Safety, Health, and Wellness

  • Supporting Friends and Family Members in Recovery

    The holiday season can be challenging for many in recovery and their families and friends.  Many of our UConn students in recovery will be celebrating their 1st or 2nd holiday season as people in recovery and the time presents unique challenges and opportunities.  For some, connecting to family in a deeper way than ever holds a special value.  For others, the strain of challenging relationships, unhealed wounds, and loneliness makes this time harder than other times of year.  Returning home to spend time with friends they used to drink or use with creates another new situation to navigate. Here are a few thoughts about how we can support our loved one's recovery during this time:

    • Minimize or eliminate serving alcohol during family events.  If that is not possible, look for ways for the bar to not be the center of attention.  
    • Choose not to drink or smoke in solidarity with your loved one.
    • Help your loved one to have an exit plan if the event or party might be particularly uncomfortable. If they drive, make sure they have access to a vehicle, so they can leave if they need to.  If they do not drive, let them know that they just have to give the word and you will take them home, or to a meeting.  (Almost all cities and towns have marathon meetings around the holidays - aa.org; na.org are two sites that have listings. ) 
    • Let them know that you know that their recovery is more important than any single family gathering.  Let them know it is ok for them to leave. Let them know it's ok to take a break from a conversation that they are finding too difficult.
    • Express your gratitude and appreciation for their recovery journey.
    • Ask them to help you with preparations, clean up etc.  Sometimes getting out of our own heads is a great relief.
    • Go to a meeting with them or volunteer with them during the holiday if they are willing.  This can often be a powerful experience for both of you. 

    Lastly, keep expectations reasonable. Savor the moments of love, peace, and joy. Those moments will continue to multiply as your loved one's recovery continues to deepen and grow.

    Happy Holidays from your friends and colleagues at the UConn Recovery Community.

    The mission of the UConn Recovery Community is to provide a supportive community where students in recovery and in hope of recovery can achieve academic success while participating in a genuine college experience free from alcohol and other drugs. Information can be found on urc.uconn.edu and our Facebook page - UConn Recovery Community – URC.

    For more information, contact: Sandy Valentine at 860 486-8774 or sandy.valentine@uconn.edu