Addiction is an ongoing problem that people deal with throughout their entire lives. When addicts decide to seek treatment for drug and alcohol abuse, they need support to succeed in achieving and maintaining sobriety. If you love an addict, here are three ways you can offer the support they need.

Encourage Them To Find the Right Program

There are many different types of programs intended to help addicts. While some people require long-term rehabilitation programs, other people prefer online drug abuse courses they can do from the comfort of their homes. There is no one option that works for everyone, so it is important to encourage addicts to seek out a program that meets their individual needs. However, remember that professionals are better equipped to help people overcome addiction, so you may want to research different options to keep your friends from trying to battle their addictions by themselves.

Change Your Habits Around Them

Sobriety is an ongoing battle and you could inadvertently cause your friends to slip up if you aren’t willing to change your habits around them. For example, if your friend has successfully battled alcohol addiction, it probably isn’t a good idea to drink around him or her. You should also try to avoid social situations where your friend will be tempted to drink. You can show your support simply by adjusting your habits so you don’t cause your friend to fall off the wagon.

Support Them When They Mess Up

Maintaining sobriety is not always easy and your friends may give in to temptation occasionally. It is important to love them through their mistakes so you can help them get back on track instead of condemning them for their bad choices. Boundaries are important and you should step away if your friends are stealing money to buy drugs or alcohol, but if they slip up once, it is important to assure them that they just made a mistake. A kind, compassionate approach is often more effective for helping addicts get back on track with sobriety.

Millions of people struggle with drug and alcohol abuse. Support is vital when they decide to get sober, so if you have a loved one who has chosen to fight addiction, you need to show him or her that you are supportive of the decision. Use these three tips to show your friends you love them and support them through their battle with addiction.