It’s National Recovery Month, so today we’re talking about one of the most important steps you can take in your recovery: finding an accountability partner.
Addiction recovery is one of the toughest challenges anyone can face. But trying to do it all on your own? That’s a big ask.
If you think asking for help might be embarrassing or feel like a failure somehow, remind yourself: it takes courage to reach out. There’s real bravery in asking for help, and finding an accountability partner is one of the best things you can do for your recovery.
A recent addiction treatment study proves that having an accountability partner increases your chance of success by a massive 95%. That’s a huge difference!
Keep reading to understand why having an accountability partner is one of the best things you can do for your recovery process. We’ll also offer advice for finding the right person to keep you focused on your alcohol or substance abuse recovery goals.
Why Having an Accountability Partner Is a Huge Part of Addiction Recovery
If you want to make solid progress during recovery, you need to build a strong support system. Here’s how having an accountability partner can change everything:
1. It Keeps You Honest (Even When You Don’t Want to Be)
As humans, we tend to be pretty good at making excuses for ourselves, lying to ourselves, and rationalizing bad decisions. “It’s just one time.” “I’ve got this under control.”
But with someone by your side who knows your story, it’s harder to pretend things are “fine”. They’ll help you face up to the tough truths you’ve been in denial about.
2. Emotional Support When You’re Struggling
Sometimes just getting through the day without slipping is something worth celebrating. Having someone to talk to who’s genuinely listening really does help on the days you’re struggling. They’ll remind you of how far you’ve come and give you a safe space to let it all out—the good, bad, and ugly.
3. It Motivates You to Move Forward
Addiction recovery is an incredibly complicated experience. There will be days when you feel really stuck and resisting temptation feels nearly impossible. A good accountability partner will remind you of the bigger picture, keeping you grounded when you lose sight of your goals.
4. Your Relapse Risk Goes Down
The risk of relapse is quite high for recovering addicts (between 40% and 60%). But studies show that having an accountability partner can keep you actively engaged in your progress, making it much harder to fall back into old habits.
5. They Remind You of Your Own Strength
We tend to forget about our own achievements in addiction recovery. But your accountability partner will remind you of all your wins—whether it’s avoiding temptation in a tricky situation or repairing a relationship. These reminders of what you’ve already overcome can go a long way towards helping you face future challenges.
6. They Take You Out of Isolation
Addiction is a lonely experience for so many of us, especially when it impacts our relationships.
You may feel like you have nobody to turn to, leaving you to battle your addiction alone. When you find “your person”, you won’t have to go through this all on your own. They’ll be right there with you, every step of the way.
Wondering how addiction impacts mental health? Read our other blog,“High-functioning but Hurting: How Addiction Affects Mental Health”.
How To Choose an Accountability Partner
You really shouldn’t rush when it comes to picking an accountability partner. It’s a big decision, and you need someone who’ll stick with you and provide real support. So, what should you look for? Here’s how to choose wisely:
1. Look within Your Own Circle or Support Groups
The people closest to you—whether they’re friends, family, or someone from a support group—already know your struggles with drug or alcohol addiction and have likely supported you in the past. That built-in trust makes them ideal accountability partners.
Support group meetings are an especially great place to find an accountability partner, as everyone’s focused on the same thing: staying sober and building a recovery community.
2. Choose Someone Who “Gets” You
Your accountability partner doesn’t necessarily need to be a recovering addict. But they definitely need to have empathy for what you’re going through.
Whether they’ve been through addiction recovery themselves or simply have the emotional intelligence to offer support, make sure they understand your recovery process.
3. Make Sure They’re Dependable
Choose an accountability partner who’ll stick by your side through the highs and the lows. Maintaining sobriety can be extremely tricky, so having someone you can count on for recovery accountability, especially when things get tough, makes all the difference.
4. Find Someone You Can Be Honest With
It’s important to have someone you feel comfortable being open with. Recovery involves confronting hard truths—like setbacks, cravings, and fears. You need someone who’ll listen without judgment, and help you work through the tough moments with honesty and understanding.
5. Know What You Need from Them
Before you start meeting with an accountability partner, figure out exactly what kind of support you need from them to maintain accountability. Do you want someone to check in daily? Weekly? Feel like you need tough love, or do you respond better to gentle encouragement? Clear expectations from the start help set the stage for a strong accountability relationship.
Find Your Accountability Partner at Region Five CSB
Having an accountability partner is great, but keep in mind that this is your recovery journey. No one else can do the work for you.
You have to show up for yourself every single day. The most important part of accountability in recovery is really owning your decisions and seeing recovery as your personal responsibility.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your recovery journey, don’t wait. Call our crisis line at (757) 656-7755 or visit our website to learn more about how we can support you or a loved one seeking addiction treatment.
At Region Five, we offer a range of programs, from Peer and Family Support to one-on-one counseling, all designed to help you stay on track. Explore our Peer and Family Support services, or reach out to your local CSB for more information. We’re here to help you take that crucial first step.