Assisting someone with Cocaine Addiction

[damasa]

Originally posted by winneythepooh7
You mistook my words. The person wants me to assist them in maintaining his being clean, NOT support him in using. I could never think of a good reason for that, that makes just no sense ?????????

Unless you've ever been there for an "addict" through the whole thing, you have no idea what you are getting yourself into.

It really has little to do with "not supporting the person" but more so, "how long can I support said person" and strong can you stay through the entire process. I've done it for a friend before and it was a lot harder than I think most people truly realize (and the guy is using coke again).

First, he has to want to kick his habit otherwise there is no hope. Second, detox rarely works without a good support sytem (family, friends that don't use). Third, you'll have to try to find other people he is close to that are willing to help put in the time because you won't be able to do it by yourself, trust me, no chance. You have to get him away from his current friends (the ones that use on a daily basis) because if he continues to be around those people he'll have stronger urges...

Did I mention it will be one of the hardest things you'll probably ever do? It's going to hurt watching, it's going to hurt being there and it's going to hurt watching him hurt.

[Cluey]

Originally posted by damasa
It really has little to do with "not supporting the person" but more so, "how long can I support said person" and strong can you stay through the entire process. I've done it for a friend before and it was a lot harder than I think most people truly realize (and the guy is using coke again).

...

Did I mention it will be one of the hardest things you'll probably ever do? It's going to hurt watching, it's going to hurt being there and it's going to hurt watching him hurt.

I agree wholeheartedly with everything damasa said, but especially these two sections. It's so difficult to watch someone you care about -- a friend, family member or significant other --who has so much potential, intentionally hurt themselves.

[winneythepooh7]

My friend's biggest barrier at this point I think is the friends. So many of them use from recreationally to daily, sometimes several times per day. I am meeting with my friend again tommorrow to discuss this again and what options they have if they are truly serious about changing their life. It will be hard for them because a lot of the friends involved have been friends since toddlerhood basically. I am empathetic to the situation because it is kind of like saying to "give up your family". One of the biggest things I learned in social work school which ties into this is the fact that no matter how horrible a person's living environment is, they will always long to be with their family and those closest to them in their lives.