The Helper Principle
The Helper Principle is a simple yet powerful idea: people often benefit from helping others facing the same challenges they have faced.
The principle was first developed by American psychologist Frank Riessman in 1965. He observed that people who offered support frequently gained as much, and sometimes more, than those who received it.
In recovery from alcohol or drug addiction, this can be seen every day.
How It Works in Practice
People who have achieved some stability in their own recovery often help newcomers by listening, sharing their experience, offering encouragement, and providing practical support.
In doing so, they strengthen their own recovery.
Helping others gives people a sense of purpose, belonging, and self-worth. It reminds them where they came from and how far they have progressed. A 2004 study published in the journal Addiction followed 279 people in treatment for alcohol and drug problems and found that those who spent time helping others, by sharing their experience, giving advice and offering support, had better substance use outcomes six months later. It also helps reduce isolation and builds positive social connections.
Recovery Is Not Just About Receiving Help
It is also about becoming someone who can help others.
At Open Hands Coventry, we see this principle in action every day. Many of our volunteers and peer supporters are people who have experienced addiction themselves.
By helping others find recovery, they continue to strengthen their own.
When we help someone else climb the ladder, we often find ourselves climbing too.