4 Ways to Support a Roommate in Recovery

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If your roommate is in recovery, you might not be sure how to support them. Whether they’re just beginning their recovery journey or have been in recovery for years, here are a few things you can do. 

1. Don’t Keep Substances in Your Living Space 

One of the biggest relapse risks is exposure to substances. Your roommate will probably encounter substances, especially alcohol, when they go about their daily life. But if they can return to a substance-free home, that can make a big difference. If you occasionally drink alcohol, try to limit that consumption to times when you’re away from your roommate and outside of your living space. 

2. Discuss Boundaries with Your Roommate 

Boundaries are important for everyone, and they go both ways. If you and your roommate are both clear about your boundaries, your living space can be a comfortable place for both of you. 

Your roommate’s boundaries might include things like not keeping alcohol at home, or not being told about any substances you’ve consumed. Your own boundaries might include specific times when you’re available to offer support, or not accepting abusive words if your roommate is experiencing withdrawal. 

3. Offer the Same Support You Would Offer for Physical Illness 

Addiction is still a pretty stigmatized topic, which means that a lot of people don’t know what to say or do when someone in their life experiences it. 

One option, if it works for your situation, is to offer the same type of support you might give if your roommate had a physical illness. For example, if your roommate felt under the weather, would you pick up the slack on household chores until they felt better? Or pick up some of their essentials on your next grocery run? 

This doesn’t mean that you pick up all the slack or let anyone take advantage of you. Remember that your boundaries are still important. But if your roommate has a bad mental health day every once in a while, these little things can help. 

4. Brush Up on Your Roommate’s Recovery Methods 

Since everyone is different, not every person in recovery will respond to the same methods. Some people thrive on medication-assisted treatment, while others don’t. Some people really enjoy going to 12-step meetings, and others may prefer a more secular approach. 

There are plenty of addiction resources out there, and recovery is not a one-size-fits-all thing. If you and your roommate often talk about their recovery, learning about their process would be a very supportive thing to do. 

For instance, if you learn about medication-assisted treatment, you can avoid some common misconceptions about it and understand why your roommate uses it. If your roommate is in AA or a similar group, knowing some basic terminology can help your conversations go smoothly. 

Final Thoughts 

Having a roommate in recovery may seem complicated, especially since all roommate relationships are different. You may consider your roommate a very close friend, or maybe you only say hi to each other on occasion. Feel free to adjust these tips based on how close you are to your roommate. 

In any case, a supportive living situation is crucial for people overcoming addiction. Your support, in whatever way you’re able to offer it, can help your roommate on their journey.