Occasionally someone will ask a question or two, maybe get a little more curious and dare to question their own drinking behavior. That’s when you can tell your experiences and let them hear that there is another way. I always shy away from preaching or sounding like I’ve joined some sort of happy cult. We all know how naturally suspicious an addict is when there is any conversation around actually not getting to use their drug or drunk.

You know the saying the best revenge is living well?  The best way to attract someone to sobriety is to live well.  Let them see you live a normal and fulfilling life without using anything to blunt your feelings or make life fun. Life is joyous in and of itself. That doesn’t mean you can’t share the struggles and the normal problems that come up in life, just that it’s a lot easier to deal with them if you aren’t drunk or drugged up. Through example you can demonstrate this. That’s what attracts people to ask the all-important question: how?

When the person is a co- worker it can be a very touchy situation. It’s critical that you not burn the opportunity by handling it in a way that will frighten them off or make them hostile toward you.

Many people in recovery describe how once they were open to the idea of helping someone, soon after an opening came. Listen, watch, and be aware and the opportunity will almost always pop up when you can share your experience and let them know you are available to help.