Expert: Peter L. - 1/3/2010

Question
I have a male friend that has been using crack for abut 2 yrs.  I am a non user of any drug.  My friend told me that crack users typically will use if they have money, bored, it's the weekend, etc.  He also told me if he does not answer my phone call it's because his voice sounds different and should he not return a call for several days, he's on it.  He said he really only has two friends he can count on and both of us are straight.  
My question is:  Right now I think he is binging on crack.  Talked to him once and he sounded very "odd"...  Not heard from him now since 5 pm 12/31.   I understand he told me things I never would have guessed, but now what do I do?  Is he asking for help?  Is that why crack users tell you what to look for?  

Answer
Hi Trina,

Thanks for your question and I'll try to help you.

Well, you mentioned that your friend has been using crack for two years; I assume he made this known to you rather than your finding it out?  I wonder why he would want a non-drug user to know about his crack addiction, unless he was asking for help indirectly.  

In terms of when crack users (or any drug user) will indulge in their substance, they really need no particular reason, be it money, boredom, or the weekend.  Addiction operates on it's own clock, so to speak, and the more addicted one is, the more social, employment, family, legal, financial, relationship considerations are irrelevant.  The thing most important to an addicted person is maintaining the use of the substance.  They have to overcome "obstacles" in their environment to continue the use at the pace they want.

Curiously, this male friend of yours seems to be a play-by-play reporter of his crack addiction, informing you that if he's not available, doesn't return calls, or his voice sounds different, he's high.  I guess he has his own motivations for telling you this, but I can't speculate why.  

You mention he has two friends he can count on (you being one) and both are substance-free.  What does he count on you or his other friend for?  Money, help, support?

The important thing to know here is that substance-addicted individuals are self-harming and even self-destructive.  If he wants to impart this understanding to you, I guess he might succeed, for all it's worth.

He needs treatment, and he needs it NOW.  You may reference my comments here when you speak to him.  He has a big problem, and is heading to even bigger trouble. The best thing you can do for him is stress the need for treatment.  Maybe give him a treatment resource to contact in your area.  He can write to me on allexperts and ask for suggestions as to a plan of action.

Be careful if he wants to use in your residence or offer you the drug.  Substance users like to be in similar company and offer non-users the opportunity to use.  

Let me know if I can help you further.

Peter