A suggestion for friends and family of folks in recovery

[bif]

Offer words of encouragement from time to time. I've been clean for 3 1/2 years. And it would be nice to hear this once in a while. Sometimes I get the feeling that people around me think I've got this. And once you're clean, it's all easy. Well, it isn't. While it is easier these days, it's still a struggle. It's still work. And returning to drinking (in my case) is always lurking in the background. I think they feel that once you've quit, the work is done. Ha!

So if you're friends with or are related to someone who is in recovery, let them know what a great job they're doing and that you appreciate them being clean. It's really appreciated.