One of my very close friends has had an issue with drug for a few years. When I first met him it was nothing serious, he only smoked pot, and that didn't worry me at all. Occasionally he would get drunk, and sometimes even do Speed. I have expressed my concern for his health several times, but he insists he isn't addicted to anything, and that he would get help if he needed to. I know he has had some life issues such as dropping out of high school, but I have no doubt that his parents would be supportive if he reached out to them. I live in a different state than he does, and I feel rather helpless. We don't have any mutual friends, because his drug problems have affected the way he treats his friends. The people he hangs out with now are in the same situation as him, and are very bad influences. Lately he has been getting drunk regularly and doing Ecstasy and Speed all the time. I don't like talking to him when he is high, but I feel as if I don't he could do something extremely dangerous. He has told me recently that he has a drug problem, but still insists that it's not a big deal. I want to help him, but don't know how. I don't want to lose one of my best friends, and I feel that if I push my advice on him I will. I don't know what I can do apart from contacting his parents, which seems like a last resort. We are both sixteen years old.
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Hi Phantom,
This is a tough one but there is hope. I've been through this with a close friend.
It is a good sign that your friend has recognized that he has a drug problem. Until that happens he can't begin recovery.
Contact his parents. He's a minor and will need their help and support. Don't be surprised if they don't believe you. Many parents ARE living in denial. You're going to have to follow up and make sure that he is in therapy.
If he doesn't change who he hangs out with it likely won't be successful.
Most of all, just be there for him. Let him talk, give him a hug, do whatever you have to do.
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