The Value of Friendship in Recovery . . .

“A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked” Bernard Meltzer

You may have already heard that good friends can ease our pain and lighten our heavy load but did you realize that research shows having a close friend can help ward off depression, boost our immune system, lower the harmful effects of stress and can literally save our lives?
You’ve probably heard about the therapeutic effects that pets can have on people in various states of physical and emotional decline so wouldn’t it stand to reason that a good friend would be just as beneficial? Perhaps an encouraging word or appropriate touch can make a big difference in someone’s day.
My personal experience has led me to believe that the need for love is the common thread that binds us all together and friendship is synonymous with love. So as a Recovery Peer Specialist or as a person just going through life when I meet a hurting person I have no idea how much it might help if I take a little time to show that I care or perhaps share my personal “recovery story” to my potential new friend.
“Recovery begins with an initial stage of awareness in which a person recognizes that positive change is possible.” SAMHSA
Do you have any experiences that might prove or disprove this concept?