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Swapping drugs for drink

  • 25-03-2007 2:32pm
    #1
    LegacyUser
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭


    Right, I wouldn’t mind hearing some opinions on this one. First some background - A friend of mine recently admitted to me that he has a serious drink problem. He went to his doctor who told him that he was doing serious physical damage to himself and he would have to stop drinking completely. This was a little bit of shock to me, I knew he drank a lot, but apparently he had been drinking alone, in the mornings etc., basically typical alcoholic behaviour. This person has suffered with depression and other associated problems in the past, and has told me the drinking helped him not think about things. But he is working through that now with professional help and is staying away from alcohol.

    Now as someone in his mid 20s he has done his share of drugs in the past, but had stopped as he got older. Basically nothing there that was abusive. However after a few weeks off the drink he has started back smoking hash. A joint here and there at first, but it seems to be on the increase. I’m pretty concerned that he is just swapping one drug for another.

    The question is should I call him on this? I know it’s his life and his decisions, but by saying nothing and continuing on without saying or doing anything I feel I’m giving my approval, and I really don’t think he should be taking drugs at the moment. Any suggestions on what’s the best way to handle this situation?


Comments

  • #2
    Timans
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,370 ✭✭✭Timans


    You've got to tell him one is as bad as the other and unless he kicks his drug habbits (Alcohol included) he won't be well again.

    Just because he has stopped drinking doesn't mean he's "sober" as it is as you have said, he is just swapping one drug for another.


  • #3
    davidf1412
    Closed Accounts Posts: 20 ✭davidf1412


    I wouldn't say anything, let him work it out, it takes time. Here's a quote from http://www.aamolly.org.uk/drinkers.html (alcohol/hash interchangeable here.)

    What Not To Do

    Never treat the sufferer from alcoholism as though he or she was a naughty child. You may think that they act that way, but overlook it, and never mention it. Don't check up to see how much they drink. If you discover a carefully hidden supply of drink, leave it alone. It will not help to take away the supply, or pour it down the sink. Such common mistakes in judgment provide the alcoholic with the best possible excuse to go on a real binge. Never attempt to discuss the drinking problem with an alcoholic unless he wants to talk about it, and never while he is drinking in any case. It stirs up antagonism, which calls for further drinking.


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