There can be positive or negative impressions left on users from those that can influence their attitudes, thoughts, and behavior. Here it is important to recognize that positive impressions are preferred over negative impressions because the former are better for successful treatment while the latter are not. So it is important to take the stance that positive impressions should be the ideal approach to take when interacting with addicted people or former users who are in recovery.
Why Negative Impressions Are Bad
Negative influence is bad because (1) influence is powerful and can affect treatment and (2) it can flat out prevent recovery from ever happening. This extends to negative beliefs that may discourage a person from proper approaches. For instance, if a person is surrounded by other former users in recovery but finds that they all consistently relapse, or all believe that relapse is inevitable, then because of influence they themselves are more likely to relapse.
Additionally, when people accept these negative beliefs they are more likely to influence others. Basically it would lead to a cycle of perpetual failure where nobody makes any real progress at all, let alone enjoys a proper and sustainable recovery.
Why Positive Impressions Are Good
Thankfully the opposite is true. When people are influenced in a positive way, and are surrounded by people who don’t relapse and have positive beliefs about lasting recovery, then these attitudes, thoughts, and behaviors will influence and leave an impression them. These influences and impressions are important because if the person believes the attainability of enduring recovery/sobriety then they will be far more likely to actually achieve it.
Furthermore they may even become less dependent on others for support because they may begin to recognize their own value from the positive approach, allowing them to stand on their own two feet and become a self-sufficient, totally capable member of society who is healthy and resistant to any potential negative influences that may come along.