Cocaine addict - friendship

[Givemethesun]

Hi all. I have a friend who is a cocaine addict. We have been quite close and they do talk to me about their addiction. I really actively worry about their health and how long they can live like this. They have been an addict for ten years. I have been struggling recently myself and I’ve found the relationship exhausting recently. I have debated before taking time out but today I eventually messaged them to say I was taking a break. Now I feel absolutely terrible that I have let them down and broken their trust. Really they don’t have much in their life other than the drugs and I have so much in my life yet I’ve now also taken away my friendship and support from them too. I feel terrible that I did this when I know they need help. Any help. :(

If you run yourself absolutely ragged then you won't be of any use to your friend or anyone else. And if you do end up in a state then you won't be able to rely on a cocaine addict to step up and support you.

It's not a bad thing to realise that, sometimes, you need to take a step back to prioritise your own needs. Your health and well-being are important too. Be kind to yourself.

Maybe link them to Cocaine Anonymous (CAUK). Ten years is a long time. You've done the right thing.

Thank you I will try. It’s the hardest and feels the most impossible thing I’ve seen.