genuine

Addiction changes everything—even the way we connect with people.

Sometimes, the people you meet during addiction aren’t real friends.

They’re around for what they can get from you—drugs, money, a place to stay.

It’s a string of fake encounters and fake connections.

But just because you’re an addict doesn’t make you a bad person.

It just makes it harder to find good people.

Finding Real Friends in a World of Chaos

In the drug world, true friends are rare.

But when you find one—someone who is genuine, honest, loyal—it matters.

Addiction is a long, lonely road.

Having even one real friend can make it feel less unbearable.

So… What Is a Friend to You?

What characteristics do you value in a friend?

Loyalty? Honesty? Respect? Authenticity?

How many people can you truly call friends?

I have four friends I consider my real, true friends—and I feel blessed.

Real friendship is hard to come by these days, especially in recovery.

Different Types of Friends

There are many types of friends we encounter:

Casual or Social Friends – Work friends, gym buddies, book club acquaintances.

Close Friends – The ones in your inner circle. You talk often, share struggles, and value each other deeply.

Lifelong Friends – Childhood connections who’ve stuck around. With them, you can be your raw, unfiltered self.

Acquaintances – People you chat with occasionally or connect with on social media.

Ask Yourself:

What kind of friends do you have?

Do they uplift you, or drain you?

Do they encourage your healing, or enable your pain?

Human Connection Matters

Friendship is more than a social label—it’s vital to our survival.

We weren’t meant to walk this life alone, especially not through the battle of addiction.

But what makes a friendship last?

What holds it all together?

The answer is different for everyone.

But for me, it’s simple:

Loyalty. Trust. Respect. Honesty. Love.

And the courage to show up, even when things get hard.#Addiction #relationship #mental health #Respect #loyalty #honesty #genuine #Real BigmommaJ

I've just joined The Mighty community and was thrilled to find this group! I love all the real and honest reflections.

I'm mum to two beautiful, adopted children who are both exquisitely sensitive and struggle to regulate their intense emotions. The greatest gift they have given me is bringing me to the end of myself to a place where I've had to search deep within to be able to meet them with the genuineness and authenticity that they so badly need.

I've realized in such a profound way that we need to love and embrace our own inner child if we are ever going to be able to connect with the children in our care. #authentic #Parenting #SpecialNeeds #SpecialNeedsParenting #MentalHealth #connecting #Children #Grace #genuine #innerchild

I'm sick of the NAMI moms.
You are not a peer.
My lived experience is first hand.
*This* is mental illness. #Schizophrenia #Psychosis #medicationmanagement #treatment #Support #SupportGroups #Vent #venting #Irritated #notBPD #Disability #peer #livedexperience #contrary #power #powerstruggles #Voice #genuine #authenticity #Autonomy #inourownvoice