It is very painful to feel like you are being pushed aside. It happened to me in my relationship with my RA friend; he chose not to contact me for a while, and because we've known each other for a long time and shared much, it was upsetting to me. But I have learned that recovery is ultimately about them and not about us; your friend is apparently doing what he feels is best for him right now. It's hard and yes, it hurts. But if you do want to stay in the relationship, you have to try and give him his space, get rid of your expectations of him (something that's verrrry hard for me!) and work on what is best for YOU.