Sharing your story - a visual guide 👇

Consider the Conversation That Changed Everything for you - and why it had such a profound effect on you at that moment.

Step 1: What's my story?

• Which conversation? Maybe you had several smaller conversations that led to your recovery, but there's always one specific conversation that sticks out.
• Who did I speak with? Whether that was with a friend, family member, work colleague or health professional - we'd love to hear it!
• How much should I share? Sharing your story online might feel daunting, so only share as much as you are comfortable doing.

Step 2: Why will this help?

• The issue: Addiction affects millions of people across the UK, but stigma and silence stop too many from asking for help.

• Individual action: We can all play a part in building a national conversation about addiction and recovery.

• Leading by example: Let's 'Get The Nation Talking' by sharing our stories to inspire and instil hope in others.
• Connection is the opposite of addiction:  Talking openly about addiction replaces stigma with understanding, judgment with empathy, and silence with support.

Step 3: How can my story inspire others?

We've put together a simple framework for you to keep on track:

• Format: video (portrait / vertical / upright). 🤳
• Duration: 30 seconds to 1 minute 30 seconds. ⌚
• Tone: optimistic, inspiring, and most of all, honest and unique to you. 🙂
• Style: Keep the narrative light and unscripted, but focused, so your story really hits home.  💬

• Structure: consider when, who, what, why and your message of support for someone else watching it that might be struggling. ✍️

• Filming tips: good natural lighting, balance phone on table/worktop, and in a quiet space. 🤫
  

Step 4: Share on social media

Send to us to post on Taking Action on Addiction social media channels.

Alternatively, you may prefer to post from your own social media - if you do this please tag us in or invite us to be a Collaborator.

• Platforms: all social media, but especially Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.
• Tag us:
  • @TakingActionOnAddiction - Instagram, TikTok, Facebook
  • @Taking Action On Addiction - LinkedIn, YouTube
  • @ActionOnAddiction - X (Twitter)
• Use #LetsTalkAddiction
• Comment, share and like our posts (and others) - together we can build a national conversation.

Download our Supporter Toolkit 👇

Addiction Awareness Week 2025 - Toolkit for Supporters FINAL.pdf

See an example: 'The Conversation That Changed Everything' for Darren

We're grateful to Darren Lacey, a Practitioner within Drug and Alcohol Services at The Forward Trust.
Darren kindly shares his lived experience of substance use to help kick-start, 'The Conversation That Changed Everything.'
Like many others who are in recovery, Darren's amazing video is an example we have decided to share on our social media channels.
We hope adding this here also will inspire others to do the same.
Remember that each person's story is different, unique and true to them - we hope that this video will give you the courage to share yours on social media.

• Tag @TakingActionOnAddiction (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook)
• Use the hashtag: #LetsTalkAddiction
• Share your story on social media - our recovery community can get behind our campaign by commenting, sharing and liking other posts too.