You have to understand that a lot of drug abuse is in fact self-medication. So the misery does not start with the drug, it just amplifies it. A drug can be anything, even watching TV all day and night. Or the headache pill, uppers and downers of all kinds, nicotine, alcohol, sugar (yes, real sugar) and so on.

Cheers

David

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"Humans think they are smarter than dolphins because we build cars and buildings and start wars etc...and all that dolphins do is swim in the water, eat fish and play around. Dolphins believe that they are smarter for exactly the same reasons."

I've done the same. Each time, a few years later, I've had a phone call or letter saying how sorry they were, and that it took watching everyone they cared about walk away to snap them out of it. As long as communication was maintained and people they knew still stayed around them, everything seemed absolutely fine through their eyes.

Had a very, very close friend get heavily involved with drugs about 15 years ago. Absolutely broke my heart to tell him that it was either our friendship, or his addiction. He chose the addiction, and I didn't see him for 13 years.

We're now back in touch, he's thoroughly kicked his habit, and still thanks me for walking away, as it was one of the first things that broke through the drug induced haze and actually triggered something deep down which made him realise he had to quit.

Very true, but the reverse is also true. Many addicts did not become that way through self-medication, although that is often what it becomes. Twenty percent of all people are pre-dosposed to addiction....they have an addictive personality. They are destined to become addicted to something. This is why there are so many cross-addictions. Drug addicts are frequently also alchoholics, and both are frequently smokers. They become addicted to the things they use.

It is also true, as has been mentioned in this thread, that there is nothing you can do for an addict until they decide they must quit. And even then quitting is very difficult. There is a 90% recidivism rate for first attempts. It is a life-long struggle.

True. Seems we read the same studies.

Well, I stopped smoking ... at least one addiction less, but it moved over to GAS.

Cheers

David

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"Humans think they are smarter than dolphins because we build cars and buildings and start wars etc...and all that dolphins do is swim in the water, eat fish and play around. Dolphins believe that they are smarter for exactly the same reasons."

Replacing cigarettes with guitars......sounds like the right choice. Congratulations!

Yes much of the previous posts are true but. when you are 16 there are very few legitimate reasons to start up on the crap, except if you are actually in need. i think that at my age its almost cool to do it but uncool at the same time. there are like two different sides. , sort of.

i got addicted to the GAS aswell

its the only thig i want to be addicted to. that and the JOHN MAYER TRIO

(NOT John just the music)

3 guitars in 2 years not too addicted yet

I agree with the others who said 'walk away'. You cant fix people like that, and they will break your heart & screw up your life if you get too involved.

People say to walk away, but this situation is kinda strange. He is no threat to me cause I can kick his $@!, but he always looked up to me. He is 38, his dad is 80 and I'm 54. I have known him for close to 20 years and for all those years, he has told me that he wished I was his dad because I listen, am wise, and understand. I know when to listen and be sympathetic, and when to say your pharking up!

Unfortunately, drugs can be stronger than relationships, and life sometimes! His phone is still, I'll bet my paycheck he is in jail, and I think it's the best thing for him. Drug rehab, focus groups, pffft! Spend some time in a Texas Jail and you WILL walk the line!

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Gary

The drug is stronger than the person. You see friends steal from friends, and it's all for the drug.

Cheers

David

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"Humans think they are smarter than dolphins because we build cars and buildings and start wars etc...and all that dolphins do is swim in the water, eat fish and play around. Dolphins believe that they are smarter for exactly the same reasons."

Sorry to hear about your friend. I have lost some friends to drugs. They didn't die, just became different. I know some drugs are harder to overcome than others, the worst is herroin in my book. People will lie, steel, cheat, and kill for that stuff.

Hope all the best for your friendship and all, but watch out when he gets out. They might not be as recoverd as they let on.

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RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head