It's important to maintain clear and open lines of communication with the person in recovery. Clear lines of communication will establish trust and confidence. However, some common communication pitfalls should be avoided whenever possible. These include:

• Making absolute statements: using words like always, must, or never. These words can sound harsh and might make your friend or family member feel defensive.
• Insisting on being right: even if you are—this tends to make a person feel defensive to the point being made, and blocks communication.
• Asking "why" questions: which can be interpreted as an attack when you're asking a person to explain his or her actions, emotions, or behavior.
• Overdramatizing: blowing situations out of proportion—even to make a valid point—can cause a person to feel a sense of blame or shame and should be avoided.

If you can avoid these communication pitfalls, you will demonstrate that you are committed to helping the person in recovery stay on track.