One moment at a time.
You don’t have to face this alone.
01Step away from the trigger. Keep your phone.
02Call or text someone steady: “I need backup.”
03Stay connected while the craving eases.
Both struggling? Contact your own trusted people separately. You don’t have to carry this for each other.
More support, when you’re ready
Stop any steps toward obtaining drugs. Close drug-related messages and move away from the trigger. Keep your phone available for support.
Tell your partner: “I need backup.” This means help me stay sober—not permission to use, and not an invitation to discuss getting drugs.
If your partner asks for backup, check in with yourself first. If you feel steady: help interrupt the craving without bargaining about using. If you feel triggered too: say so right away. You do not have to carry each other through two cravings at once.
Say: “I love you, but this is triggering me too. Let's each contact our backup person.” Reach your own trusted friends separately. If either person is close to arranging drugs, contact outside support immediately—don't keep drawing cards.
Put distance between yourself and access to drugs. Stay connected with your trusted person until the immediate risk eases. If that person is unavailable or the situation keeps escalating, seek additional addiction or urgent support.
When steadier, read The Life I'm Choosing and reconnect with what you're protecting.
Chest pain, severe trouble breathing, or collapse: seek emergency medical help now.