DEAR HARRIETTE: My friend just came back from his second stint in rehab for drug addiction. I do not know how to treat him nowadays. I’m afraid if I act like nothing has happened to him, it may result in him backsliding or even worse. However, I also think that being too cautious and overbearing is inconsiderate. How should I act? -- Proceed With Caution
DEAR PROCEED WITH CAUTION: Don’t act like nothing happened. Talk to your friend. Ask him how he is feeling. Ask him if he wants to talk about what he experienced while in rehab and what his plans are now that he is out. Do your best to get him to talk. Let him know that you don’t mean to pry. What you want is to be there for him and to support him in whatever ways you can so that he can be successful this time.
You must also recognize that you are not responsible for his sobriety. This is his journey. He has decisions to make and actions to take in order to fortify himself. What you can do is indulge in nothing, including alcohol, around him. Be sober and clear-headed. And be a support to him.
(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)