Questions to Ask an Addict
Sensitive, supportive questions that help understand their journey while showing compassion and avoiding judgment.
1What was life like before you started using?
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What was life like before you started using?
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Why this works
Helps establish a baseline and shows you care about who they were before addiction, not just their current struggle.
2What does a good day look like for you now?
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What does a good day look like for you now?
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Why this works
Focuses on positive moments and current reality without judgment, showing interest in their present experience.
3What support systems do you have in place?
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What support systems do you have in place?
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Why this works
Identifies existing resources and shows you want to understand their support network rather than criticize their situation.
4What triggers your cravings most?
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What triggers your cravings most?
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Why this works
Helps understand their specific challenges and shows you want to support them by knowing what to avoid or help with.
5What's the longest you've been sober?
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What's the longest you've been sober?
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Why this works
Celebrates their successes and shows you recognize their strength and progress, no matter how small.
6What do you wish people understood about addiction?
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What do you wish people understood about addiction?
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Why this works
Gives them a voice to share their perspective and helps you understand their experience better.
7What has helped you the most in your recovery?
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What has helped you the most in your recovery?
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Why this works
Identifies effective strategies and shows you want to support what's working for them.
8What's the hardest part about getting sober?
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What's the hardest part about getting sober?
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Why this works
Shows empathy for their struggle and helps you understand the real challenges they face.
9What do you do when you feel like using?
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What do you do when you feel like using?
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Why this works
Helps identify their coping strategies and shows you want to understand their process.
10What would you tell someone who's just starting recovery?
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What would you tell someone who's just starting recovery?
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Why this works
Allows them to share wisdom and shows you value their experience and insights.
11How has addiction affected your relationships?
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How has addiction affected your relationships?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the broader impact and care about their connections with others.
12What gives you hope?
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What gives you hope?
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Why this works
Focuses on positive motivation and helps identify what keeps them going through difficult times.
13What do you need from the people in your life?
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What do you need from the people in your life?
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Why this works
Directly asks how you can support them and shows you want to be helpful rather than judgmental.
14What's something you're proud of accomplishing?
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What's something you're proud of accomplishing?
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Why this works
Celebrates their achievements and helps build their self-esteem and confidence.
15What does recovery mean to you?
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What does recovery mean to you?
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Why this works
Understands their personal definition and goals, showing respect for their individual journey.
16What would you do differently if you could start over?
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What would you do differently if you could start over?
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Why this works
Shows you value their insights and helps them reflect on their experience constructively.
17What's the best advice you've received about recovery?
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What's the best advice you've received about recovery?
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Why this works
Identifies helpful guidance and shows you want to learn from their experience.
18How do you take care of yourself now?
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How do you take care of yourself now?
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Why this works
Focuses on current self-care practices and shows you care about their wellbeing.
19What would you like to achieve in the next year?
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What would you like to achieve in the next year?
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Why this works
Helps them focus on future goals and shows you believe in their potential for growth.
20What do you want people to know about your story?
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What do you want people to know about your story?
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Why this works
Gives them control over their narrative and shows you want to understand their perspective.
Supporting Someone Through Addiction
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Listen Without Judgment
Create a safe space where they can share openly. Avoid expressing shock, disappointment, or moral judgments about their experiences.
Focus on Their Humanity
Remember they are a person first, not just their addiction. Ask about their interests, goals, and what makes them happy.
Celebrate Small Wins
Acknowledge any progress, no matter how small. Recovery is a process with ups and downs, and every step forward matters.
Supportive Question Sequences
The Understanding Sequence
The Support Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Make It About You
Avoid sharing your own experiences with addiction unless directly relevant. Focus on their story and needs.
Don't Offer Unsolicited Advice
Resist the urge to suggest treatment options or give advice unless they specifically ask for it.
Don't Use Confrontational Language
Avoid phrases like 'you need to' or 'you should.' Use supportive language that shows you're there to listen.