5 Ways To Support a Friend in Early Substance Abuse Recovery

Since addiction is a physical, emotional, and mental challenge, early recovery can be a stressful experience for many. While drug addiction treatment empowers patients with recovery strategies and counseling, it is still challenging to reintegrate into daily life following rehab treatment. That is where you — their community — come in.

As a friend, you can support those in the early stages of recovery in various ways. This support from trusted friends is an invaluable aspect of drug addiction recovery in Sherman Oaks, CA. It’s essential for teens and young adults who rely heavily on their social lives. While it may be intimidating, it’s easier than you think!

This article explores the top five ways you can support a friend through the first stages of recovery. Follow these steps to provide emotional support and help them adjust to a new way of living that is drug and alcohol-free.

1. Educate Yourself

The first step is to educate yourself on substance use disorder and how to support those recovering from it. It’s especially important to educate yourself on how to speak with a friend if they reach out to you while struggling with temptations or negative thoughts. You’ll improve your support abilities and reduce stress on yourself.

There are ample resources for personal education. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has educational resources from friends and family. You can also find help at family programs that teach loved ones about their role in a person’s addiction and how to take care of themselves while sporting their loved one.

2. Practice Empathetic Listening

Good listening is critical for supporting those through the early days of recovery. In fact, being an empathetic listener may help those struggling with drug addiction find the courage to seek treatment. While your first instinct may be to give advice, it’s best to sit back and let them express their frustrations, fears, and challenges.

Whether it’s alcohol addiction, cocaine use disorder, or some other substance use disorder, empathy is critical. Shame is a primary reason why those struggling with drug addiction conceal their use from loved ones who can help. By listening with empathy, you’ll alleviate this shame, which is often a driver of continued use.

3. Honor Their Trust

It’s a big deal if a friend confides their experiences with substance use disorder to you. They may share stories of reckless behavior about which they may feel shame or embarrassment. It’s essential that you honor this trust and don’t repeat these stories. The only exception to this rule is if they confide dangerous intentions toward themselves or others.

By honoring their trust, you’ll ensure that they’ll come to you if and when they need help seeking drug rehab treatment. If you violate their trust, they’ll likely isolate themselves from those around them, creating a dangerous situation where drug addiction can worsen.

4. Introduce Sober Activities

Alcohol abuse and drug use are often associated with social activities, like going out to bars, festivals, or other places where substance use is expected. During the early stages of recovery, your friends may want to avoid potential triggers. You can help them by introducing new sober activities that prevent them from feeling isolated from their social circle.

There are ample sober activities out there, including alcohol-free dinners, mini-golf, casual sports, beach days, ax throwing, movie nights, and more! Join them as they adjust their lifestyle to support their recovery by engaging in sober activities.

5. Be a Pillar of Hope

Those recovering from substance use disorder struggle with a lot of negative thoughts and uncertainty. Fortunately, positivity is contagious, and you can help them practice positive thinking patterns by demonstrating them yourself. If you’re optimistic about their future, they will also feel hopeful. This increases their chances of lasting sobriety.

Find Support From Twin Town Treatment Centers

For over 30 years, we’ve offered personal, evidence-based treatment to Sherman Oaks, CA, patients. Our comprehensive services address the physical and emotional aspects of drug addiction, while our family programs introduce friends and family to the role they play in supporting their loved one’s recovery journey. Call Twin Town Treatment Centers today at 866-594-8844 or contact us online to schedule an initial assessment.