Getting sober is an exciting step in the recovery process. However, the journey does not end here. Recovery can be a long road filled with stress and complications.
If you have a friend or loved one in recovery, you may be feeling unsure about how you can best support their efforts to stay sober and avoid relapsing. Here are 3 amazing ways to be a good friend to someone overcoming addiction.
1. Lend an Ear
Recovery is an emotional journey that can take a toll, both physically and emotionally. If your friend is recently in recovery, they likely just need someone to listen to what they’re going through without passing down judgment.
2. Be Yourself
Your friend may not drink or do drugs anymore, but they’re still the same person they once were. They still have the same personality that made you want to be friends in the first place, and it’s important that you treat them as such. To put it simply—treat your friend the same as you always have! You’ll need to avoid bars, parties, and other situations that could be dangerous for your friend, but otherwise, try to be yourself.
3. Understand Relapse
Drug and alcohol addiction is a disease that can be extremely difficult to overcome, and unfortunately, it’s common for people to relapse before they succeed with sobriety. While relapsing is sometimes a part of the recovery journey, you can help support your friend by learning the signs, such as anger, moodiness, and anxiety. If you notice your friend exhibiting any of these signs, share your concerns and encourage them to get professional help to prevent a relapse.
Find Residential Support in Dakota County, MN
If you or someone you care about is struggling to live independently because of a substance use disorder, Options Residential Inc. is here to help. We provide customizable rehabilitative services to help people struggling with addiction learn the skills they need to live independently.
We provide residential services to Dakota County, Ramsey County, and Hennepin County. Call us today at (952) 564-3030 or fill out our referral form to learn more about our services.
