Opening Up…
A guide to safely opening up to someone you trust, on your terms, without judgment or formal intervention.
Before you open up, ask yourself…
Does this person respect my privacy?
Do I trust this person not to judge me?
Has this person listened supportively before?
Is this person capable of hearing difficult truths without trying to ‘fix me’?
Do I feel safe sharing this information with them right now?
Tips For Opening Up Safely…
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Look for someone who is kind, steady and trustworthy. Not everyone needs to know everthing.
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You can say:
“I just need you to listen, not give advice”
“Please keep this private between us”
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You don’t need to tell your whole story. You can start with:
How you’re feeling today
What’s been difficult lately
An achievement in your recovery
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Do you want:
Just to be heard?
Some practical help
Encouragment or reassurance
Conversation Starters:
“Can I share something with you that’s hard for me to talk about?”
“I’ve been going through some things in recovery, and it would help to talk to someone I trust”
“I don’t need advice, just a bit of space to say this out loud”
If It Doesn’t Feel Right:
You can stop the conversation at any time
You can say: “Actually, I’m not ready to talk about this right now”
Remember, your recovery is yours to protect
Explore the Recovery Toolkit
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Self-Care
A gentle guide to self-care in recovery, with simple ideas, tools, and reminders that you are allowed to rest and heal.
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Journal and Reflection
Creative, trauma-informed journaling tools to help you express emotions, reflect on your journey, and reconnect with yourself.
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Family Relationships
Tools, including SMART family and friends, to encourage building and maintaining healthy relationships with those around you.
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Is This Helping Me or Harming Me?
A simple check-in tool to guide choices in recovery, helping you pause, reflect, and respond with self-compassion.
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Parenting
A gentle space for mums in recovery- offering support, reassurance, and tools to help you heal while showing up for your children.
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Recovery Workbook
A practical, empowering guide supporting alcohol and drug recovery through stories, reflection exercises, routines, self-awareness, connection, and community support.
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Mental Health and Wellbeing
Gentle tracking tools to help you notice emotional patterns and support your mental wellbeing day by day.
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Safety and Boundaries Kit
Practical tools and gentle guidance to help you set, hold, and communicate boundaries in everyday life and relationships.
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Digital Resources
A guide on using technology to connect, learn, and grow in your recovery.
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Relationships
Support for building healthy relationships and recognising abuse, reminding you that love shouldn’t hurt.
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Managing Money
Tools to help you budget and manage your money wisely.
