My son is in early recovery and has great relationships with several people he went through rehab with. They have developed a great support system and make time to get together to socialize in "sober" ways that isn't that easy when you are a 22yr old college student(s).
He tells me frequently how important it is to spend time with people who are going through similar issues and that their non-judgemental attitude is essential to his recovery. Besides they are great at keeping meeting going a priority....showing up and driving each other and calling each other on any laziness they exhibit around not going.
I am grateful to them all - have met a few of them and find them all very inspiring and greatly appreciate their courage in facing their issues and pursuing their recovery.
The support we all find here on this forum and in our meetings with those going through similar situations is very much the same...no?