The Importance of Supportive Friendships in Recovery
I started to reach out to a couple of old friends of mine letting them know I had a new number and something awesome happened.
Not only did these friends respond, but they were excited to be speaking to me and to hear my story. Nobody was mad or upset that I had not spoken to them or told them where I was in almost eight months. They were just very happy to hear from me and still as supportive of me as they ever have been. One of my best friends from back home called me, and we were both so excited to simply hear each other’s voices. Whenever we talk, it feels like not a day has gone by and even though it had been months, we always seem to pick up right where we left off.
This friend is probably one of the best people that I know, and I have known her for almost 13 years. Ever since the day we met, she has supported me and cared about me no matter what the situation. Having a friend like this in my life has been crucial because she is someone that can truly keep me grounded when it’s needed. I have found that having supportive friends in my recovery is one of the most important aspects because in truth, we do not have to do this on our own. No matter how hard we try to do in alone, having the benefit of supportive friends will help secure our sobriety.
When I was in active addiction, I had very few people that stuck by my side through my darkest days and hardest struggles. The ones that did, however, are the friends and family I am referring to now. The ones that answered my messed-up texts and phone calls even when it was 2 am in the morning, and they had to go to work the next day. The ones who would travel miles just to make sure I was okay because I had not answered the phone in a few days. With people like this in my life I know, I will be okay in my recovery.
I spoke with another close friend the other day, and conversations with him are never quick. He is that friend that requires me to block out an hour of my day just for a phone call with him because we talk about everything. He asked me something that, even though appeared minor, meant the world to me. He asked, “how do you feel about your situation?” I realized that I still have people around me that do care about me. That is the biggest blessing of them all because despite what I put him through, with the lies and broken promises, he remains a true and close friend of over ten years.
The life I lead now is full of supportive people who cheer me on and are proud of my accomplishments in the purest form. I will always love them and be grateful for this. The greatest lesson these people have taught me was that regardless of where life brings me, they will always be by my side. I encourage you to find friends like these and keep them close because they could end up saving your life in the end. Thank you to my friends out there. I love you dearly and want you to know that it is because of you that I am writing this post and work every day to try and help others in need. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out.
Jordan M.—Narconon Suncoast Graduate
