You may be uncomfortable being around someone who is a recovering alcoholic. You might think that you have to watch what you say or avoid activities that you and the recovering alcoholic formerly enjoyed. While you continue to support your loved one or friend during the recovery process, you can still find ways to have fun and strengthen your bond with each other without compromising his or her recovery.
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1. Go Out to Dinner
Going out to eat can be a great way for friends and loved ones to have fun and spend time together. Even so, you might be on edge about inviting a recovering alcoholic to a restaurant that serves alcohol. In fact, these places might not be the best locations to meet. Instead, you may try local buffet restaurants or delis where alcohol is not served. Enjoying conversation over a meal can be a fantastic way to show your loved one or friend that you still want to spend time with him or her.
2. Take in Local Shows
Supporting a friend or relative during his or her recovery can include exposing this individual to new cultural experiences. If your friend or loved one has never been to the symphony, ballet, or to a play, inviting him or her to one of these performances can be a way to enlighten that person's horizons and help that individual focus on new types of recreation.
Many alcoholics are so focused on getting their next drink that they neglect the many recreational and cultural opportunities in their area. Showing your loved one what is available to enjoy in your community can help that individual stay sober and find new interests about which to be excited.
3. Avoid Negative Behavior
As your friend or loved one continues to recover, you may believe that you are still free to engage in behaviors that could be judged as reckless and irresponsible. You might argue with yourself that you are not the one with the drinking problem; therefore, you should be free to enjoy whatever behaviors you see fit. However, if you engage in behaviors like driving while intoxicated or getting drunk in public, your friend or relative could face the temptation to backslide and fall back into his or her former habits.
The Wilson Law Firm website recommends taking all variables into account in a DUI case-the same applies to avoiding drunk driving. Always be sure that everyone has a safe, legal way home. If you make the decision to support a recovering alcoholic, you must make better choices about your own behavior. In essence, your choice calls you to be a role model to that individual.
4. Always be Available to Talk
Sometimes having fun and enjoying public venues may be too much for a recovering alcoholic. There may be times your loved one or friend just needs to talk and have someone listen. Being available for these discussions shows the recovering individual that you have that person's best interests at heart and that you are available for support anytime he or she needs it.
Supporting a recovering alcoholic in your family or circle of friends does not have to be a daunting and difficult task. Minding your own behavior, exposing him or her to new enjoyments, and making an effort to curb any temptations to backslide can be among the best means of showing support.
Lisa Coleman is a blogger and freelance writer who, as someone with beloved recovering alcoholic friends, offers this article to expand awareness and understanding of the recovery process. A support system is very important to recovery, especially when battling DUI charges. Attorneys at The Wilson Law Firm believe in treating each DUI case individually, considering all variables, and discussing potential defenses rather than predicting a case outcome.