[michele#3]

I have a friend who has COPD and smokes cigarettes and smokes weed a lot. I would call her a pot head because she seems to always want to smoke it (that would be about everyday). She also has a gambling addiction and has a payee for her Social Security because of this.
Anyway yesterday she had a serious ashma attack and medic aid was called. She's lucky she didn't have to go to the hospital.
I'm angry with her and sick and tired of her lack of self care. I know there is nothing I can do about her behaviour, but still I have gotten to the point where I want to confront her about her behaviour and talk with her sister, who's her payee about my concerns and what's going on.
Any advice?

[paddym22]

((((Michelle)))) it is good that you care and she is lucky to have you as a friend, but sometimes when a person cant see their addiction it isnt until they hit rock bottom do they learn. Thye have to be willing to change thier habits, I only changed mine after hitting rock bottom. I wouldnt listen to anyone, I thought I was in control, but in truth I was a mess, then when reality harshly hit me in the face and only then did I learn that I had to change, it made no difference what anyone else said to me.

[Axel Schiefer]

I have a considerable amount of experiance in the field of addiction, I was in addiction myself, spent alot of time in rehab, worked in rehab and now I deal with addicts who cannot afford rehab. and the one thing that I have noticed is that there is no specific way of handling with your type of situation. sadly there is no text bokk that says this is what you must do. well succesfull ones anyway... the problem is everyone is unique so diferent things work for different people, I would suggest to talk to your friend about your concern and see what happens, there are alturnatives which are somewhat extreme such as intervention, police intervention, waiting for rock bottom (which can be dangerous), suggesting therapy/rehab. But it all depends on the person and where they are at in their addiction. keep us updated on how things turn out, best of luck!

[Stranger2]

know how she feels.. I smoked pot for thirty two years..I still smoke cigarettes..I use to get high everyday all day long..Then my daughter was born and I backed off.. It took me another thirteen years to quit completely..If they were to legalise it I would continue to smoke it..I'm too old to be going to jail..I guess what I am getting at is she will stop when she is ready.. Maybe tell her that if she won't quit that eventually she is going to land herself in jail..