'Functioning Addict' Will Quit When His Time is Right

Dear Lizzie,

I have a close friend that is addicted to drugs, and I don’t know how to help him.

He has been smoking weed and snorting coke for about four years now. His family doesn’t know, and he often hides it from them.

The thing about it is it has not affected his personal or professional life. He calls himself a “functioning addict.” It’s nothing to joke about, but when I think about it, he may be right.

He made it through high school and is succeeding in college part-time right now. His job doesn’t have drug testing, and as far as I know, he hasn’t fouled up at work.

My concern is that he won’t be able to kick his habits. He jokes about being a functional drug user, but is this something he will obsess about his entire life?

I’ve asked him before to quit, or at least tone it down, but he thinks there isn’t a real problem.

How should I approach this? Should I mind my own business? Thank you.

– Dragged Down by Drugs, Souderton

Dear DDD,

My advice is this: Unfortunately, in a lot of cases, a person has to get to a low point before they realize they have a problem.

You have to wait and see what happens. He may be able to stop cold turkey when he decides to stop.

But sadly, in these situations, the person has to get to a point where there is a problem, and seeing that there is a problem, to get help.

It could be something he’s going through, and when its time for him to stop, he’ll stop.

Keep letting him know your concern and that you’re there for him, but in the end, it’s up to him.

Just like people that smoke cigarettes: They can’t stop it unless they want it. Your friend has to come to a point where he has to stop, or an intervention has to happen.

The bottom line is if he can handle it pretty well; he will just have to wait until he’s ready.

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