Understanding an Addict

Hello.I have a friend of 13 yrs who has turned into a completely different person and I have no doubt it is b/c of addiction.After a 9yr (very strong) friendship he just went from talking to me atleast every other day to dropping off the planet for 2yrs.We finally got back in touch and after the sepreation, I decided I was interested in him as more than a friend(which is what he had wanted for many yrs).From the beginning of the "relationship", it was bad and as if he was a totally different person.He won a lawsuit and came into a large sum of cash and became very selfish with his time and attention, except when he needed me, which was never how he was for 9yrs.I always thought with his mood swings and new bad attitude that he was hiding something, but when confronted,always said it was due to depression.He hasn't worked in 2yrs (since receiveing money)and basically has lived the life of a real loser, partying, going wherever he wants and having no responsibility.Well he broke my heart last yr with another girl, even after supposedly wanting a chance with me for 11 yrs.He begged me to not quit talking to him and admitted that he had an addiction to Oxicontin(sp?) and was spendning approximately $35 a dy and had been for awhile.In the last few months, he has went broke, blowing 90k in less than 2yrs and has no desire to find a job and still seems to focus on ways to find pills and b/c he can't afford them, drinks lots.He has lost his apartment of 7yrs, by running out of money and breaking lease(and now they're gonna sue), moved back in with his disabled father and literally besides his car,has nothing and his father has been supporting his cigarette habit and paying phone bill, which is draining him.Well I thought he was getting close to rock bottom and then about a week and a half ago, I went by to see him and he said he was going to bed and then disappeared that night.His father and I have gotten occassional txts and calls over the last 11dys,but only when we kept calling him 1st.He says he's in a neighboring town with a guy who moved away for awhile and is now back and a known pill pusher.Unlike his father, I am certain that is what he's doing and he's been telling me for a week now that he's coming home by txting back when I ask.Haven't heard anything in about 2dys.Are my speculations right?He has no money, so why is this known drug dealer giving them to him?Any idea if and when we should expect him home?His father and I are both very worried and don't know what to do.  Any insight from a past user or someone who dealt with a loved one in a similar situation would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Desperately Worried

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I'm so sorry you and your bf father are so worried.. Their is nothing you can do but confront him with your knowledge and let him know how worried you are and how much he has changed.. This is really all you can do as it is up too us to get clean and fight to remain that way.. As for why a dealer would give him drugs while broke.. Addicts talk a good game and for future business.. I'm sure that 90k found a lot of it's way into this dealers pocket.. Providing a home he can pop into when he wants a bed food and cigs paid for by his dad.. is just going to help him to keep using.. He has obviously not hit his bottom yet and taking care of him is just delaying it.. Understanding a addict... Our love for the high and the drug.. really does come first and all other things second if at all.. Then we really do not get the whole picture as we are so numb to our own emotions.. Please keep reading and learn as much as you can about addicts.. Knowledge is power.. I hope through this process you learn that at some point you have to take care of yourselves and you have to let him find his bottom.. I wish you and his dad the best.. If you can show him the forum when he returns maybe this could be the eye opener it was for me.. Be kind to yourself.. lesa