How to Ask For Help
By Mark Gladden — Published: 2024-02-02 — Updated: 2026-07-14
Categories: Recovery
Everyone needs a little hand, now and then. When it comes to addiction and recovery, asking for help is vital. However, sometimes people find it overwhelming to ask for help. It can be humbling or induce anxiety; especially you are first getting sober. For example, you may worry that people will look at you differently if you ask for help. You may be scared they will judge you or abandon you.
Even if you’ve been sober for a while, you may struggle with asking for help. Recovery is about growth and change. You can’t do it alone, and asking for help is part of living life drug-free. With these tips, you may find it’s a little easier to reach out.
Tips for Asking For Help
There are so many times in life where asking for help will benefit you. Whether it’s because you need to find a therapist or need help staying sober for one more day, you’re proactive about your recovery by reaching out to others. Humility can help you get through whatever your struggle is.
Here are some more tips for asking:
- Be honest about what’s going on. Are you in relapse mode? Do you feel tempted to use substances? If your request is urgent, then say so. Nobody is a mind reader.
- Be open-minded. When you ask for help, you’re asking for the experience, strength, and hope of another person. The way they decide to help you may not be exactly what you expect.
- Accept the help you’re offered. If your sponsor invites you camping to help you get your mind off your ex, go with him, even if you’re not used to being outdoors. Trying new things is a part of life in recovery.
- Don’t expect people to do your heavy lifting, literally or figuratively. If there’s work to do, they can help you with it. But you have to fulfill your part of the bargain, too.
- Follow through. For example, if you’re in an unhealthy living situation, you may ask for help finding a new one. Make sure you make the phone calls once you’ve had help finding a new place.
- Share your experience with others. When you tell your success story, you encourage others to ask for the help they need.
Recovery is a Journey
Recovery is always a journey, not a destination. However, many people find that they want to remain in a supportive and structured environment after treatment.
Consider Sober Living
Learning to ask for help is one of the most important skills in recovery, and living in a community where honesty and mutual support are the norm makes it easier to practice. At By the Sea Recovery, men in early recovery build healthy routines in a structured sober living home in North County San Diego. Learn more about our daily schedule and what structured sober living looks like. Check Availability or call 760-216-2077 to learn more.
Tags: ask, for, help, helping, recovery
Ready to take the next step? Call By the Sea Recovery at 760-216-2077 or contact us online.