How Far is Too Far?

[Pixie]

I have a serious question directed at everyone because I am
having a really hard time figuring out what to do about a very good
friend of mine. The story goes like this: I think my very best friend in
the whole world has a serious drug problem, he has been mixing
prescription drugs (like klonipin and valum) with alcohol and he has been
smoking pot almost constantly for the past week, he has smoked since I've
known him but never before to this extent. He blacked out a few days ago
and can't remember what happened or exactly how much he took, or drank.
He keeps assuring me that he is fine but at this point I am beginning
to doubt that he has any control over his substance abuse. I promised
myself that I would never let him go too far but now I am having a hard
time defining how far is too far? I would appreciate any good and
knowledge based advice anyone has to offer, because I am really worried about
him and I'm not quite sure what to do.

[Nachofunk]

I have many friends with drug problems, and I myself have
problems, although I wont admit how bad. Your friend sounds like he's
got something bothering him other than drugs. When I have lots of stress,
I scare myself sometimes. Drugs are a way to escape, but everytime you
come back to reality you want to get farther away. At least until the
problem is gone. This may be the problem, or he might be experimenting.
In that case he'll ride it out or become a junkie. The best way to deal
with it is have a good long talk with him about things that are
bothering him. Don't talk about the drugs necasarily, but about things that
are bothering him. These are all suggestion I am making with out
understanding the whole situation, though. Ultimately, what he does is up to
him. Just make sure you let people know if you think he is going to
really hurt himself. Perhaps an intervention of friends. I think I'm
rambling now. I will finish it up with good luck, tah tah, and purple monkey
dishwasher.

[pygmypiranha]

Yes, try to figure out the problem. People tend to get
defensive about drugs so just leave that out and figure out what is
bothering him. What thing(s)...are bothing him these days.

[keista]

If there is anything I know from living people with Drug
Problems is that you NEVER tell them that they have a problem. They just
get upset and then a big fight starts. You just need to tell him that
you are there for him if he wants to talk about anything! Just listen
and be a good friend like you have been!