THE NUANCE

How to Be a Good Friend to Someone Recovering From Addiction

An addiction specialist explains what to do, what not to do, and what groups like AA and M.A.D.D. get wrong.

Photo by Jairph on Unsplash

Everyone knows a recovering addict. I know several. Some are friends and some are family members. I do my best to support all of them — to be there for them — but I’m always just winging it.

That’s why I wanted to speak with Travis Thompson.

Thompson is a licensed marriage and family therapist. He’s also an addiction specialist who’s spent most of the last decade working in Tennessee rehab clinics and mental health facilities. He’s helped hundreds of people — and their loved ones — grapple with severe alcoholism, drug abuse, and other substance use disorders.

“Aside from the addict themselves, the people closest to them — so spouses and parents and siblings and friends — have the greatest impact,” he says.

Unfortunately, and to the detriment of everyone involved, Thompson says these supporting players aren’t given much support themselves.

‘You are not responsible for that person’s addiction.’