At Arrow Health, we understand the importance and value that friends and loved ones have on the recovery journey. We also recognise the courage, love, compassion, and dedication that it takes to support a friend through these times.
Below are some practical ways that you can help support your friend battling substance use disorder.
Friends are family when it comes to supporting a loved one on their recovery journey.
Listen with compassion
One of the first steps and ways to help support a friend is to listen to them with empathy and without judgement. Aim to create a safe space where your friend is comfortable to open up to you about their struggles. It is important that you try to avoid giving unsolicited advice or making assumptions, and instead simply be there.
Express your concerns and offer help
Let your friend know that you’re genuinely concerned about their well-being and that you want to help support them in any way that you can. Offering to help with researching treatment options or accompanying them to appointments are some of the practical tasks you can assist with.
Do some research
Taking the time to research substance use disorder or addiction can help you with providing informed support to your friend. By learning more about the causes, symptoms, and available treatment options you will become familiar with using positive, encouraging language that helps to avoid enabling behaviours.
Encourage professional help
Offer to help your friend with researching treatment facilities or connecting them to community resources. Encourage your friend to seek out professional help from qualified professionals. Let your friend know that seeking help isn’t a weakness, it takes strength. And also let your friend know that they don’t have to face this journey alone.
Celebrate your friend’s milestones
Your friendly words of encouragement and acknowledgement of the efforts which your friend has made in their recovery can do wonders. Recovery is an emotional and challenging time. Assurances of belief from loved ones can really make a difference to a person’s recovery. Even small victories are worthy of celebration.
Set your boundaries
It’s vital that you set boundaries to protect your own well-being when offering support. Be clear in what you are willing and able to do to assist your friend, and communicate these openly and respectfully.
Despite the challenges you may face along the way, remember that your presence, support, and advocacy can make a significant difference in your friend’s journey to recovery.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for guidance and support. Together, we can navigate these challenges and help your friend find hope and healing.