Expert: Crystal - 7/5/2007

Question
QUESTION: hi.
my name is Cee, and my boyfriend is a drug addict.
hes been doing drugs for sometime now, but i never realized how bad he relies on them.
he really wants to quit doing drugs all together.
actually, we just got off the phone and all he does is cry and i really know he knows that this has to stop.
but the problem is, he doesnt want his mom to know about his problem, because theyre so close and he doesnt want to ruin their relationship. but he wants my help.
i really want to help him, but i dont know what i should do.
can you please point me in the direction i need to be headed.
thank you very much.

Cee

ANSWER: Cee,
First of all I need to know what kind of drugs he is taking. It makes a difference what his drug of choice is because it will tell me whether or not he needs medical detox or soical detox.
You are making progress, just accepting that he has a problem is the beginning of the battle and supporting him during this time is very important. Keep up the good work
Crystal

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Well, it started off just Ecstacy. but now, he does almost everything. he does ecstacy, meth, cocaine, and speed.
Its ruining his life and he wants to stop, but he doesnt know what to do. and thats why he asked me to help him, but i dont know now, but of course i really want to.

ps.
thank you for your time.
i appreciate it.

Cee
ANSWER: Have you made any progress with him? I am sorry for the delay in my response but I had a family emergency of my own. I hope all is well.
Crystal

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hi crystal.

well, i didnt get the messege you sent after i replied to you asking if we made any progress.
it said you sent one, but, i didnt get the answer...

Cee
ANSWER: Cee,
You can stop taking Meth and cocaine without medical detox, you will sleep a lot and the same with Ecstasy but you need to remember that all of these drugs deplete the system, his brain, all of it. It takes time to adjust and I would highly recommend some outpatient counseling at least to understand why he is using and to better educate him on what to expect. Like brain trauma, remember it takes time and teaching all over again.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: wow.
i honestly had no idea that he would have to go through all that.
i mean, i know its gonna be hard to quit, but i didnt know it would screw him up completley.
so, if you can tell me, what exactly should my first step be in helping him?

Answer
Get him off the drugs, start taking vitamins and help him to focus on the regrowth of his brain. It will take up to 3 years to completely feel normal so the sooner he begins to teach himself and retrain the brain the better off he will be. It will take alot of patience, he will experience panick attacks,anxiety attacks and alot of uncertainty and it is important that he understand what it is going to take to do this. Don't be overwhelmed, it is done all the time and it takes patience,dedication and strength which it sounds like you have.
You can do this.