Addiction affects people from all walks of life, and its impact extends far beyond the individual. Families, partners, friends and colleagues often carry invisible emotional loads that include fear, exhaustion, confusion, even shame. Addiction Awareness Week is a chance to bring these struggles into the light and remind people that support, understanding and compassionate therapeutic help are available.
As a psychodynamic and relational therapist, I work with individuals and their loved ones affected by addiction, whether they are struggling with dependence themselves or supporting someone who is. Below, I’ll explore why awareness matters, what therapy can offer, and share useful blog resources.
Why Addiction Awareness Week matters
Awareness weeks aren’t just campaigns, they’re opportunities for real change.
They help:
Break stigma
Addiction is still widely misunderstood, often framed as a lack of willpower rather than a complex psychological and emotional issue.
Create space for conversations
People may recognise themselves or someone they love in what they read and hear during this week.
Encourage early support-seeking
Many individuals delay reaching out due to shame or fear. Awareness can be a bridge to help.
Highlight families and loved ones
Addiction doesn’t happen in isolation, but it can thrive on it. Awareness weeks acknowledge the emotional strain felt by those around the individual, who often need support too.
How therapy supports people affected by addiction
Therapy is not about “fixing” someone’s addiction, it’s about understanding the emotional landscape around it. Whether you’re living with addiction or supporting someone who is, therapy offers a safe, confidential space to explore:
- Underlying emotions such as anxiety, grief, shame or fear
- Patterns of relating that may fuel difficult cycles
- How past trauma influences present struggles
- The impact of addiction on self-esteem and identity
- Ways to set boundaries and support yourself
- New coping mechanisms that promote emotional safety and stability
Therapy doesn’t replace specialist medical or rehabilitation support, but it can work alongside these interventions to build emotional resilience and long term understanding.
If you’re supporting someone with addiction
It is very common to feel:
- Exhausted
- Confused about how to help
- Guilty for wanting space
- Worried that stepping back means you don’t care
- Stuck between compassion and frustration
Therapy gives you a place to explore these feelings without judgement. It can help you understand why certain dynamics develop, what is and isn’t your responsibility, and how to look after yourself in the process.
Useful Reads: My blog posts on addiction and emotional support
Below is a list of blogs I’ve written to support individuals and families affected by addiction.
1. How Therapy Helps the Families of People with Addiction
Exploring the emotional, relational and practical challenges families face, and how therapy offers clarity, boundaries and support.
2. Why You Can’t Fix Someone Else’s Addiction
A compassionate guide to understanding your limits and why trying to “rescue” someone often leads to burnout and resentment.
3. Counselling for Family Addiction Support
A bit more detail on how therapy helps partners, parents and friends navigate their own emotional wellbeing.
4. Recovering From Discrimination or Hate Crime: How Therapy Helps
Not only relevant for LGBTQ+ experiences, this blog touches on trauma responses that can overlap with or contribute to addiction.
How to seek support during Addiction Awareness Week and beyond
If you are living with addiction or supporting someone else who is you don’t have to navigate this alone. Therapy offers a space where you can:
- Understand your emotions
- Explore past and present patterns
- Build stronger boundaries
- Reduce shame
- Strengthen your emotional resilience
Whether you prefer in-person therapy in Brighton or online sessions, I offer a warm, confidential and supportive space to begin that process.