For a former addict in recovery at rehab centers from Escondido Calif., to the East Coast, even the most benign everyday life situations can dredge up cravings for drugs or alcohol. While friends and family can be a great support for addicts in recovery, they can sometimes do more harm than good, even inadvertently. The following are things to avoid saying to a recovering addict.
“How Long Have you Been Clean/Sober?”
It seems like an innocuous question, but one that can be difficult for recovering addicts to answer. Not everyone has a smooth progression from addiction to sober living; many addicts experience relapses and may feel guilty about it. Instead, ask how recovery is going in general.
“I Never Would Have Guessed You Were an Alcoholic”
Like all people, alcoholics come in all shapes and sizes. Just because someone is “functional” or doesn’t look like a stereotypical alcoholic (whatever that means) doesn’t mean he or she doesn’t have a problem.
“When Can you Stop Going to Meetings?”
While meetings through rehab centers may seem like an inconvenience to you, to a recovering addict meetings are a source of support and encouragement. Instead, encourage the recovering addict to get the most out of the meeting experience.
“Just One Drink”
While having a single drink at the bar in Escondido may be easy for you, for a former addict having just one may be impossible. Don’t be responsible for facilitating a friend’s relapse.
“I Know How you Feel”
Unless you personally have experienced an addiction and have visited rehab centers, avoid saying this to a recovering addict. You can offer support without dismissing the experience of drug or alcohol addiction.
“What Do you Do for Fun?”
Plenty of people from Utah to Escondido lead happy, enriching lives without the influence of drugs or alcohol. Just because someone doesn’t drink it doesn’t make him or her a boring person.
“Once You’re Better, You Can Drink Again”
For a recovering addict, there is no “normal” amount of drinking. Telling a former addict that they can drink again can lead to a relapse.
“Just Stop Drinking!”
Probably the most common comment is also the most damaging. Addiction is a complicated condition that is very difficult to beat. Telling an addict to “just stop” is both hurtful and condescending.
Natalie Benoy is a health writer reporter for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Miramar Recovery Center. Follow on Twitter
“How Long Have you Been Clean/Sober?”
It seems like an innocuous question, but one that can be difficult for recovering addicts to answer. Not everyone has a smooth progression from addiction to sober living; many addicts experience relapses and may feel guilty about it. Instead, ask how recovery is going in general.
“I Never Would Have Guessed You Were an Alcoholic”
Like all people, alcoholics come in all shapes and sizes. Just because someone is “functional” or doesn’t look like a stereotypical alcoholic (whatever that means) doesn’t mean he or she doesn’t have a problem.
“When Can you Stop Going to Meetings?”
While meetings through rehab centers may seem like an inconvenience to you, to a recovering addict meetings are a source of support and encouragement. Instead, encourage the recovering addict to get the most out of the meeting experience.
“Just One Drink”
While having a single drink at the bar in Escondido may be easy for you, for a former addict having just one may be impossible. Don’t be responsible for facilitating a friend’s relapse.
“I Know How you Feel”
Unless you personally have experienced an addiction and have visited rehab centers, avoid saying this to a recovering addict. You can offer support without dismissing the experience of drug or alcohol addiction.
“What Do you Do for Fun?”
Plenty of people from Utah to Escondido lead happy, enriching lives without the influence of drugs or alcohol. Just because someone doesn’t drink it doesn’t make him or her a boring person.
“Once You’re Better, You Can Drink Again”
For a recovering addict, there is no “normal” amount of drinking. Telling a former addict that they can drink again can lead to a relapse.
“Just Stop Drinking!”
Probably the most common comment is also the most damaging. Addiction is a complicated condition that is very difficult to beat. Telling an addict to “just stop” is both hurtful and condescending.
Natalie Benoy is a health writer reporter for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Miramar Recovery Center. Follow on Twitter