Many of us pride ourselves on being independent. It can feel good to accomplish goals and solve problems on our own. But from time to time, we all need the support of those around us.
If you know someone who’s struggling with addiction, it can be difficult to know how to give support. You may have never gone through a similar situation yourself. But showing support for a friend or family member in Recovery can make all the difference.
Four Tips for Being Supportive
Take these four steps to show support for someone you care about:
- Be available to listen: Let the person you care about know they can always talk to you. Then, do your best to listen carefully and without judgment. Remember to validate their feelings. Show you’re listening by summarizing what they said back to them and ask open-ended questions to keep the conversation going.
- Vocalize your support: If someone you know is going through a tough time, like Recovery, you may want to make your encouragement explicit. Let them know that you care about them, that you believe in them and that things will get better. An encouraging text can make a big difference, even if you’re a long distance apart.
- Stand by them: To support someone who is making a change in their life, consider altering your behavior to be with them. For example, if you have a friend who is in Recovery, spend time with them in environments where drugs and alcohol won’t be present.
- Offer to help: Sometimes, the people you care about may need a little extra support. Ask if there’s anything you can do to help them. In case they’re not sure what they need, prepare a few suggestions to share. You could take care of some household chores or offer to drive them to their next appointment.
The Importance of Supporting People in Recovery
Accepting treatment for an addiction takes commitment and bravery. If you know someone who is starting the Recovery process, you want to see them get the support they need to live a long, healthy life. Your support can help your loved one stick with Recovery through its ups and downs.
With a reliable friend to lean on, your loved one is more likely to end negative relationships, persevere through hardship and avoid relapse. Having support from another person can make the whole situation feel less scary. Showing support for those you care about is both important and rewarding.
Reach Out to 7 Summit Pathways
At 7 Summit Pathways, we’re dedicated to providing evidence-based treatment and personalized, holistic therapies for our patients. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, we want to help. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about how to be supportive during Recovery, please contact us today.