Join A Support Group For You

 Looking after yourself is just as important as looking after your friend who is experiencing addiction. At times, it may be exhausting and overwhelming to be a support when a friend is wrestling through the initial stages of trying to stay sober. 

There are many resources for you to receive support while being there for your friend. With groups like Al-Anon and Naranon, you can listen to other’s stories and learn how to be the best support you can without putting yourself in harm’s way.

Be Mindful of Codependency

Codependency is nearly untraceable when you are close to a friend. Just as your friend has habits with addiction, chances are you have also developed habitual behaviors as a response to your friend’s addiction.

Codependency hinders recovery by fostering behavioral habits and taking the blame for what your addicted friend does. Behavioral habits can show up as:

·        Staying in a friendship to avoid abandonment, such as sheltering a friend or giving money in order to keep the friendship

·        Trouble sharing honest feelings where you focus more on “fixing” your friend rather than recognize your own emotions and responses to the situation

·        Lack of ability to set boundaries and saying yes to everything, even when it makes you uncomfortable

·        Always putting your friend first before your own needs and neglecting yourself

·        Making excuses for them by covering up for them or creating reasons why they are behaving a certain way

Codependency is a two-way street that impacts one another. If you feel you are experiencing a codependent friendship, then it is important for both of you to seek professional help to overcome the emotional trauma connected to it. 

Loosid - The Worlds Most Popular Sobriety App & Recovery App