Addiction

I think my friend is addicted to cocaine? How do I stop her?  What should I do about it if anything?

Cocaine gets people physocology hooked rather than physical like heroin, its difficult, people normally become sneaky and lie about using it, especially if you confront them over it.

They normally convince themselves that they dont have a problem and its just a bit of fun.

How often does she use it?, if its once a month thats not an addict, but could quickly turn that way.

if she does it by association, ie does she do it with a particulr person, or when she goes clubbing, or if shes had a drink.  If so you can take her out of these situations for a while it might get her back on track.

Find a NA group near you and ask people there.  They can probably help you get started.  Sadly, I think NA uses the 12 Step program which is kinda religious based.  But if you're not in to that sort of thing I'm sure they can help point you in the right direction.

ETA: Coke is pretty physically addictive too.

Here's a link for some info on cocaine, http://www.drugrehab.co.uk/FAQ-cocaine.htm 

And here is a paragraph i highlighted, as it says, coke is physocoligcally addictive, its not physical therefor drying out like you could with heroin isnt plausable.  Unfortunaltey most walk in clinics provided here in UK dont deal with this type of addiction, they cater for heroin and crack.

Q) What are the symptoms of cocaine withdrawal?

A) Regular use of cocaine can lead to strong psychological dependence (addiction). Those who abruptly stop their cocaine use can experience cocaine addiction withdrawal symptoms as they readjust to functioning without the drug. The length of cocaine addiction withdrawal varies from person to person and also depends on the amount and frequency of use.

Cocaine addiction withdrawal symptoms include but are not limited to:

• agitation
• depression
• intense craving for the drug
• extreme fatigue
• anxiety
• angry outbursts
• lack of motivation
• nausea/vomiting
• shaking
• irritability
• muscle pain
• disturbed sleep

If shes addicted get her to go discuss it with a doctor first, as its a specialist area to get people unhooked from cocaine

Original Post by court2335:

I think my friend is addicted to cocaine? How do I stop her?  What should I do about it if anything?

This may sound hard-hearted.  You are not responsible for your friend.  People engage in all kinds of stupid behaviours and, if they are determined to keep doing so, there is very little, if anything, you can do about it.  If you think she is addicted to cocaine, tell her that you are worried about her and maybe point her in the direction of some appropriate organisation.  But if she ignores your advice and rejects your help then please don't think whatever happens to her subsequently is in any way, shape or form your fault.   Addicts have a nasty way of drawing innocent others into their own little hells and can be very selfish, deceitful and manipulative in the process.  

Havng had a personal connection with three serious alcoholics I'd honestly say don't get involved.  Be a friend by all means but, ultimately, keep them at arms length & be ready to walk away if their behaviour starts to affect you negatively.  You are not responsible for your friend.

Unfortunately Gi Jane is right. There isn't much you can do other than tell her you are concerned, worried, etc. Other than that the addiction lies with her and unless she wants to stop, she won't. This is also something very close to me. I won't go into details but a lot of the time even if you are commited for it into a drug rehab institution, the success rates are not that great if the person doesn't want to stop. Because it is more mental than anything, even if its been years, a person can start right back up because of one thing or another.

All I can say is good luck and if you have to step away from her so you don't get hurt or involved in her own downward spiral than do so and don't feel guilty about it.

You can't get your friend to stop doing cocaine.  I just dumped my boyfriend (seriously, two days ago) of five years because he'd been doing heroin.  I didn't know at all, people who do drugs like that are VERY manipulative and I simply didn't want to be associated with it so I left.  You can't make someone stop doing drugs, you just can't they have to do it themselves.  Let me tell you from what I've experianced you're in for a good long dramatic road if you continue to be friends with this person and you will be sucked into the drama if you allow yourself to be.  My suggestion is tell your friend you're concerned about her but leave it at that.  If she wants help then she knows she can come to you but drug use like this can get very bad very quickly and you're better off not being involved.  Good luck.

Original Post by j9gwen:

You can't get your friend to stop doing cocaine.  I just dumped my boyfriend (seriously, two days ago) of five years because he'd been doing heroin.  I didn't know at all, people who do drugs like that are VERY manipulative and I simply didn't want to be associated with it so I left.  You can't make someone stop doing drugs, you just can't they have to do it themselves.  Let me tell you from what I've experianced you're in for a good long dramatic road if you continue to be friends with this person and you will be sucked into the drama if you allow yourself to be.  My suggestion is tell your friend you're concerned about her but leave it at that.  If she wants help then she knows she can come to you but drug use like this can get very bad very quickly and you're better off not being involved.  Good luck.

 Oh man I can totally relate. I dated a guy for over a year who was so addicted he'd do anything he could get his hands on. I tried so hard to get him to quit, but there's really nothing you can do, but tell them you care and will help them when they are ready to get clean.