Question: How do I help my friend?

[ItIsTime]

I am 11 days clean from Lortabs today.

I have a friend who is prescribed to percosets for a long list of problems (slipped disc, herniated disc, nerve damage from back surgery, etc.)  He has been taking pain killers for at least 3 years now.  I'm sure that he has legitimate pain, but I also know that he is taking way more than he is prescribed.  I have seen him while he was going through withdrawals, and it way worse than I have ever been.  His skin literally looked green.  I am trying not to give myself any additional temptation by hanging out with him a lot, but his son is my godchild and we have been good friends almost our entire lives.  He has not worked in years, and is basically a stay-at-home dad for a 1 year old.  On top of the percosets, he is also prescribed to xanax for anxiety (I think anxiety is result of pain killer addiction).  I think all the meds he's on is clouding his judgement and his tolerance for pain.  When I told him that I quit he was happy for me and said that he wishes he could do the same but can't because of his back and legs.  He has turned into somewhat of a recluse.  I want to help him to get back to a normal life, but don't know how.  Should I persue helping him or just be here if he ever decides to quit and asks for my help?  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[dove3053]

I have to agree with IBKLeen also. You are not ready to go out and rescue someone. Take IBK's advice to heart.

Dove

[ItIsTime]

Thank you.  I feel so much better about myself, like a new man.  I cannot even imagine going down that road again.  You are right though.  I haven't yet had to deal with the pills being in my face, and undoubtedly would if I hung out with my addicted friend.  I will be here for him if he needs me.

[MICHAEL_777]

Kleen is 100% right, but if you still feel the need to help email him a link to this forum.  If he doesn't have email then write him a letter and provide the url.  Explain why you can't be around right now and that you are concerned for his wellbeing also.  If he's a TRUE friend, he'll understand and try to get help himself.  There are plenty of us dealing with pain without those types of pain meds.  Love and Strength to you and congrats on the 11 days!

[tryinghard412]

Congratulations on 11days..
I can relate to your story..I decided to quit percocets and oxycontin last week and have 4 days clean. I also have a brother and cousin who are addicted to them as well (we all started together). Since I decided to quit, and know it is the right thing to do...I want them to quit too. The bad thing is...I can't make them quit. They have to want to. Unfortunately, not only do they not want to quit..they're not being very supportive of my decision. All I can do is focus on my sobriety and pray for there's. That may be all you can do too. I'm going to keep trying to feed my family information about this journey that I'm going through, but not bombared them with it. So you may want to do the same. Directing your friend to these forums may also help. It may be exactly what he needs to take the first step in his recovery. Keep up the good work and please keep posting..it reallys helps!

[what2donow]

Listen to IBKleen.Her advice is always right and on this matter I couldnt even add anything else.

[IBKleen]

You can be there for him, but I promise you==if you keep hanging around him, you will use before he gets clean. You are new yourself and not ready to go out and rescue someone.

He knows you are clean and that is an attraction. Stay back, and if he wants it, he knows where to go. You need to be selfish right now.