Center for Students in Recovery

How to Support a Friend

If you have concerns about a friend due to changes in their appearance, hygiene, daily activities, or behaviors, you may be their best chance of getting help. Do not allow these concerns to become a missed opportunity to help someone. Talk to them, ask them if they have been having thoughts of harming themselves. Ask them if they have been using substances. Ask them if there is something going on in their personal life that is bothering them. When our peers reach out to us, we are more likely to open up about what is going on. If you still have concerns, you may want to file a CARE Team Referral Form. You can find out more information on the CARE Team from their website. 

You can not make a person seek help that they do not want, but you can urge them to take the next steps. It is unlikely that your friend will take the next steps toward recovery until they are ready.  Your friend does not have to be ready for change in order to find out more information about our services.   Letting your friend know that you care, that there are resources available to them when they are ready, and that you can assist them with finding help can be the best thing you can do. 

If a person is ready to seek help, we are available. Urge them to make an appointment for counseling with the Student Counseling Center or for individual recovery coaching through our office.