If you’re in early recovery from addiction or considering whether you really have a problem, you’re probably wondering what life might be like without your drug of choice. Maybe you know some people who have tried or are in recovery and you wonder why it seems easy for some and so hard for others.

So now you’re in recovery. You’re trying hard to manage your cravings, cope with the stresses of daily life and generally, show up with new, healthy behaviors. Yet, how do you convince your family and friends that you’re really trying?

First, let’s take a look at what’s happening from the perspective of those who care about you.