Worried About a
Friend's Drinking?

Social Changes

• Canceling plans or becoming unreliable
• Only wanting to socialize where alcohol is available
• Becoming isolated or secretive
• Changes in their social circle

Behavioral Signs

• Drinking more than intended
• Making excuses for their behavior
• Taking risks they normally wouldn't
• Neglecting work or responsibilities

Emotional Signs

• Mood swings or unpredictable behavior
• Defensiveness about drinking
• Expressing guilt or shame
• Seeming anxious or depressed

Friendships don't come with the same obligations as family relationships. You may wonder: is it my place to say something? Will I lose the friendship if I bring it up?

You might also worry about being wrong — what if they're just going through a rough patch? Or you may feel conflicted because you've shared drinking experiences together.

These feelings are valid. But if you've noticed a pattern that concerns you, your instinct is probably right. Speaking up — with care and without judgment — is one of the most supportive things you can do.

Find a private, calm moment — not during a party or after they've been drinking. Keep it one-on-one.

Be direct but kind: "I've noticed some things that worry me, and I'm bringing it up because I care about you." Focus on specific examples rather than generalizations.

Listen more than you talk. Your goal isn't to diagnose or fix — it's to let them know you're there and that support exists when they're ready.

Don't make it an ultimatum. Let them know about recovery support options that are private, virtual, and flexible — like peer coaching and accountability tools.

Daily Breathalyzer Accountability

Daily breathalyzer testing helps individuals maintain accountability in sobriety while reinforcing recovery commitments.

Consistent monitoring can provide structure that supports recovery progress and helps rebuild trust with family members.

Remote Drug and Alcohol Testing

Remote testing tools provide an additional layer of accountability for individuals working to maintain sobriety.

These tools help reinforce recovery goals while allowing individuals to remain engaged in daily life.

Peer Recovery Coaching

Members connect with trained peer recovery coaches who provide encouragement and guidance based on lived recovery experience.

Peer coaching helps individuals remain connected to recovery goals and maintain accountability over time.

Peer Recovery Support

Peer support connects individuals with others who understand the challenges of recovery and can provide encouragement and perspective.

This connection can reinforce recovery routines and reduce feelings of isolation.

Risk Reduction

Recovery support can help reduce risks associated with alcohol or substance use while encouraging healthier decisions and accountability.

Recovery journeys are different for every individual.

Support Across Stages of Change

People approach recovery in different ways. Recovery support can help individuals who are:

Treatment helps individuals stabilize and begin recovery.

Recovery support helps individuals maintain accountability and connection to sobriety after treatment or during long-term recovery.

Recovery support complements clinical care but does not replace medical or psychiatric treatment.