cocaine addiction - Addiction & Recovery Message Board

annie82188 · 03-04-2007, 04:51 PM

Hi, I'm new to these forums, and I registered because I have two friends that I'm very worried about. Me and all of my friends used to fool around with a lot of drugs, there was a point when we were using ecstasy every weekend, marijuana everyday, and cocaine almost every other day. While most of us tappered off of the whole drug scene to focus on school, two of my best friends seem to be lingering. They buy cocaine to a point where they need more each time, and they owe people money, and become very greedy about it. I can't tell if it's just a phase anymore, and I'm worried. When I try to tell them, you guys do more and more every night, they make these stupid comments like, It's a drug, we do it, get over it. I almost get yelled at for trying to help them, but they really just look like crazed addicts when they yell at me.
These are my best friends, so if you can imagine how much it hurts seeing them hurt themselves and know what they're doing to their bodies, while they don't.
I don't want to jump to conclusions and get them professional help right away, they've only increased their use in the past week, but I also don't want it to be too late. I'd really appreciate any advice

reachout · 03-04-2007, 05:32 PM

Hi Annie

What a caring friend you are and how much it hurts to see people we care about putting themselves in such danger. From what you have written, they are, indeed, getting hooked.

As you have already experienced, they do not want to hear about it from you. And honestly, Honey, however much you love them, they need far beyond what you can offer or provide them as far as help.

I know you don't want to get dragged down with them, and you don't want to see them destroy themselves.

My best advice to you to be proactive as a friend is to get in touch discreetly with a school guidance officer. Or the school social worker. Spill it all out to the person you choose. These people are equipped with the skills and knowledge and experience to get help in place for your friends. You will have to be brave and not worry about snitching or getting your friends in trouble. Your privacy as the friend who shares the information will be closely guarded. I promise you that. I know that this will be a hard step to take, but remind yourself that as you take it, you are doing it in love. What greater love than a true friend like you who is willing to do what it takes to try and help a friend in need.

I wish best for you and your friends, as well.
reach

kadee · 03-04-2007, 08:16 PM

hi annie
Yes you are caring and thoughtful friend and are right about not wanting to be too late. Your friends know coacaine is a drug, but do they know the harm it can do? Even if someone uses it occassionally they can have a fatal accident and they can overdose, but they may think they are too smart to die, repeated use of cocaine damages the nasal passages, liver and kidneys. They are on the cutting edge, they are already spending more money than they can afford. If they admit they have a problem they can start to get help but they sound like they are not ready for that. YET

They don't know what they are getting involved in. Cocaine will ruin their lives, their looks, their relationships, their family. If only they would reach out and ask for help that would be reassurring for you, but can you see them doing that? They don't want to hear about it. I remember when I first used in my teen years I thought I was invincible, nobody could tell me anything I didn't want to hear.

I think they need more education on the consequences of the drug, or a wake-up call or an intervention of some kind or maybe you could watch a drug related movie to jar their intensions or maybe what Reach said above. There isn't a lot you can do for them for all the trouble they are getting involved in. Someone or something has to step in. It's good that you have stepped away, that must hurt too because they are your friends and you are watching them destroy themselves.

take extra special care
kadee

reachout · 03-04-2007, 09:09 PM

Hi Annie

Just stopped back in after reading Kadee's post. Her thought about a movie triggered another suggestion: There is a book that is used in some high school cirrriculums. The name of it is GO ASK ALICE. the author is anonymous. It's the story of a young woman named Alice who gets involved with drugs and it gets out of control. The book is written in the form of a diary. Pretty short book with a very powerful message.

The book is still sold online for sure, maybe still in bookstores. Might be a good "gift" for your friends.

To all on the board.... I wouldn't recommend this book for kids under 13... pretty rough stuff... but I would say that any parents working with their older children that you might want to consider it. It had a pretty powerful impact on me as an adult reader.

reach

annie82188 · 03-06-2007, 01:25 PM

Thank you very much for the advice. I hate to say it, but my friends might think they're a little too smart for these media aids, and sort of only see the parts where the character is on top of their game.
It's really reassuring to hear from people that understand how hard it is to watch this.
I know that them watching me resist drug use makes them think a lot, but I don't think this method will work fast enough. One of my friends' cocaine use seemed to escalade once she dropped out of college and the other never went. I've often thought that maybe because they don't have any obligations like exams and homework, that it frees up too much of their time. One of these friends enrolled in night classes, and she's admitted that she will cut back on her use, and I told her now is a good time before it hurts too much to quit on your own. If this situation worsens anymore, or doesn't change, I won't be afraid to go and talk to someone about it. As much as I understand the way they feel, because I used to feel that way, I have to be proactive for their health. Especially when they're so good at hiding their habits from family members, friends can be the only one's that really see it.
Thank you again for all of the advice !