Talking To Your Someone

Navigating conversations about addiction can be challenging, whether you’re the one living with an addiction, or the one supporting someone who is. We offer guidance and resources to help you have these crucial discussions with empathy and understanding.

📝 From the perspective of someone experiencing addiction, we provide tools to express your feelings and needs honestly.

📝 For those supporting a loved one, we offer advice on how to listen and respond with compassion.

Our goal is to make these difficult conversations a bit easier, fostering open dialogue that can lead to support, healing, and stronger connections. Because talking openly about addiction is the first step toward understanding and recovery.

If you're the one living with an addiction

“I need to talk about my addiction and how it’s affecting me, and you’re who I feel most comfortable with. Can we start by discussing what I’m going through and what kind of help I might need?”

“I’m feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about my recovery path. Can we discuss what steps I should consider taking to start getting better?”

“I’ve been feeling ashamed about my addiction. I’d love to be able to share my feelings and struggles openly without feeling judged. Can you provide that safe space for me?”

“I want to be honest about the challenges I’m facing. It’s felt really lonely lately. Do you have bandwidth to be my support?”

“I know I need help, but I’m not sure how to ask for it. Can we talk about the best ways for me to seek support and what resources might be available?”

If you're the one supporting someone with an addiction

“You’re my someone and I’m worried about you. How can we talk about what you may be going through in a way that feels supportive to you?”

“I want to understand what you’re going through better. Can you help me see things from your perspective and what kind of support you need?”

“I feel unsure about how to best support you. Are there specific things I can do to help you in your recovery journey?”

“I’m struggling with how to handle my own feelings and concerns. Can we discuss how we can both take care of ourselves while working through this?”

“I want to ensure we have honest conversations about your addiction. Let’s work together on creating a space where both of us feel heard and respected. You are my someone, and I care about you.”

ConnexOntario can help.

Whether you’re reaching out for yourself or someone you care about, ConnexOntario is available to connect you with mental health, gambling, and/or addiction treatment services across Ontario. They offer free and confidential support, 24/7/365.

Call 1-866-531-2600 or text CONNEX to 247247 to get started.

CMHA Ontario is here for you

At CMHA Ontario, we believe in the power of connection and community. Our branches work to provide support and care for those who need it most and their families. Reach out to your local branch if you need support.