Do I Have to Cut off Friends Who Abuse Substances?

Many people in treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) have friends who actively abuse alcohol or drugs. Avoiding locations or people related to substance abuse promotes abstinence and reduces the risk of relapse. According to Substance Use and Misuse, “Research has repeatedly found that those with stronger social support networks remain in treatment longer, and have better recovery outcomes with a decreased likelihood of return to use [. . .]. The type of social support also matters; having even one person supportive of continued drug use may have a stronger influence on recovery than having one person supportive of abstinence.” Experts at West Coast Recovery Centers help clients build a sober support network. Clients are encouraged to avoid friends who abuse substances to reduce the risk of relapse. 

The Dangers of Spending Time With Friends Who Abuse Substances

Some clients may have intense and meaningful relationships with individuals who actively abuse drugs or alcohol. However, continuing to spend significant amounts of time with individuals who support substance abuse may cause a relapse. Clients in recovery put their mental and physical health in danger by maintaining frequent contact with loved ones, friends, or acquaintances who actively abuse substances. 

Some people may hesitate to cut off communication with friends who they love. Managing those relationships is a delicate challenge. The care team guides clients through identifying how their relationships may impact long-term recovery. Treatment programs at West Coast Recovery Centers educate clients about the realities of addiction and relapse. Clients are less likely to engage in harmful relationships if they understand how it may impact their sobriety and mental health. 

Peer Pressure and the Risk of Relapse

Spending time with a person who actively abuses substances can lead to intentional or unintentional peer pressure to relapse. Young adults between the ages of 18 to 25 have a higher risk of experiencing and being influenced by peer pressure. According to Addictive Behaviors, “During adolescence, ‘peer pressure’ may strongly shape substance use behavior, as peers may provide access to substances or actively encourage or discourage use.” People of all ages may experience peer pressure from friends and loved ones. Maintaining relationships with people who pressure others verbally or through behaviors can put a client's recovery at risk. 

Navigating Relationships With Friends Who Abuse Substances

Friends or loved ones who abuse substances may play a significant role in a person's life. Some individuals may not feel able to cut off contact with unhealthy relationships. For example, someone who lives with a friend who abuses substances may not have anywhere else to go. Navigating those relationships is not easy. 

The care team at West Coast Recovery Centers provides clients with emotional and practical support to ensure they have a variety of options for managing complex relationships. Each person and case is unique. Case managers may help clients find healthier spaces to continue pursuing their sobriety.

Ending Close Relationships to Improve Mental Health and Avoid Relapse

Sometimes, people have very close relationships that cause significant harm to mental health and sobriety. Enabling, codependent, and toxic relationships can cause stress and increase the risk of relapse. People often have difficulty recognizing unhealthy relationships until they have an opportunity to step back and look at the connections objectively. The care team at West Coast Recovery Centers guides clients through the process of identifying and addressing unhealthy or toxic relationships. 

How Does West Coast Recovery Centers Help Clients Manage Relationships With Friends Who Abuse Substances?

Individuals seeking treatment for substance abuse often have friends and loved ones who actively abuse substances. Some of the dangers of continuing to spend time with people who abuse substances include: 

• Increased risk of relapse, overdose, or more severe symptoms of withdrawal 
• Potential legal issues if the friend abuses illicit substances
• Increased risk of developing additional or new addictive behaviors 
• Financial exploitation and other financial issues 
• Increased risk of developing or worsening mental health disorders 
• Emotional dependency 
• Potential consequences at work, school, or home 

People in recovery benefit from surrounding themselves with a sober community of supportive individuals.

Peer Support and a Sober Community

Friends play an essential role in support systems by providing encouragement, empathy, accountability, and motivation. Developing a healthy friend network is an important step in preparing for long-term sobriety. According to Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, “[P]eer support has been shown to be a key component of many existing addiction treatment and recovery approaches.” 

West Coast Recovery Centers uses group therapy, support groups, community activities and events, workshops, and other services to help clients build healthy connections with others who value sobriety. Clients are encouraged to uplift and empower one another throughout the treatment process. Clinicians educate clients on the importance of only spending time with people who further their goals of abstinence and healthier living. 

Spending time around people who abuse drugs or alcohol may seriously endanger a person's sobriety. In most cases, maintaining those friendships without setting firm boundaries makes it more likely a person will experience a relapse. Falling back into old patterns of behavior has the potential to cause severe and even life-threatening side effects. For example, a person spending time around friends or loved ones who abuse substances may experience vivid intrusive thoughts and cravings, increasing the risk of relapse and overdose. West Coast Recovery Centers encourages clients to set healthy boundaries and avoid spending significant time with individuals who actively abuse substances. To learn more about our programs and services, call us today at (760) 492-6509