Urgent help
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Guided pathway

I’m worried about someone else

You can prepare a thoughtful conversation, encourage help and protect yourself without trying to control another person.

Guided pathwayFamily & friends
Updated6 October 2026
Reading timeAbout 1 min
EvidenceNHS / NICE anchored
Clinical reviewPending
Key point
If possible, speak when the person is not heavily intoxicated and when you have enough time and privacy. Use specific observations rather than labels.

You can use the sections below to go deeper, or jump using “On this page”.

Choose the moment carefully

If possible, speak when the person is not heavily intoxicated and when you have enough time and privacy. Use specific observations rather than labels.

Before

Know your concern

Write down the changes you have actually seen and what risk you are most worried about.

During

Stay concrete

Describe impact, listen, avoid humiliation and offer one or two realistic routes to help.

After

Keep your boundaries

Decide what you can support and what you cannot safely continue to absorb.

Full family & friends guide → When risk is urgent →

Where next?

Turn information into a next step.

You do not have to work out the whole plan at once. Start with the option closest to your situation.

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