Helping a Love One Through Recovery: Compassion in Action

Seeing someone you care about struggle can be hard. You want to help, but it’s easy to feel stuck—what if you do too much, or not enough? Supporting a loved one isn’t about fixing their problems—it’s about walking alongside them.

Here’s how to make a real difference:

• Listen first: Sometimes the best thing you can do is simply hear them out. Don’t rush to solve their problems.

• Encourage small steps: Big challenges feel less scary when broken into small wins. Cheer them on for even tiny victories.

• Respect boundaries: Everyone recovers at their own pace. Don’t push them to share more or move faster than they’re ready.

• Use the recovery guide together: Help them apply simple steps like setting goals, tracking progress, and reflecting on achievements—but let them lead the way.

• Celebrate progress: Every step forward counts. A little encouragement goes a long way.

Remember: being there consistently, even in small ways, can mean more than grand gestures. Compassion isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up.