Whether you are a spouse, a parent, or a sibling, living with someone in addiction recovery presents many challenges.
Although it may be an emotional and trying time, you serve an important role as a supporter and motivator. Now that your loved one has taken the steps to change their lifestyle, it is time for you to show your love, understanding, and forgiveness.
Living with a former addict can test your resilience, but it can also offer opportunities for growth, a deeper connection, and the discovery of the love and grace of Jesus Christ. Supporting someone living with a recovering addict requires balance, knowledge, and compassion.
Show Patience and Understanding
When someone is in addiction recovery, their emotions are in flux. Some days, they may be happy and motivated, while on other days, they may be anxious and on edge, or cold and distant. Everyone is different, but addiction recovery presents many mental and emotional challenges.
Although their emotional state may impact your relationship, show your patience and understanding. Remind yourself that their anger or depression is not directed at you and that their emotional state is only temporary.
When they fully adjust to their life after addiction, their mood will level out, and your relationship will improve. These mood swings are often influenced by the neurological changes that occur during substance use recovery, especially in the early stages.
Be Supportive
When someone is in addiction recovery, it is vital for them to have the love and support of everyone around them. Without a solid support system, their risk of relapse increases. Show your support by listening to their problems and concerns, and tell them that you are proud of them.
Knowing that they have your support will help motivate them on their path to sobriety. Involvement in support groups or faith-based recovery activities can also reinforce their commitment. Positive reinforcement and emotional support are critical to successful recovery.
Plan Fun Activities
Recovering from addiction can be a dark and tense time, so try to liven it up with some fun activities. Plan healthy activities to ease their mind, like going bowling, going on a hike, cooking a meal, or seeing a movie.
Through a few simple activities, you help ease the process of addiction recovery. These moments also create safe spaces for connection and joy, building a healthier foundation free from drugs or alcohol.
Demonstrate Forgiveness
Addiction affects many people, and chances are that your spouse’s, child’s, or sibling’s addictive behavior has hurt you in the past. Now that they’ve taken the steps to change their life for the better, you have the chance to demonstrate forgiveness.
Forgiveness can be difficult at first, and sometimes it takes some talking. Now that your loved one is sober, sit down with them and talk about the past. Let them know how their addiction has hurt you, but you are happy they are making a change. At the end of the conversation, show your forgiveness.
Knowing that you forgive them will ease the process and increase their chances of a full recovery. This act of grace can also aid your own well-being and reduce the emotional upheaval caused by active addiction.
Set Healthy Boundaries and Seek Support
Maintaining your own mental health is just as vital. Setting healthy boundaries helps protect both you and your recovering loved one. Don’t enable harmful behavior, and be clear about what’s acceptable. Family therapy, individual counseling, faith-based practices, and self-care are excellent tools for managing stress and fostering healthy relationships.
Establishing structured routines, prioritizing both physical and mental health, and monitoring for burnout—also known as sobriety fatigue—can help reinforce your stability. Remember, mental health disorders often accompany substance use disorders and require proper treatment.
Support groups tailored for family members of those with a substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder can offer comfort, guidance, and problem-solving skills.
Recognizing Relapse Risks and Building a Routine
Relapse can happen to anyone in recovery, and recognizing early warning signs is critical. Common triggers include stress, negative peer influences, exposure to places associated with past substance use, and untreated mental health issues. Learning to identify these signals and creating a plan to address them is vital for relapse prevention.
Encourage a structured daily schedule with consistent wake times, meals, work, physical activity, and downtime. Routine helps reduce anxiety and impulsivity—two risk factors for returning to substance abuse. Discuss coping mechanisms that work, whether that’s journaling, prayer, or attending support group meetings.
Avoiding drug and alcohol use environments and developing positive coping strategies can significantly strengthen long-term recovery. This is especially important for those who struggled with drug addiction, drug abuse, or alcohol abuse. Providing a predictable, safe space supports healing.
Understand the Lifelong Nature of Recovery
Addiction is not a temporary issue—it’s a lifelong process. A recovering addict may face temptation even after years of sobriety. Stay informed about treatment options, warning signs, and coping mechanisms.
Encourage your loved one to continue their journey with counseling, therapy, and recovery activities. Your long-term involvement and encouragement can make all the difference.
You’re Not Alone
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, millions of Americans are impacted by addiction. Whether your loved one struggled with drug or alcohol addiction, your support matters.
Stay engaged, stay hopeful, and take care of your own needs as well. Together, recovery and reconnection are possible.
How Adult & Teen Challenge Can Help
For over 65 years, Adult & Teen Challenge has been a trusted leader in faith-based addiction recovery, offering hope and healing to individuals and families across North America. With more than 215 residential centers, we provide Christ-centered treatment options tailored to lasting transformation.
Whether you’re looking for support for a loved one, need guidance on the next step in recovery, or want to give back, we’re here for you. Explore our nationwide Center Finder to connect with help near you, shop our Store to support our mission, or make a Donation to empower lives changed by grace. Together, we can overcome addiction and build new beginnings.
How does living with an addict affect you?
Living with someone struggling with addiction can cause emotional stress, anxiety, and even trauma. It often involves instability, broken trust, and constant worry. Seeking support and setting healthy boundaries can help protect your own well-being while being there for your loved one.
Can you have a healthy relationship with a recovering addict?
Yes, with open communication, mutual respect, and support, healthy relationships are absolutely possible with someone going through substance abuse. Recovery involves rebuilding trust and creating new, supportive dynamics that foster long-term healing.
Can you trust a former addict?
Trust can be rebuilt over time. Recovery is about consistency, honesty, and commitment. As your loved one continues in their recovery journey and demonstrates changed behavior, trust can be re-established.
What is it like to live with an addict?
It can be emotionally exhausting and unpredictable. Addiction often brings chaos and can affect your mental and emotional health. Seeking outside help—such as counseling or support groups—can provide the strength needed to cope.
What is it like to be in a relationship with an addict?
Relationships with someone struggling with addiction can be challenging and marked by broken promises or strained emotions. However, when recovery begins, there is hope for healing, especially with healthy communication and support systems in place.
What are the family rules for addiction?
Each family’s boundaries may differ, but common guidelines include: no enabling of substance use, open and honest communication, participation in counseling or support groups, and setting consequences for relapse. These rules help maintain safety and encourage accountability.
