My mom, who was an alcoholic, always said "The only people who've ever been able to help me are those who had to ask for the same type of help before"
I find now, the only people who truly get what I'm going through are those who have been or are currently there themselves. My non-addict friends think I'm fine because I would only drink some beers 1xs a week. They didn't see how I became argumentative and ruined relationships, or woke up crying because it hurt to know I gave in again.
Anyway, human connection and shared experiences is vital.