Alcohol is a severe addiction and a pretty hard one to recover from. Each day several of us decide to quit. However, due to one reason or another, we fail.
John C. Wolfe, a father and an author of “The Funny Thing About Being Sober,” leaves readers crying, laughing, and wondering, as the author’s clean and sober life proves even more chaotic than the alcohol-fueled one he left behind.
The author was on the verge of trailing his life until he finally discovered the strength to recover from his addiction that consumed much of his time. From then on, he did not allow himself another day without fighting back!
John has been sober for years, and he shares his story of how great it feels. However, the journey was not easy – alcohol recovery is one issue that John highlighted in his books throughout the time he spent writing.
The worst thing you can do to someone recovering from addiction is intentionally or unintentionally say something you may think is ordinary or funny. Your words could trigger them and have a severe impact on their lives. Here are a few examples you can learn from and not blurt out what may hurt your loved ones in struggling times.
It’s just a drink!
Recovering addicts are constantly told they can “go back” for one more drink or smoke. But the truth is, this might just be enough to put them over the edge and into relapse!
Calling them alcoholics.
An ignorant comment like ‘you’re an alcoholic is never helpful when a person is trying to take small steps to quit and recover. People who really need support should not have obstacles thrown in their path because of other people’s ignorance.
How long have you been sober?
A question like this only reminds people of the last time they relapsed into destructive behaviors. For many addicts, relapse is quite common on the road to recovery. Hence, the question may trigger them or make them feel wrong about their slow recovery. The best you can do is focus on the moment and not the history.
How do you party now?
Even if you do not intend to say anything wrong, such a statement implies that a person can’t have a good time unless they are using alcohol or drugs.
Recovering addicts already have a hard time readjusting their relationship with drugs. It is possible that they have just gotten out of drug detox. It is never a good idea to make them think that their existence will be joyless without the use of the substance.
It is a cruel and false statement. People can enjoy their life without abusing drugs or alcohol. And your friend or loved one is also fully capable of learning to do the same.
The road to recovery is never easy!
It may be hard or challenging for you to admit, but the individual you’re talking to is no longer an alcoholic. You may feel like the person probably still qualifies as one since they went through a lengthy process of overcoming their alcoholism and addiction. But if they’ve made it this far, they or no one, for a fact, deserves unsympathetic behavior. It’s not only insulting, but it’s also ignorant since recovery is an arduous, complex process that typically takes years. Moreover, your words could also imply that there is something inherently wrong with the person if they have become an alcoholic.
People in recovery are human, too – they have feelings and emotions like everyone else, so don’t treat them like they’re not worthy of being heard.