Your Shoulder To Lean On: Being a Recovery Ally

Addiction recovery is a community effort. It takes all kinds of people, working together, to beat addiction. For our loved ones who are suffering from substance abuse, but who want to get help, we can lift them up by being good recovery allies. It can be overwhelming to try and think of the best way to be your loved one’s shoulder to lean on. What’s the boundary between enabling and constructive support? How does one avoid fostering an environment of codependency? Is it alright to take time out for oneself? This infographic boils the “Do”s and “Don’t”s of being a recovery ally down to a few easy to remember points for first-time supporters. The second half of the infographic shines a spotlight on a few key things to remember about the culture of recovery and addiction, such as relationships, trigger awareness, how to stop harmful stigmas, and managing self-care. With help, any willing addict can reach for and grasp recovery – all it takes is a little knowledge, and a lot of courage and persistence.