Questions to Ask Recovering Addicts
Sensitive, supportive questions to connect with someone in recovery while showing respect for their journey and avoiding triggers.
1How are you doing today?
Click to see why this works
How are you doing today?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Simple, caring question that shows you're interested in their current well-being without being intrusive or triggering.
2What's been going well for you lately?
Click to see why this works
What's been going well for you lately?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Focuses on positive aspects of their life and recovery, helping them reflect on their progress and successes.
3What are you most proud of in your recovery journey?
Click to see why this works
What are you most proud of in your recovery journey?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Allows them to share their achievements and feel proud of their progress, which can be motivating and affirming.
4What's been helping you stay on track?
Click to see why this works
What's been helping you stay on track?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows interest in their recovery strategies and can help them reflect on what's working for them.
5How can I best support you right now?
Click to see why this works
How can I best support you right now?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Demonstrates your care and willingness to help while respecting their autonomy and boundaries.
6What are you looking forward to?
Click to see why this works
What are you looking forward to?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Focuses on future goals and hopes, which can be motivating and help them maintain a positive outlook.
7What's been challenging for you recently?
Click to see why this works
What's been challenging for you recently?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Allows them to share difficulties in a safe way while showing you're there to listen and support them.
8What are some of your favorite ways to relax and unwind?
Click to see why this works
What are some of your favorite ways to relax and unwind?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows interest in their healthy coping strategies and can help them reflect on positive activities.
9What are you learning about yourself through this process?
Click to see why this works
What are you learning about yourself through this process?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Encourages self-reflection and can help them recognize personal growth and insights from their recovery.
10How do you like to celebrate your milestones?
Click to see why this works
How do you like to celebrate your milestones?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows interest in their achievements and can help them think about ways to acknowledge their progress.
11What are some of your goals for the future?
Click to see why this works
What are some of your goals for the future?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Focuses on their aspirations and can help them maintain motivation and hope for the future.
12What are some of your favorite healthy activities?
Click to see why this works
What are some of your favorite healthy activities?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows interest in their positive lifestyle choices and can help them reflect on activities they enjoy.
13How do you like to handle stress and difficult emotions?
Click to see why this works
How do you like to handle stress and difficult emotions?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows interest in their coping strategies and can help them reflect on healthy ways to manage challenges.
14What are some of the things you're grateful for?
Click to see why this works
What are some of the things you're grateful for?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Focuses on positive aspects of their life and can help them practice gratitude, which is often helpful in recovery.
15What are some of your favorite ways to connect with others?
Click to see why this works
What are some of your favorite ways to connect with others?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows interest in their social connections and can help them reflect on healthy relationships.
16What are some of the things you're looking forward to?
Click to see why this works
What are some of the things you're looking forward to?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Focuses on future hopes and can help them maintain a positive outlook and motivation.
17What are some of your favorite ways to take care of yourself?
Click to see why this works
What are some of your favorite ways to take care of yourself?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows interest in their self-care practices and can help them reflect on healthy ways to nurture themselves.
18What are some of the things you're learning about recovery?
Click to see why this works
What are some of the things you're learning about recovery?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows interest in their recovery journey and can help them reflect on insights and lessons they're gaining.
19What are some of your favorite ways to stay motivated?
Click to see why this works
What are some of your favorite ways to stay motivated?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows interest in their motivation strategies and can help them reflect on what keeps them going.
20What are some of the things you're proud of about yourself?
Click to see why this works
What are some of the things you're proud of about yourself?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Focuses on their positive qualities and achievements, which can be affirming and motivating.
Best Practices for Talking with Someone in Recovery
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Be Supportive and Non-Judgmental
Approach conversations with empathy and understanding. Avoid judgment or criticism, and focus on their strengths and progress.
Respect Their Boundaries
Don't push for information they're not comfortable sharing. Let them guide the conversation and share what they're comfortable with.
Focus on the Present and Future
Avoid dwelling on past mistakes or relapses. Focus on their current progress and future goals.
Question Sequences
The Supportive Check-in
The Positive Focus
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask About Past Substance Use
Avoid questions about their past use, relapses, or specific details about their addiction. Focus on their recovery and current well-being.
Avoid Triggering Topics
Be mindful of topics that might be triggering, such as specific substances, places, or people associated with their past use.
Don't Make Assumptions
Don't assume you know what they're going through or what they need. Ask them directly how you can support them.