8 Things You Shouldn't Say To People In Recovery
- Do not ask: “How long have you been sober?” This is a tricky question for many people in recovery -- and it can come across as invasive even if ...
- Do not ask: “When can you stop going to meetings?” Being in recovery is a life-long process. ...
- Do not say: "I know how you feel." Unless you have dealt with addiction personally, you do not and cannot understand how people in recovery feel. ...
- Do not ask: “Are you sure you're an alcoholic/addict?” It doesn't help to challenge the person in recovery. ...
- Do not say: “I didn't think you had a problem” or “I had no idea!” That was usually the point -- people with addiction are pros at hiding it. ...
- Do not ask: “Can't you just stop?" or “Can’t you have just one?” If they have trusted you enough to tell you about their recovery, take their word for ...
- Do not ask: “So you can never get high or drink again?” This question can be anxiety-provoking for anyone. Recovery often is not about just the drinking or using. ...
- Do not say: "Joe's in recovery too!"
Full Answer
What to say to someone in rehab?
Aug 09, 2019 · It shows that their decision to get help and get sober was a smart choice and that someone is recognizing the good choices they are making. When wondering what to say to someone struggling with addiction, you can’t go wrong with telling someone how proud you are of them. 2. “You are not alone – I am here for you.” – It takes a lot of courage for someone to …
Is it offensive to ask if someone is in rehab?
“You can still drink, right? You were addicted to heroin/marijuana/painkillers, not booze.” Addiction is addiction is addiction. Just because a person might be in recovery for one kind of substance doesn’t make them impervious to others.
What to say to someone struggling with addiction?
Dec 12, 2018 · Among the flood of emotions that can get in the way of what to say to someone struggling with addiction include the following: Sadness over your predicament; Anxiety over whether or not your loved one will get better; Anger over the pain that their addiction caused; Shame over what you might say to others about the situation
How can I help my loved one go to rehab?
It’s often wrapped in layers of deceit, shame, and denial. There’s a good chance that you don’t know the true extent of how much your loved one has struggled. If you know someone in rehab, it’s ignorant and potentially offensive to ask if they really need it. First, it can invalidate the severity of their issues.
What should you not say to someone in recovery?
Here is an ultimate guide of what not to say to a sober person— and what to say instead:“Why aren't you drinking?” ... “How do you know you're an alcoholic/addict?” ... “Come on, just one drink, we're celebrating” ... “So everyone's drinking but Brenda” ... “When will you be able to drink again?” or “When will you be recovered?”More items...•Oct 5, 2020
What to say to someone who goes to rehab?
What To Say To Someone In Drug RehabTell Them How Much You Love Them. ... Let Them Know They Are Not Alone. ... Ask Them How They Are Feeling. ... Ask Them How You Can Help. ... Tell Them You Are Proud Of Them. ... Let Them Know That There Is Always Hope. ... Plan Things To Do Together Once They Complete Rehab.Apr 5, 2021
What do you say to someone who has a drug addiction?
Avoid calling them names like "addict" or "junkie."2 A person's addiction shouldn't define who they are. Being called an "addict" can feel dehumanizing. Try using person-first language, such as "person with an addiction." I can't believe you're a junkie.Oct 3, 2021
What do you do when someone won't go to rehab?
If Your Loved One Is Refusing Treatment:Positively Encourage Them.When All Else Fails, Don't Use Guilt. ... Offer Support. ... Stop Funding. ... Start With The Medical Approach. ... Decipher The Situation. ... Educate Yourself. ... Admit It To Yourself. If you're in denial, it's not helping anyone. ... More items...•Nov 12, 2021
What do you say to a one year sober?
“Happy Sober Anniversary” Sample Messages“I'm so happy to see you taking care of yourself.”“You've grown into such a strong and independent person.”“I'm so proud of you and the progress you've made.”“You deserve to be happy.”“I'm happy you're doing so well. ... “You are deserving of a happy and sober life.”More items...•Jul 21, 2021
What do you say to someone who is sober?
Affirm Their Progress And What They Deserve“I'm so proud of you”“I'm so happy to see you taking care of yourself”“You are so strong”“I'm happy that you're doing well”“You are inspiring”“You deserve to be happy”“You are deserving of a happy and healthy life”“Keep on fighting”Aug 10, 2020
How do you say no to drugs?
In a firm voice, tell the person you don't want to drink or use drugs. Say something like: - "No, I'm sorry, but I don't use...." - "No, I'm really trying to stay clean." - "No, I'm trying to cut back." Give a reason why you don't want to drink or use drugs.
How do you deal with someone who is under the influence of drugs?
Try to remain calm, and speak in a calm, clear, and slow voice to the person. Try to avoid emotional or hostile language, which may make the person more aggressive. Say the person's name, and tell them that you're there to help.
What does love addiction look like?
Love addiction is often a pattern of intense infatuations and obsessive relationships, as well as a tendency to be desperate and insecure in relationships. A person suffering from a love addiction often seeks the excitement and sexual “rush” of a new relationship but cannot maintain a lasting feeling of attachment.Oct 15, 2020
How do I get my drunk husband out of the house?
A Family Abuse Restraining Order might be your best option to get him out of the main home you share with your children. You can get this right away as you don't need to have a divorce filed.
Are there different levels of addiction?
While there are many factors that contribute to drug and alcohol addiction, including genetic and environmental influences, socioeconomic status, and preexisting mental health conditions, most professionals within the field of addiction agree that there are four main stages of addiction: experimentation, regular use, ...
How do you do a family intervention?
An intervention usually includes the following steps:Make a plan. A family member or friend proposes an intervention and forms a planning group. ... Gather information. ... Form the intervention team. ... Decide on specific consequences. ... Make notes on what to say. ... Hold the intervention meeting. ... Follow up.
What to do when someone tells you they are an addict?
Admitting that there is a problem is a very difficult step for most addicts to take on their way to recovery. If the person to whom you are speaking admits the problem, take his or her word for it.
Is it common for addicts to relapse?
The truth is that, for many addicts, relapse is quite common on the road to recovery.
How many people relapse at least once?
Roughly 50 percent of people struggling with addiction relapse at least once, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. With that in mind, the recovering person needs all the support and encouragement he or she can get.
What does it mean when someone is in recovery?
A person in recovery often struggles with feelings of both accomplishment and dread. Often a person in addiction recovery is most vulnerable to what is said by their closest friends and relatives since these are the people who figure large in their life. No matter how noble your intentions, conversation with someone newly in recovery is fraught ...
Who is Chris Clancy?
Chris Clancy. Chris Clancy is the in-house Content Manager for JourneyPure’s Digital Marketing team, where he gets to explore a wide variety of substance abuse- and mental health-related topics.
Is alcohol an addiction?
And while alcohol might be more socially acceptable than other drugs, it still has a huge potential for abuse and addiction.
Can addiction affect anyone?
Addiction is a disease that can affect anybody, regardless of race, age, social status, intelligence, or temperament. Unless you’ve gone through the recovery process or work in a rehabilitation facility, chances are excellent you haven’t met as many addicts as the person in recovery has.
What is Aquila Recovery Clinic?
At Aquila Recovery Clinic, we help our patients through the drug rehabilitation process. We take genuine pride and joy in seeing patients within our local communities regain their sobriety. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, contact our friendly and professional recovery team today.
Why do people let bygones be bygones?
Letting bygones be bygones and showing that you love them through all of the obstacles is a great way to assist with their recovery. In addition, there is always an underlying reason they became addicted to drugs or alcohol in the first place, which may be result of mental health issues that were left untreated.
What to say to someone who is addicted to drugs?
Among the flood of emotions that can get in the way of what to say to someone struggling with addiction include the following: 1 Sadness over your predicament 2 Anxiety over whether or not your loved one will get better 3 Anger over the pain that their addiction caused 4 Shame over what you might say to others about the situation 5 Weakness due to not being able to help the addict yourself
What are the symptoms of addiction?
Sadness over your predicament. Anxiety over whether or not your loved one will get better. Anger over the pain that their addiction caused. Shame over what you might say to others about the situation. Weakness due to not being able to help the addict yourself.
Why do addicts isolate themselves?
Addicts may be closed off and isolate themselves from those around them in order to better facilitate their drug-seeking needs. However, this situation often leads to a substantial buildup of emotions that can make knowing what to write to someone in rehab difficult.
What happens when you get sober?
When an individual gets sober, he or she learns how to confront suppressed feelings and uncomfortable triggers. In other words, people learn a whole new way of living. Such changes, undoubtedly, have their obstacles.
What is addiction in family?
Addiction represents a family disease. That means every member plays a part in the dynamic. By learning to identify your part, you can learn how to set healthier boundaries for yourself and with your loved one. Believe it or not, many people in rehab wish their families or friends would obtain their own support.
What does it mean to be nonjudgmental?
Providing a nonjudgmental space indicates that it’s safe for your loved one to be honest with you. Ask your loved one what they’ve found challenging. You don’t need to provide direct advice, but you should be willing to listen. In addiction treatment, there’s a common expression that secrets keep you sick.
Is addiction a complicated problem?
It’s often wrapped in layers of deceit, shame, and denial. There’s a good chance that you don’t know the true extent of how much your loved one has struggle d.
Is addiction a medical condition?
Addiction is a chronic disease and a medical condition. Relapse, therefore, can be a part of the recovery process. Furthermore, both physical and psychological dependence play a significant role in maintaining addiction. Most people with addictions have the desire to stop using or drinking.
Is it easy to get sober?
Just like getting sober isn’t easy, choosing to attend treatment isn’t easy, either. After all, reaching for help requires setting aside some pride and ego to make such a big decision. Addiction can impact every area of one’s life. Taking the step to challenge that status quo is brave. It’s also incredibly scary!
What to say to someone recovering from addiction?
The stigma of drug or alcohol addiction may have made it even harder. Simple expressions of love, care, and validation will count for a lot in their healing process. Once they realize that they are loved and that they matter to the world, they will be one big step ahead in their recovery.
Why can't I be there for my loved ones?
They may be extremely worried about not contributing income, not taking care of their kids, and generally being a burden on others. This is when you can tell them to put themselves and their recovery first. Only once they’ve completed their treatment will they be in a good position to help out again.
Is rehab hard on a person?
Maybe they’ve given themselves an internal deadline to achieve sobriety, or maybe they’re comparing themselves to others undergoing rehab. If this is the case, they may be harsh on themselves or not giving themselves enough of a chance. You can tell them to breathe, relax a little, and trust that they will recover at the pace that’s best for them.
Is rehab easy?
Most people think the rehabilitation process is as easy as checking in, checking out, and then leaving sober. But the road to full recovery is full of bumps. There’s even a chance that your loved one will relapse. It will make a big difference for you to affirm that rehab isn’t easy, and that there are definite stumbling blocks to healing. That way, they can forgive themselves for any mistakes and be less discouraged about their rehabilitation journey.
