, the desperate urge to say or do the right thing to make it stop is completely natural. But addiction is complex. It involves brain chemistry, emotional distress, and deeply ingrained patterns of behaviour. There is no single phrase or action that will break the cycle.

What you can do is focus on what is within your control. Setting compassionate boundaries. Encouraging small steps. Looking after your own wellbeing.

Our Your Questions Answered page explores this question in full, with practical, honest information to help you find your way through.

🔗 addictionfamilysupport.org.uk/your-questions-answered/

Some of the most powerful acts of generosity come from those who know, first hand, what it means to need support.Meg and...
19/05/2026

Some of the most powerful acts of generosity come from those who know, first hand, what it means to need support.

Meg and John came to Addiction Family Support after their son Matt became affected by harmful drug use. Sadly, Matt passed away. In his memory, they have chosen to leave a gift in their will, so that other families can access the support that helped them through.

In their own words: "It gives us great comfort to know that his death wasn't in vain, and that others will benefit, in Matt's name."

A gift in your will costs nothing today. But for families going through one of the hardest experiences life can bring, it could mean everything. It helps make sure we're there, ready and waiting, for everyone who needs us.

Find out more: addictionfamilysupport.org.uk/leave-a-gift-in-your-will/

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and this year's theme is Action.When you're affected or bereaved by a loved o...
12/05/2026

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and this year's theme is Action.

When you're affected or bereaved by a loved one's harmful use of alcohol, drugs, or gambling, it can feel like there's nothing left for you. Your own needs often come last.

But every action counts. Reaching out. Saying "I need support." Calling a helpline. Joining a group. These are acts of courage, and they matter.

This week, we want to remind you: taking action for your own mental health and wellbeing is not selfish. It's one of the most important things you can do, for yourself and for the people around you.

We're here for you, free of charge, seven days a week.

📞 0300 888 3853
🌐 addictionfamilysupport.org.uk

05/05/2026

What does it feel like to support someone through one of the hardest times of their life?
We asked four of our volunteers. 💚

Whether it's answering the helpline, sitting with someone in a one-to-one session, or being part of a group programme, our volunteers describe something that's hard to put into words. But they do it beautifully.

If you've been affected by a loved one's harmful use of alcohol, drugs, or gambling, you'll know how much it means to feel truly heard. Our volunteers make that happen, every single day.

Could you be one of them? Visit our volunteer page to find out more.

👉 addictionfamilysupport.org.uk/volunteer

"I don't even know what they're taking. How can I help?"It's one of the most common things we hear. And if you're feelin...
28/04/2026

"I don't even know what they're taking. How can I help?"

It's one of the most common things we hear. And if you're feeling this way right now, you're not alone.

The truth is, you don't need to know the exact substance to notice that something is wrong. Changes in mood, sleep, money, or behaviour are all signs worth paying attention to. And you don't need to become an expert to be a source of support.

We've put together answers to the questions families ask us most, including this one, on our Your Questions Answered page. It's free, it's there whenever you need it, and it covers everything from how to start a difficult conversation to what to do in an emergency.
Because you deserve support too. 💚

👉 addictionfamilysupport.org.uk/your-questions-answered
📞 Or call us on 0300 888 3853, 7 days a week

We recently reviewed client feedback from across Addiction Family Support, and the themes that came through were incredi...
21/04/2026

We recently reviewed client feedback from across Addiction Family Support, and the themes that came through were incredibly powerful.

Again and again, people told us that our support helped them feel heard, understood and less alone while coping with a loved one’s alcohol, drug or gambling use.

Some of the most common messages included:

➡️ Feeling listened to without judgement
➡️ Compassion, kindness and emotional support
➡️ Practical advice and helpful guidance
➡️ Relief from loneliness and isolation
➡️ Support during some of the most difficult moments of their lives

Many people also expressed deep appreciation for our helpline, support groups, resources, and the dedication of our staff and volunteers.

At the heart of the feedback is something simple but powerful. When families are supported, it can make a life-changing difference.

Thank you to our incredible team and volunteers who make this possible every day.

If you are affected by a loved one’s alcohol, drug or gambling use, support is here.

📞 Helpline: 0300 888 3853

🎶 A huge thank you to the Newcastle Ukulymies!This wonderful group of musicians recently raised £250 for Addiction Famil...
14/04/2026

🎶 A huge thank you to the Newcastle Ukulymies!

This wonderful group of musicians recently raised £250 for Addiction Family Support, performing at supermarkets, care homes, and more — bringing joy wherever they went.
Every member gives their time freely, and each year the group chooses to donate to charities that have touched their lives. We are so grateful to have been chosen this year.

One of our clients is a proud member of the group, and it means the world to us that they found something so positive to be part of.

If you or someone you know is affected or bereaved by a loved one's harmful use of alcohol, drugs, or gambling, we are here.

📞 0300 888 3853 (7 days a week)
🌐 addictionfamilysupport.org.uk

Today is World Health Day, and this year's theme is "Together for health. Stand with science." 💚At Addiction Family Supp...
07/04/2026

Today is World Health Day, and this year's theme is "Together for health. Stand with science." 💚

At Addiction Family Support, science is at the heart of everything we do.

Our 5-Step Method is an evidence-based framework, developed to give people affected or bereaved by a loved one's harmful use of alcohol, drugs, or gambling the very best chance of coping, healing, and moving forward.

It starts by simply listening to your story. From there, we work with you to understand what's happening, explore ways of coping, strengthen your support network, and make sure every need is met along the way.

Because you deserve proper support. Not just kind words, but a proven approach, delivered by people who truly understand.

All of our services are free of charge, and more than 78% of our team have lived experience of a loved one's addiction.

You don't have to face this alone. 💙

📞 0300 888 3853 (7 days a week)
🌐 addictionfamilysupport.org.uk

Addiction affects more than the person using alcohol or drugs. It also affects the people who love them.We were pleased ...
31/03/2026

Addiction affects more than the person using alcohol or drugs. It also affects the people who love them.

We were pleased to contribute to a new report on alcohol use in Buckinghamshire from Heart of Bucks Community Foundation.

The report highlights the impact of substance use on families and communities, and on page 30 it recognises the importance of supporting the loved ones who are affected or bereaved by someone else’s alcohol, drug, or gambling use.

Sharing lived experiences helps challenge stereotypes, reduce stigma, and ensure more people know where to turn for support.

Community Foundations like Heart of Bucks play an important role in supporting local charities. We have also been grateful to receive funding from Community Foundations in Oxfordshire and Berkshire, helping us support more families affected by addiction.

You can read the report here:https://heartofbucks.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/bucks-uncovered-alcohol-report.pdf

It’s National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week.A reminder that addiction affects more than one person. It affects families.He...
24/03/2026

It’s National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week.

A reminder that addiction affects more than one person. It affects families.

Here are some of the latest UK figures:

➡️ 10,473 alcohol-specific deaths were recorded in the UK in 2023, the highest number on record.

➡️ 5,565 deaths from drug poisoning were registered in England and Wales in 2024.

➡️ 7% of people in Great Britain are negatively affected by someone else’s gambling.

Behind every statistic are families trying to cope with the impact of a loved one’s alcohol, drug or gambling use.

If that is you, support is available.

📞 Call the Addiction Family Support helpline: 0300 888 3853

Sources: Office for National Statistics (2023–2024) and UK Gambling Commission, Gambling Survey for Great Britain 2024.

🎉 We are delighted to share that Addiction Family Support has been awarded a two-year grant from the Garfield Weston Fou...
17/03/2026

🎉 We are delighted to share that Addiction Family Support has been awarded a two-year grant from the Garfield Weston Foundation towards our core operating costs.

This funding will support the delivery of our Helpline and 5-Step Method, ensuring that people affected or bereaved by a loved one’s harmful use of alcohol, drugs or gambling can continue to access compassionate, specialist support.

With demand for our services remaining high, this grant provides vital stability and allows us to focus on being there for families when they need us most.

We are very grateful to the Garfield Weston Foundation for their continued belief in our work and the difference it makes.

Thank you for helping us ensure that no one has to face a loved one’s addiction alone. 💙

Address

Oakley Hall, 8 Castle Street
High Wycombe
HP136RF

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 9pm
Tuesday 9am - 9pm
Wednesday 9am - 9pm
Thursday 9am - 9pm
Friday 9am - 9pm
Saturday 9am - 9pm
Sunday 9am - 9pm

Telephone

03008883853

Website

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