This page accompanies a very personal episode of The Love My Dress Podcast, recorded in 2023, in which I share my own experience of alcohol addiction, recovery and ten years of sobriety. You can listen to the episode here.

If you’ve found your way to this page because you’re struggling with alcohol, or because you’re frightened or worried about someone you love, I want you to know how glad I am that you’re here.

I know what it feels like to be caught in the grip of addiction. I know the shame, the secrecy, the promises you make to yourself and the terrible feeling of waking up and realising you’ve broken them again. I know how lonely it can feel, even when you’re surrounded by people who love you. And I know how impossible it can sometimes seem to imagine a life without alcohol. But I also know that life can change.

Mine did.

In July 2013, I took my first steps towards sobriety, having spent many years believing I would never be able to free myself from alcohol addiction. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, and one of the most important.

I’m sharing these resources because I want you to know that whatever you’re going through, you are worthy of love, compassion, understanding and support. You are not defined by your addiction, and you don’t have to face this alone. You don’t need to have all the answers today, you don’t even need to know where to begin. Sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is simply tell someone that we’re struggling.

Below you’ll find trusted UK organisations offering confidential help, alongside resources for families, children and loved ones affected by addiction, and books and podcasts that may offer comfort, understanding and hope.

Please remember, there is no shame in needing help. There is so much life waiting to be lived.

Sending you so much love,

Annabel x

SMART Recovery UK
smartrecovery.org.uk

Free, supportive recovery meetings for people struggling with addictive behaviours, including alcohol, drugs and other compulsive behaviours. SMART Recovery uses practical, evidence-based techniques to help people make positive changes. Online and in-person meetings are available.

WithYou
wearewithyou.org.uk

Free, confidential and non-judgemental support for people experiencing problems with alcohol, illegal or prescription drugs, and their mental wellbeing. WithYou also provides guidance for friends and family members, with online advice and local services in England and Scotland.

Change Grow Live
changegrowlive.org

A national charity providing free, confidential support for people experiencing difficulties with drugs, alcohol and related challenges. Their services include practical advice, treatment and ongoing recovery support.

NHS Addiction Support
nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support

Information about addiction, treatment and recovery, with guidance on finding professional support. Your GP can also help you explore suitable treatment options.

Alcohol Change UK
alcoholchange.org.uk

Information, resources and guidance for anyone worried about their relationship with alcohol, whether they’re looking to reduce their drinking, stop altogether or support someone they love.

Alcoholics Anonymous UK
alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Helpline: 0800 917 7650

A free fellowship offering mutual support for people who want to stop drinking. Meetings are available throughout the UK and online.

Drinkaware
drinkaware.co.uk

Accessible information about alcohol, its effects, and available support services for anyone concerned about their own drinking or that of someone close to them.

FRANK
talktofrank.com

Confidential helpline: 0300 123 6600

Clear, confidential information and advice about drugs, their effects and the support available. FRANK helps people concerned about their own drug use as well as parents, families and friends.

Narcotics Anonymous UK
ukna.org

Helpline: 0300 999 1212

A free, confidential fellowship supporting people recovering from drug addiction. Meetings take place across the UK, providing opportunities to connect with others who understand the challenges of addiction and recovery.

GamCare
gamcare.org.uk

Free National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133, available 24 hours a day.

Confidential advice, emotional support and access to treatment for people experiencing gambling-related harm. GamCare also supports partners, families and young people affected by gambling.

NHS National Centre for Gaming Disorders
cnwl.nhs.uk/national-centre-gaming-disorders

A specialist NHS service for people aged 13 and over in England who are experiencing significant difficulties controlling their gaming. The service provides assessment, psychological treatment and support for families.

SMART Recovery UK, listed above, also supports people experiencing a wider range of addictive behaviours.

Adfam
adfam.org.uk

A national charity supporting families affected by a loved one’s drug or alcohol use, with information and resources also addressing gambling-related harm.

Nacoa (National Association for Children of Alcoholics)
nacoa.org.uk

Free confidential helpline: 0800 358 3456

A dedicated charity supporting children, young people and adults affected by a parent’s drinking. Nacoa offers understanding, reassurance and a safe space to talk about difficult family experiences.

Childline
childline.org.uk

Free confidential helpline: 0800 1111, available 24 hours a day.

Support for children and young people experiencing worry, fear or distress, including those affected by a parent’s alcohol or drug use. Children can speak confidentially with trained counsellors by telephone or online.

Families Anonymous UK
famanon.org.uk

Mutual support for families and friends affected by a loved one’s drug use or related behavioural difficulties, with group meetings and opportunities to speak with others who understand.

SMART Recovery Family & Friends
SMART Recovery Family & Friends Programme

Practical support for people affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol addiction, helping loved ones look after their own wellbeing, establish healthy boundaries and navigate difficult relationships.

Addiction Family Support
addictionfamilysupport.org.uk

Helpline: 0300 888 3853

Confidential emotional support for people whose lives have been affected by a loved one’s addiction, including families coping with loss and bereavement.

If there is one thing I hope you take away from this page, it’s that addiction does not make you any less worthy of love, kindness or a beautiful life.

I remember believing that I would never be free from alcohol, I couldn’t begin to imagine how different my life might become. I wish I could go back and tell that frightened version of myself that there was so much happiness still to come.

If you’re struggling today, I hope you’ll find the courage to seek the help and support you deserve, You deserve hope and the chance to discover what life can feel like on the other side of addiction.

With all my love always,

Annabel x