“I spent most of my time with my using friends, who became my closest network.”

– I Found MA Online, Life with Hope, second edition, page 140

During my using career, I have cycled through many groups of friends. Many of them used marijuana. I only gravitated toward others who used. Fast forward to the present moment; not a single one of them is still in my life today. Marijuana was the only glue that bound me to them. To think that these individuals were my closest network of friends is a complete tragedy. None of them stood by me when I hit my rock bottom and became homeless, jobless, hopeless, and helpless. This is the life of marijuana addiction; fickle friendships and loneliness.

On the other end of the spectrum is recovery and hope. Hanging out on this end, I have formed and cultivated meaningful relationships with others in the program. I have met a handful of other recovering addicts who have become close friends; people who I can count on to support me, lift me up, and have my back during difficult times. I also have my sponsor to lean on, and I have sponsees with whom I’ve built deep connections; what beautiful gifts of sobriety! Meaningful connections with others in the program have kept me clean, resilient, and joyful. My life has an added dimension of community through fellowship and connection. I no longer feel lonely. With the help of the MA fellowship, I feel safe, respected, and whole.

Final thought: Today, I build meaningful relationships by connecting with others in the program.