Guilt about best friend

[JJFriends2014]

I couldn’t find a category for just friends. My best friend, while not being diagnosed with BP, exhibits all the traits I’ve read about. We’ve been friends for the last seven years and I love him dearly, but for the last year and half we have fought more and more. A big part of it was he was laid off from his job and has been addicted to meth for almost two years.

The last time I spoke to him or saw him was January 2021. I’m feeling an enormous amount of guilt because I feel like I’ve abandoned him. I’m in therapy, but I can’t get past this. Part of me wants to say to him “I understand a lot more about how you are feeling.” And another part of me says to just stay away.

How do people reconcile these feelings?

[RELATIONSHIP PROBLEM SOLVING]

RELATIONSHIP PROBLEM SOLVING This is a high level discussion board for solving ongoing, day-to-day relationship conflicts. Members are welcomed to express frustration but must seek constructive solutions to problems. This is not a place for relationship "stay" or "leave" discussions. Please read the specific guidelines for this group.