Friend relapsed on drugs. It happens a lot. Rehab doesn’t work. It’s eating me up. I know they have to make the changes too. I know this doesn’t rest in my hands alone. They need to want to be clean.
Friend relapsed on drugs. It happens a lot. Rehab doesn’t work. It’s eating me up. I know they have to make the changes too. I know this doesn’t rest in my hands alone. They need to want to be clean.
Let them go. They can still be your friend and love them but not be around them. You already said it, they need to want it. You being there does nothing to help that happen. Don’t let their problems become yours. Go live your life, don’t put it on pause for other people.
Set boundaries, stand firm with them. They may go elsewhere, but they can always come back if they respect your boundaries. Be prepared when helping them that it may blow up in your face. Don’t give more help then you are willing to give. Be incredibly careful if you let them live with you.
Don’t accept money from them if they are staying at your place, it could be used to prove they rented, giving them tenant rights and you won’t be able to kick them out if shit gets bad. That will torch your friendship. I can’t stress enough to be careful letting them live with you.
Keep your boundaries up, even if they are making strides towards progression. If they are trying it doesn’t hurt to do normal things with them once in a while. That way they can have some semblance of normalcy as they heal from their sickness.
This shit is hard on them and on you. Sometimes they need to change the environment they are in to start healing but it is very difficult once you’re in active addiction. Shit sucks, you do drugs, shit sucks worse, you do more. Shit sucks for everyone, even for the sober among us. You can’t therapy your way around a terrible living situation. Assuming the living situation isnt changing anytime soon, the best you can do is have a healthier coping mechanism then doing drugs.
Addicts are never cured. It is a disease that is managed. Progression is not linear. There will be more fuckups and mistakes.
When they are ready, help them get signed up for help if they are pursuing it. Help them get to job interviews. Help them get to meetings if they are pursuing it. People can’t think clearly when in the fog of addiction. Help them try new things. Help them think outside the box. Not everyone responds to group therapy.
Everyone has their own path to living a healthier life, and I hope your friend finds theirs.