Julianne Griffin is the founder of Blank Space Recovery, a recovery mentor service that hosts a virtual support group for Taylor Swift fans overcoming addiction, writes Beatrice Forman for The Philadelphia Inquirer. 

Since it was founded in January, the group, Swift Steps, has blossomed to nearly 640 members on Facebook. They meet virtually four times a week.

Griffin uses a mix of Swift’s songs, lore, and guest speakers to start conversations about tough topics in recovery.

Swifties nationwide also use the Facebook group to discuss Swift’s music and garner support from peers.

Griffin trained to become a certified peer specialist after entering recovery from opiate and benzodiazepine addiction in 2016. She runs the group with her friend Emily Bee, who helps with community management.

The non-judgmental nature of the Swift Steps group has made it a cornerstone and safe space for their recovery.

Clinicians highlight the group as a strong supplement to traditional 12-step programs, which can sometimes dissuade people from returning.

“People with substance use disorder can feel alone … so to create a platform where people feel comfortable sharing under a cultural phenomenon driven by authenticity is fantastic,” said Eric Zillmer, a psychologist, former hospital recovery unit worker, and current director of Drexel University’s Happiness Lab. 

Read more about how Swift Steps helps with addiction recovery at The Philadelphia Inquirer. 

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