((((silversparrow))))

Unfortunately there is nothing you can really do. I have a brother and sister I have lost to drugs (they are still alive but like your friend they are not the same).

You say you are not sure if you want to return his message or not. You might as well return it and tell him how you feel. What will it hurt if you say you don't want to be his friend anymore because it hurts. Sometimes tough love is what they need. Tell him why you don't want to talk to him anymore.

Short story I promise!

My brother always begs me to take my son fishing. I always told him that my son had other stuff to do (I always came up with an excuse why my son could not go with him). Well one day I told him the truth. I said "Bob, you know I love you, but I can't trust you with my son because of your drinking and drug use". He was quiet. It was real hard for me to say that to him, it hurt me as much as it did him. After that he tried to straighten up, he was sober for about 4 months then recently fell off the wagon again. I love my brother and it hurts to watch him self destruct.

sometimes you have to use tough love to get through to someone. Don't rip him a new one, just explain to him why you can't be his friend anymore. Who knows maybe you'll get through to him.

Good luck, it's hard loosing a best friend. My sister was my best friend and I lost her to drugs.

Take care of yourself!