In Chapter 7 of the Big Book, it reads “It is important for him to realize that your attempt to pass this on to him plays a vital part in your own recovery. Actually, he may be helping you more than you are helping him. Make it plain he is under no obligation to you, that you hope only that he will try to help other alcoholics when he escapes his own difficulties.” When you finish your alcohol or drug rehab stay, it is essential that you work on your recovery for yourself. However, with this being said, at some point, you can help others with their recovery journey too. Passing knowledge onto others in your recovery is an important step. It is a chance you have to encourage them to get and stay sober. It is also a chance to help others as well.
Talking to Others About Your Recovery
It may help, when talking to someone else about their addiction, to start by talking about your own recovery journey. This may be enough inspiration for them to see how sobriety could help in their own life. Don’t even begin to mention anything about them at this point. Focus solely on yourself. Let them know what your turning point was and how that helped you. Talk to them about how alcohol or drug rehabilitation changed your life. Telling them your story could help you as well.
Sharing Your Knowledge
The knowledge you have gained in your recovery is great to share as well. When you are talking to someone who has an addiction or even a substance abuse disorder, sharing your knowledge could help to change their life. What are some of the most important coping skills you have learned in your recovery so far? Share these with the addict or alcoholic in your life. Let them know how your support network has helped you grow and change into a better person. By sharing your knowledge, you are helping them to see how a recovering lifestyle could change their life as well.
Talk to Them About Their Addiction
After you have talked to someone else about your recovery and shared your knowledge, they may be more willing to hear you in regards to their own addiction. They may be more willing to accept your advice when it comes to them getting clean and sober. When you talk to them about their addiction, be sure not to judge. Remember, you have been where they are now. You didn’t want to be judged either. Keep this in mind when talking to them about their addiction.
There is so much to learn about recovering from an alcohol or drug addiction. If you know someone who needs to go into an alcohol or drug treatment center, take your time with them. Don’t rush the process. This may be more helpful to them than you realize. If they are ready have them call 888-992-7955 today.
