[merry57]

I'm here because I know someone who uses coke on a regular basis, at least every week-end, not sure about during the week. 45 yrs old, Well thought of ,handsome, respected, responsible, educated..continues to take college courses. Responsible and successful career wise, well traveled, good father.... loved by everyone even his ex. Called a pathological liar by a therapist once though.

On the hidden side of his life, his weekends which have been running into Monday's, he alternates between the young coke crowd and old drinking buddies. When he's using coke he uses heavily and through the night. Starting again the following night. He's also quite successful with the 20 something women and I'm sure is not practicing any type of safe sex.
He never shows signs of depression or anxiety, absolutely no symptoms of coming down except for the stuffed head and sniffles. He did have a dizzy spelll recently while out for a daily run..2 days after using.

My question is, is this man addicted to cocaine?

[Phil McCracken]

I don't think so. He's only a weekend user.

[Letranger]

Nah! It's all good! Let him be! Nothing bad can come from it from what you post.
In fact, you should try some!

[merry57]

So then...not everyone becomes addicted to cocaine correct? I did try some by the way. tried it every weekend for about 4 years. When I realized I didn't want to go out unless I was using it, was bored without it ...I quit. If I were to be in the presence of coke again? I'd want to do it very much and I know it. Is that addicted or is it memory?

[Cathamaroo]

If it is part of his lifestyle (including the weekend) I would say that yes, he is probably addicted. It isn't out of control, and it may not be a terrible problem, but it is part of his lifestyle.

Addiction means different things to different people (ask ten people and I bet you will hear at least five different answers). It seems like his life is under control, but I know several alcoholics who drink during the week (or every weekend) and manage to get to work on time every day. Their lives aren't visibly "harmed" by their drinking, but I still consider them alcoholics/addicts because it is part of their routine, be it daily or monthly.

[merry57]

'It isn't out of control, and it may not be a terrible problem, but it is part of his lifestyle.' When the cops arrested him with coke in his car he called it a lifestyle bust...in otherwards it's his business and nobody elses. The charges were dropped because of political connections.


Addiction means different things to different people (ask ten people and I bet you will hear at least five different answers). It seems like his life is under control, but I know several alcoholics who drink during the week (or every weekend) and manage to get to work on time every day. Their lives aren't visibly "harmed" by their drinking, but I still consider them alcoholics/addicts because it is part of their routine, be it daily or monthly.'

This is why I asked...so many different opinions. What's the medical community have to say about recreational use? With all of the physical and psychological effects of the drug on the body...I say it has to be addictive for everyone whether they hold a job or not.

[sb129]

Regular recreational use can be just as damaging to your body as ongoing use.
Its the same with any addictive drug- binge drinking can harm you, even if its once a week.

Then again, you could get hit by a bus tomorrow....

I think the fact that he got let off the charges due to "political connections" stinks a little bit.
The very politics that keep the drug illegal I bet, therefore perpetuating the crime and destruction that go hand in hand with the illegal drug trade.

Your friend is a bit of a hypocrite if nothing else...