Early recovery is challenging for anyone. When someone chooses to stop using drugs and alcohol, they need extra support. Hence, as a friend, you can be a valuable part of their sober support system. Moreover, it is easier than you imagine.

At Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC), we provide SUD Services for youth and adults. A sober support system is crucial in early recovery for teenagers and young people. Indeed, friends often play a critical role in helping a young person stay sober. However, how do you support a person in early recovery? What should you do to help?

Supporting a Friend in Early Recovery

In response to these questions, here are seven ways to support a friend on their sober journey.

1. Learn About Substance Use Disorders

A little education goes a long way. The National Institute on Drug Abuse provides resources and support for families and loved ones of people in early recovery. Hence, doing a little footwork can help your friend go a long way.

1. The Gift of Being A Good Listener

In early recovery, a person sometimes wants to express their frustrations and discuss what is happening. During such moments, they are not necessarily looking for advice. Instead, they want someone to support them by listening. Indeed, being a good listener goes a long way.

1. Avoid Gossip and Breaking Trust

If a friend in early recovery confides in you, please respect them and keep their trust. If they tell you stories about what happened, do not repeat them without permission. Most importantly, their journey is theirs to share, not yours. By gossiping about your friend, you are violating their boundaries.

1. Try Some New Sober Activities

When a person gets sober, they also feel that their life is over: Nothing is going to be fun ever again. However, this is not the reality but a negative perception. Moreover, there is a reason why the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book includes, “But we aren’t a glum lot. If newcomers could see no joy or fun in our existence, they wouldn’t want it. We absolutely insist on enjoying life.” Help your friend by thinking up some fun, sober activities.

1. Respect Choices and Provide Non-Alcoholic Options

In social settings, keep in mind that your friend is in early recovery. Please make sure that non-alcoholic options are available. If you are hosting a party, focus on creating a safe space for your friend at the party. Without question, early recovery is challenging. You can help!

1. Relapses Sometimes Happen

Unfortunately, people in early recovery often relapse. If your friend stumbles, please do not be critical or judgmental. Instead, be supportive by pointing out how well they are doing. After all, what is essential is not falling off the horse but getting back up and starting again on a sober path. Moreover, being supportive gives them the courage to move forward.

1. Be Optimistic About Their Future

Positivity can be downright contagious. Thus, you can talk about how getting sober is an excellent step in the right direction. Indeed, recovery often leads to wonderful opportunities. However, people in early recovery do not always see the positive

At TTC, we believe in the miracle of recovery. However, we also know that early recovery is difficult at times. Thus, we recommend that, as a good person, you support your friend in early recovery. After all, such support is sometimes the difference between life and death.