Free Worksheet · Families & Addiction

A Boundaries Checklist for Families Affected by Addiction

Boundaries are not walls. They are the line where your care for someone else meets your care for yourself. And you are allowed to draw it.

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Priceless Healing

Checklist

Priceless Healing · Support for Families of Addiction

Boundaries Checklist

When someone you love is struggling with addiction, the line between helping and hurting can blur. Boundaries are how you keep that line visible, for them and for you. Read each item below and check the ones you’re ready to claim. Leave the rest for later; this is a practice, not a test.

Internal boundaries are the agreements you make with yourself. External boundaries are what you ask of others.

Internal boundaries

I can love someone and still say no to their behavior.

I am not responsible for another adult’s choices, recovery, or relapse.

I will not argue or negotiate with someone who is under the influence.

I can feel guilty and still hold my boundary anyway.

My peace is not a betrayal of the person I love.

External boundaries

I will not lie or make excuses to others to cover for their using.

I will not give money that could be used to buy substances.

I will leave the room, the call, or the visit if I am yelled at or threatened.

I will tell the truth about how their behavior affects me, calmly and once.

I will not keep the addiction a secret if it is harming my own health.

Financial & practical

I will not pay debts, bail, or bills that enable the addiction to continue.

I will protect shared accounts, cards, and valuables if needed.

I will decide in advance what I am and am not willing to fund (e.g. treatment, yes).

I will not let one person’s crisis drain the resources my whole family relies on.

A boundary you can say out loud

Fill in the blanks, then practice it before you need it. Calm and short is kinder than long and apologetic.

“I love you, and I can’t .

What I can do is .

If happens, I will .”

Signs it may be time for support

Holding boundaries alone is exhausting. If several of these feel true, you don’t have to keep carrying it by yourself.

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You feel responsible for managing someone else’s moods or sobriety.

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You’ve stopped doing things you love in order to monitor or rescue them.

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Your sleep, appetite, or health is suffering from the stress.

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You feel isolated, ashamed, or like no one understands.

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You set the same boundary again and again and can’t seem to hold it.

You deserve support too

The person in addiction isn’t the only one who needs care.

I work with adolescents and adults carrying the weight of a loved one’s addiction, helping you set boundaries, validate your own experience, and breathe again. The first conversation is free.

Book a free consultation