Recovery and supporting continued change
Safety & Harm Reduction — Guide 25 of 25

Recovery can involve changes in health, relationships, daily life, and substance use. People need different kinds of support at different times.

Let the person define their goals
Ask what progress means to them. Avoid assuming that one treatment, group, or timetable works for everyone. Practical help with appointments, meals, transport, or a welcoming activity may be useful.

Support without taking over
- Ask before giving advice.
- Respect privacy and let the person decide what to share.
- Recognize effort without monitoring every choice.
- Keep your own boundaries clear and seek support for yourself too.
- Offer a check-in or a ride with an unimpaired driver if you can reliably provide it.
- Help others understand stigma by modelling respectful language and explaining why it matters.

If someone returns to use
Check immediate safety and help reconnect with support. Avoid shame. Tolerance may have fallen during a break, increasing opioid overdose risk. Keep naloxone accessible and know how to respond. Once everyone is safe, use what happened to identify missing support and share useful safety lessons with permission.

If you are helping someone
Ask what support would help this week, including activities where no substance use is expected.

WARN (OTHERS): After immediate care is covered, share dated advisories or observed concerns. Say what is confirmed and what is uncertain. Protect people’s privacy. Emergency care comes first. Never share someone’s name, identifying photo or private health details.

Your next step
Ask: “What would useful support from me look like this week?”

Learn more
SAMHSA — Harm reduction and recovery
https://library.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/advancing-partnerships-report-pep25-08-003.pdf

NIAAA — Treatment for alcohol problems
https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/treatment-alcohol-problems-finding-and-getting-help

Health Canada — Opioid overdose
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/opioids/overdose.html

Current guide: https://therealdopeproject.com/safety-guides/recovery-and-supporting-continued-change

The Real DOPE Project — Safety Is for Everyone.

Contact: therealdopeproject@gmail.com

Resource text updated: 2026-10-13. Earlier sources retain their individual review dates.

General education, not individual medical advice or first aid certification. In an emergency, call 911 and follow the dispatcher and your exact kit instructions.

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