Month: March 2023

Recovery is hard.

And if someone you love is going through it, you’re probably wondering…

“How can I be a steady support for them right now?”

The truth is, you can’t do the work for them, but your support can make all the difference.

In this post, you’ll discover seven practical tips on how to support someone getting sober—and how to show up in a way that’s helpful.

You’ll also learn why sober support in recovery is so important, especially in those early, vulnerable days.

Ready to be someone’s rock?

Let’s get into it.

1. Be There For Them

Let’s start with the obvious one.

But here’s the kicker: “being there” doesn’t mean fixing their problems or constantly checking in on their sobriety.

It means:

• Showing up when you say you will
• Listening without judgment
• Celebrating their wins (even the tiny ones)
• Sitting in the silence when they’re having a tough day

   

The truth is, friendship is crucial in recovery. Having a consistent support system is one of the top predictors of long-term success in sober living.

So if you’re not sure what to say?

Just show up and listen. That alone goes a long way.

2. Avoid Known Triggers

This is one of the most overlooked sober living tips, but it’s a big one.

If your friend or family member has shared their triggers with you, honor that. Even if it feels inconvenient.

Here’s what that might look like:

• Skipping the bar and suggesting a coffee date instead
• Leaving alcohol out of your home gatherings
• Avoiding conversations or media that glorify partying
• Being mindful of your habits around them

   

Avoiding triggers doesn’t mean living in fear, it just means being intentional about how you show support.

And if you’re not sure what their triggers are?

Ask. Then really listen.

3. Educate Yourself on Challenges They’re Facing

If you want to support someone in recovery, this part’s on you.

If you’re not in recovery yourself, there are things you simply won’t understand right away—and that’s okay.

But that also means it’s not your loved one’s job to explain everything to you.

Take time to:

• Read books or articles about support during recovery
• Attend an Al-Anon or SMART Recovery family group
• Watch documentaries or listen to recovery podcasts

   

When you learn more about what they’re navigating, you become a better support system.

And if you’re looking for a supportive environment to recommend, check out our sober living homes for recovery. Our community is rooted in structure, connection, and real growth.

4. Encourage Healthy Habits (And Join In!)

Here’s the deal: healthy routines can boost mood, focus, and long-term stability—all key in recovery.

But routines don’t have to be boring.

Encourage habits like:

• Going for daily walks or hikes
• Cooking balanced meals together
• Starting a morning meditation or journaling habit
• Joining a fitness class or gym

   

Bonus points if you do it with them.

Supporting someone getting sober means helping them rebuild a life that feels good—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

5. Celebrate Milestones (Big and Small)

It’s not just about counting the days.

It’s about acknowledging the effort your loved one is putting in, every single day.

Here’s how you can celebrate:

• Send a card or small gift on their sobriety date
• Write a meaningful letter
• Plan a milestone dinner
• Just say, “I see you. I’m proud of you.”

   

These moments add fuel to the fire—and they remind your loved one that they’re not in this alone.

6. Respect Their Boundaries (Even If You Don’t Understand Them)

Some days, they’ll want to talk about it.

Other days? Not so much.

That’s normal. Recovery isn’t linear.

Here’s your job:

• Don’t press them to open up
• Don’t assume you know what’s best
• Respect their space when they ask for it

   

Want them to trust you more over time?

Start by showing them you can honor their pace.

7. Don’t Fixate on Their Recovery Journey

Yes, they’re in recovery.

But they’re also a whole person with passions, interests, and quirks.

So talk about:

• Their favorite music or movies
• That new game you both love
• Road trips you want to take
• Anything that brings them joy

   

This is one of those support tips that often gets missed.

But when you treat your loved one like more than just “someone in recovery,” you help them remember that they’re more than that, too.

Going The Extra Mile Supporting Someone in Recovery: Help Them Find the Right Environment to Thrive

Sometimes the best way to support someone in recovery is to help them find a place where they can thrive.

That’s where we come in.

At SAL, we don’t just provide a place to stay. We offer community, structure, and support—all designed to help our residents succeed in the long run.

Whether you’re looking for yourself or someone you love, our Wheat Ridge Sober Living Apartments or Scottsdale Sober Living Homes are rooted in lifelong growth, stability, and purpose.

If you’re serious about recovery, this is the place to start.

👉 Contact us here to learn more.

Recap: 7 Living Sober Tips to Remember

Here’s a quick recap of the recovery support tips we covered:

1. Be present – Your support means more than advice ever could.
2. Avoid triggers – Help create a safe space for recovery.
3. Educate yourself – Understanding the challenges associated with sober living empowers you to help.
4. Encourage healthy habits – Mental and physical health go hand in hand.
5. Celebrate milestones – Show them that every win matters.
6. Respect boundaries – Healing happens at their pace, not yours.
7. Focus on connection – Talk about life, not just recovery.

    

Want to go the extra mile in supporting your loved one in recovery?

Explore our sober living homes for recovery and help your loved one find a supportive space where they can grow.

How To Support Others Through Recovery

Here’s the truth:

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be present.

Use these recovery support tips as a guide, not a rulebook. And remember—every encouraging word, every ride to therapy, every moment of listening… it adds up.

You’ve got what it takes to support someone through sobriety and recovery.

And if you ever need a place that’s built around growth, accountability, and real recovery?

Reach out to us at SAL.

We’ll be here when you’re ready.