Expert: Jacqui - 9/25/2009

Question
"Hi, my name is mimi im 19 years old. i have a question. how do i know if my dad does cocain? all his friends do it but he saids he doesnt.he does smoke marajuana but he saids thats it. Latly he has been useing alot of Nasal Spray and he has been sweating ALOT how do i know for sure ???



hopefully you can help me"


Answer
Hi Mimi,

Why do you want to know?  You and your father are both adults, and I am sure that there are things that you do that you don't want him to know about.  I am a little hesitant to give info about this kind of thing because of the stigma and hysteria related to cocaine use.  

The main thing is about your relationship with your father.  Millions of people use cocaine, and some have problems and some not.  President Obama has admited to using it and it was fairly common knowledge that George W Bush had used it as well.  I guess I say this because people often pull their hair out worrying that their relative is using and that the sky is going to fall in.  

My advice would be to not worry too much.  If he is using it, he may not have a problem.  If he does get a problem, even a really huge one, there is little that you would be able to do about it apart from being supportive, loving him and not judging him.  

Finally, the best way to find out if he is using is to ask him!  But, if you ask in a way that soundsl like you are going to be angry at him, or going to call the cops, or going to start freaking out, then he is likely to say 'no'.

If you would like any further information, please don't hesitate to ask.

Regards and stay safe,

Jacqui