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worried about a friend

COCAINE KILLS

By:
Anon
Posted: 
02nd Nov 2011

My friend died about 2 months and 4 days ago and it's been one of the hardest things in the world to pull through. The first time we ever started doing lines was when we was 14, I'm now 19.

473 people found this helpful

Scary stuff

By:
Anon
Posted: 
21st Oct 2011

I've never been into drugs and smoking but being with my boyfriend, a heavy drinker, smoker and drugs taker, smoking and drinking became a normal thing to do with him. Alcohol and tobacco pretty much took over the both of our lives, relaxed us and calmed our nerves I was steeling gin from my parents drink cupboard to sit and drown myself with whenever we argued because it reminded me, and I used to go out on walks with my best friend and we'd sit and smoke 2-3 cigarettes. After school one day I was meeting my boyfriend in town and his friends were laughing at me, and pointing.

518 people found this helpful

My friends problem

By:
Anon
Posted: 
18th Oct 2011

Once upon a time me and a friend started smoking weed. It was good, we enjoyed it without a doubt, so we continued over the next year. Come September time me and him both failed our AS-Levels, I blame the weed. We were given the chance to resit the year, so we did, difference was I was off the weed and my friend stayed on it. Another year passed, I'd stayed clean, but my friend had gone from smoking weed on weekends to smoking every night.

1396 people found this helpful
FRANK Advice
Added: 
14th Oct 2011

How can I help my friend/relative deal with their cannabis use?

You can talk to them and explain why you are worried about their cannabis use. There is also an online self-help tool for people who want to cut down/stop using cannabis.

Local services can provide in-depth help and support for people using cannabis and those affected by someone else’s cannabis use..

If they aren’t ready to try either of those, suggest they talk to FRANK on 0800 776600.

936 people found this helpful
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Not all drugs are addictive, but some drug users do develop a dependence. People who are dealing with addiction usually:

FRANK Advice
Added: 
06th Oct 2011

My friend is using cannabis - is there anything I can do?

Talking to them is a good place to start. But be careful how you do this as drugs can be a sensitive topic to bring up.

Also, you may want to let them know about the risks of using cannabis:

  • You can become psychologically dependent
  • It can lead to isolation and a lack of motivation
  • Its illegal and you risk getting in trouble with the law

A good way to phrase the info above could be, 'Did you know that...' It may be helpful to ask what your friend might want to change or to achieve in their life – and explore with them if changing their cannabis use might have a role in this. If you don't feel comfortable talking to them, then perhaps encourage them to call FRANK or visit this site.

1217 people found this helpful
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FRANK Advice
Added: 
06th Oct 2011

My friend took drugs once - will they become an addict?

The chance of getting hooked after taking drugs only once is extremely low.

People who are addicted/dependent usually:

  • Have taken the drug regularly
  • Continue to need a regular supply of it
  • Have not been able successfully to cut down or stop
  • Will do things they normally wouldn't do to get the drug (such as committing crimes like stealing, running up debts or buying medicines from multiple chemists).

Sometimes people who are addicted or dependent don’t believe they are or won’t admit it. So, if you think your friend has a problem and you want to help them, think about how you're going to approach the topic and what you’re going to say. It could be a sensitive subject for them and you don’t what to put them off. They may not listen to you at first – but don’t let this put you off.

884 people found this helpful
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FRANK Advice
Added: 
06th Oct 2011

How can I stop my friend taking lots of drugs?

 

A good thing to do is to encourage your friend to stay away from situations or places which might entice them – such as the pub or a mate's house. Rather, show them some other things to do to keep themselves busy. Try exercising or a trip to the cinema.

Also, it never hurts to remind your friend that you're always around if they want to talk about it.

835 people found this helpful
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