I have a good friend who became addicted to meth about 2 years ago, after a couple of years of recreational use. He began slamming. Over time, he developed the standard paranoia, obsessive compulsive behavior, etc. He doesn't work. He has lost all of his friends except me. I give him some money occasionally and push recovery at him. He goes between violent rages and normal. About 3 months ago, I cut him loose. He managed to get off meth. I've seen him and his arms have healed over. He seems like his old self most of the time. He's happy, interested in stuff outside of the paranoid thoughts. However, from time to time he relapses, not into drug use (I think) but the anger and rage return briefly. He still believes the idiotic paranoic explanation, however, he bounces back to his newer calmer self.
I'm not sure what to do now. He's not in a recovery group. He's not in any kind of analysis or therapy.
How can I help make this recovery stick? I'm pretty sure he still doesn't realize the horror of meth; but at least he has managed to get it behind him for a while.
He has also told me that he used meth 25 years ago for a brief period, and then gave it up until a few years ago. A major life crisis provoked his return.
So, I need some help. I've never taken meth and don't have any (or many) friends who have. Where do I go from here? I know it has to be his decision, but I can try to direct and facilitate if I knew what door to open.
Thanks.
Hi Angel Friend,
The meth board is often a bit quiet.
I don't know anywhere near enough about meth to be able to help you find the resources you're looking for but if you browse through the old posts here you'll probably find what you want. I know quite a bit about trying to get (or "help") someone to decide to stop using their doc though, and my experience so far is that it really isn't possible. You're right, they have to decide for themselves - and from the bottom of their heart.
As a friend of an addict you might find it helpful to spend some time reading the posts on the fmaily and friends board. You;ll find people very welcoming.
Martin
The meth board is often a bit quiet.
I don't know anywhere near enough about meth to be able to help you find the resources you're looking for but if you browse through the old posts here you'll probably find what you want. I know quite a bit about trying to get (or "help") someone to decide to stop using their doc though, and my experience so far is that it really isn't possible. You're right, they have to decide for themselves - and from the bottom of their heart.
As a friend of an addict you might find it helpful to spend some time reading the posts on the fmaily and friends board. You;ll find people very welcoming.
Martin
