Meth Use

Question: My friend,her teeth are starting to look strange and she shows other signs of meth use. what can i do?

(Posted by: Rothchild Spelm on 2006-10-18 10:05:49)

I guess what I am wondering, since she is older, she stands to lose so much in life. Her teeth are starting to look transluscent around the edges, she has those sores around her mouth, she grinds her teeth all night long, etc. The report is that people can recover from meth abuse, but the average user is a lot younger. Physical Recovery, mental recovery seems more possible, being young also means being impressionable either way, for better or worse..older people, can they recover from such an impacting drug?are effects more permanent? How do you get someone to admit they are using, how can you help when they don't want to admit it. I am really worried about her, but feel helpless of course it is more than her teeth that i have to go on, and she's been on it for 4 months and all the advanced signs are showing...her teeth are the latest of things that are really starting to show....and it is odd enough to notice... she is 36, and I know it's probably not good for me to feel this way, but I feel responsible. If I was such a great boyfriend/ lover/ friend would she have gone and found someone else a new drug and totally change her life or affect her life in such a dramatic way....

Posted by: the_only_solorose on 2006-10-18, 10:11:18

You are essentially helpless in this situation. If you friend is using, then she is responsible for what she does or does not do about it. You can tell her that you think she is using, you can tell her that you don't want to see her die as a result of such behavior, but then you have to stand back and let her be responsible for herself. YOU CAN'T FIX HER. Be prepared tho, people in denial will often end relationships rather than risk having to admit to drug use.

Posted by: parrothead2371 on 2006-10-18, 10:16:10

When someone is on drugs, unfortunately there is nothing you can do. This is their own choice and issue. When people are addicted, they are the last to admit it. Everything is everyone else's fault and not theirs. They will do anything for that next hit. Also, the can become manipulative. Your friend will not recover unless SHE wants to. You don't say her age, but you could contact her parents. Be warned that this won;t fix the problem. All you really can do is pray for your friend. I commend you for caring and being a good friend to her.

Posted by: 9lives on 2006-10-18, 10:19:02

Being that I was once into that, I can say you cant help someone who is not ready to be helped. And as far as teeth go, you need more to go on. My teeth were not affected by my meth use, I only used one month or so. So teeth are not always the best judge. If you have actually seen this person use than you can confront them with your concerns. Otherwise your out of line, and your suspicious of something that may not be the case. Let it ride for now.

Posted by: MLE on 2006-10-18, 11:04:02

You have to stay strong and let her know you know what's up. tell her you want her to get help but know that you are powerless to force it. try tough love. stay away from her and cut her out of your life until she shapes up. whatever you do, don't ignore it and don't let it be "ok " with you. you may as well tell her she is doing a good thing by using by these actions. good luck!

Posted by: Tigger on 2006-10-18, 11:18:31

That has got to be hard to watch. But since your friend is 36 years old, there is not much you can do for her until she is ready to help herself. In fact, you may have to stop supporting her while she is doing these things that she KNOWS are hurting her. Call it tough love. If you need help yourself, contact Al-Anon: While they mostly deal with friends and family of alchohol abusers, in some ways all addictions are alike. Good luck.