Part 3 - Teen Talk: Supporting Friends Through Substance Challenges
Part 3: Supporting Friends Without Losing Yourself
Helping a friend who is struggling with substance use can be rewarding, but it can also be emotionally draining. Teens often feel torn between wanting to be there for their friend and maintaining their own well-being. Striking a balance between support and self-care is key to ensuring you can help effectively.
Balancing Empathy with Boundaries
It’s important to offer compassion and understanding, but you also need to set boundaries to protect your own mental health. Being supportive doesn’t mean solving their problems for them or sacrificing your own well-being.
Ways to Set Healthy Boundaries:
Let your friend know you’re there for them, but be clear about what you can and can’t do. For example, “I’m always here to listen, but I can’t lie for you or cover for you.”
Avoid taking on the role of a caregiver; instead, encourage them to seek help from trusted adults or professionals.
Be honest about your own limits, such as saying, “I really care about you, but I’m feeling overwhelmed and need to take care of myself too.”
Practical Strategies for Self-Care
Supporting someone through a tough time can take a toll on your emotional health. Make self-care a priority by:
Reaching Out for Support: Share your feelings with a trusted adult, counselor, or another friend. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Taking Time for Yourself: Engage in hobbies, sports, or activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Setting Emotional Boundaries: Remind yourself that you can’t “fix” your friend; their choices and recovery are ultimately their responsibility.
Encouraging Professional Help
Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your friend is to guide them toward professional resources. This might include school counselors, addiction support hotlines, or local recovery programs.
Practical Tips:
Offer to accompany them to speak with a counselor or attend a support group for the first time if they feel nervous.
Research resources together and explain why seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Share examples of others who have successfully sought help, showing that recovery is possible.
Recognizing Your Role and Knowing When to Step Back
While your support can make a difference, remember that you’re a friend, not a therapist. If your friend’s behavior becomes harmful to you, whether emotionally or physically, it’s okay to step back and focus on your own well-being. This isn’t giving up; it’s about ensuring you can continue to thrive while still encouraging your friend to seek the help they need.
These articles aim to empower teens with practical strategies and compassionate approaches for helping friends who struggle with substance use. By recognizing the importance of empathy, setting healthy boundaries, and seeking support, teens can foster meaningful conversations and be a source of strength in their friends’ journeys toward healthier choices.
For more information, help, and resources, please visit www.steeredstraight.org or call (856) 691-6676
Our mission is to steer youth straight toward making sound, rational decisions through a learning experience that provides a message of reality to help them make positive, informed choices.
