Questions to Ask Addicts
Compassionate questions that show support and understanding while helping you better understand addiction and recovery from someone with lived experience.
1What has been the most helpful support you've received during your recovery?
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What has been the most helpful support you've received during your recovery?
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Why this works
Reveals effective support strategies and helps you understand what types of help are most valuable for someone in recovery.
2How do you handle triggers and difficult moments in your recovery?
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How do you handle triggers and difficult moments in your recovery?
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Why this works
Shows understanding of recovery challenges and reveals coping strategies that help maintain sobriety during difficult times.
3What do you wish people understood about addiction and recovery?
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What do you wish people understood about addiction and recovery?
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Why this works
Gives insight into common misconceptions and reveals what they want others to know about their experience with addiction.
4How has your perspective on life changed since beginning your recovery journey?
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How has your perspective on life changed since beginning your recovery journey?
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Why this works
Reveals personal growth and transformation while showing the positive changes that can come from recovery.
5What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their recovery journey?
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What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their recovery journey?
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Why this works
Provides valuable insights from someone with experience and reveals practical advice for those beginning recovery.
6How do you maintain your recovery and what keeps you motivated?
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How do you maintain your recovery and what keeps you motivated?
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Why this works
Reveals ongoing strategies for maintaining sobriety and shows what motivates them to continue their recovery journey.
7What role has therapy or counseling played in your recovery?
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What role has therapy or counseling played in your recovery?
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Why this works
Shows understanding of professional support and reveals how therapy has contributed to their recovery process.
8How do you handle relationships with people who don't understand addiction?
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How do you handle relationships with people who don't understand addiction?
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Why this works
Reveals challenges in relationships and shows how they navigate interactions with people who may not understand their experience.
9What has been the biggest challenge in your recovery journey?
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What has been the biggest challenge in your recovery journey?
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Why this works
Demonstrates empathy for their struggles while revealing the most difficult aspects of recovery they've faced.
10How do you celebrate milestones and achievements in your recovery?
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How do you celebrate milestones and achievements in your recovery?
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Why this works
Shows recognition of their progress and reveals how they acknowledge and celebrate their recovery achievements.
11What support systems have been most important in your recovery?
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What support systems have been most important in your recovery?
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Why this works
Reveals the importance of community and support while showing what types of relationships and resources are most valuable.
12How do you handle setbacks or relapses in your recovery?
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How do you handle setbacks or relapses in your recovery?
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Why this works
Shows understanding of the reality of recovery and reveals how they approach challenges and setbacks with resilience.
13What has surprised you most about the recovery process?
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What has surprised you most about the recovery process?
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Why this works
Reveals unexpected aspects of recovery and shows what they've learned about themselves and the recovery process.
14How do you maintain your mental health and well-being in recovery?
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How do you maintain your mental health and well-being in recovery?
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Why this works
Shows concern for their overall well-being and reveals strategies for maintaining mental health during recovery.
15What role has spirituality or faith played in your recovery?
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What role has spirituality or faith played in your recovery?
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Why this works
Reveals the spiritual aspects of recovery and shows how faith or spirituality has contributed to their healing process.
16How do you handle stress and anxiety without turning to substances?
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How do you handle stress and anxiety without turning to substances?
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Why this works
Shows understanding of recovery challenges and reveals healthy coping strategies for managing stress and anxiety.
17What has been the most rewarding aspect of your recovery journey?
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What has been the most rewarding aspect of your recovery journey?
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Why this works
Reveals the positive outcomes of recovery and shows what they value most about their recovery experience.
18How do you help others who are struggling with addiction?
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How do you help others who are struggling with addiction?
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Why this works
Shows their desire to give back and reveals how they use their experience to help others in similar situations.
19What do you do to prevent relapse and maintain your sobriety?
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What do you do to prevent relapse and maintain your sobriety?
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Why this works
Reveals proactive strategies for maintaining recovery and shows how they protect their sobriety from potential threats.
20How has your relationship with yourself changed during recovery?
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How has your relationship with yourself changed during recovery?
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Why this works
Shows understanding of personal growth and reveals how recovery has improved their self-image and self-relationship.
Best Practices for Conversations with Addicts
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Show Compassion and Understanding
Approach conversations with empathy and non-judgment. Remember that addiction is a complex condition that requires understanding and support.
Focus on Their Strengths and Progress
Acknowledge their recovery journey and celebrate their achievements. Focus on their resilience and strength rather than their past struggles.
Listen Without Judgment
Create a safe space for honest communication. Avoid judgmental language or assumptions about their experience.
Question Sequences
The Support and Recovery Sequence
The Growth and Transformation Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask About Specific Substances or Details
Avoid questions about specific drugs, amounts, or detailed experiences. Focus on their recovery journey and current well-being.
Don't Make Assumptions About Their Experience
Avoid assumptions about their addiction, recovery, or personal circumstances. Let them share what they're comfortable with.
Don't Focus Only on the Past
While understanding their journey is important, focus on their current recovery, growth, and future goals rather than dwelling on past struggles.