Once you got sober, it was probably suggested to find a sober network of friends to help you cope with life on life’s terms in your recovery. The type of friendships that are made in recovery sometimes become the family you never had. When one of these precious recovery friends passes away, there is a mix of emotions that are provoked by their death.

First, you are so happy that they were able to pass on staying sober. What a miracle! Then it sets in that you will miss your friend and the profound effect they had on your sobriety. How can anyone replace the experience, strength, and hope they offered you? No one will ever take the role that your friend was to you, so you should not even try. Start using your recovery tools to get you through your difficult loss.

Share in a meeting

Conveying to others about your grief in meetings will allow them to know where you are and how to help you. You can also let others know the wonderful ways your friend was of service to you and how you plan to do the same. Not only are you making yourself accountable, you are also letting others know how they can make difference in someone’s life.

Give back

Some people like “pour out a forty” in remembrance of their “homies” which would be inappropriate for someone in recovery. Putting extra money in the basket in honor of your friend or taking on their commitments would be a perfect way to honor them in their passing.

Remember the past

You probably have been told that your past is an asset in your sobriety because you remember what it was like. The past does have to only entail negative thoughts but should include some nostalgia. Keeping your friend forever in your heart through recalling the positive impact they had on you and your sobriety, can help you to remember them for years to come.

Although your heart may be broken with the loss of your friend, you must move on or you could jeopardize your sobriety. Your friend may be irreplaceable, but they would not want you to mope around in their afterlife. In fact, they would want you to carry the message that they passed onto to you, from someone who passed it onto them, to someone who needs to hear that message of hope today to stay sober with you.

If you or someone you know needs help with their drug or alcohol addiction, The Kimberly Center has a treatment plan that will work for you. We believe that successful recovery encompasses the improvements in your self-esteem, relationships, and vocational productivity that substance abuse took away from you.

Call us today to begin: 855-4-KCENTER (855-452-3683)