How to deal with a drug-addict friend

Substance abuse has always been there. Most drug addicts in Bangladesh are in their early 20s; many of them start using because their friend(s) do too. Access to drugs may be difficult at times but not impossible. Often drugs are used as a means to escape everyday monotony; it becomes a release from the pressures of family, studies, and relationship problems. Pop culture often makes drug use seem "cool" – look at that rockstar snorting that white powder; how awesome is that lead character selling drugs in that superhit TV show? 

Even if you're not partaking, there's a high chance that you know someone who is. This friend probably does not understand the severe repercussions coming about from heavy drug use or, like most, might be in denial. Now you can be either an enabler or a true friend to that person. The enabler is the person who either turns a blind eye to increasing drug use or creates situations in which the addict needs drugs. It is fairly easy for an addicted person to give in to temptation. As a friend it's best to actively try not to put that person under such circumstances. You have to understand how difficult it is for a person to stay away from drugs once they're addicted, and should help that person stay away. The process will be long, emotionally draining, and in certain cases may need intervention from proper authorities. Ultimately it's your friend alone who can help himself, but it's not always easy for him to get to the point where he'd want help.  Many people try to avoid this due to the social stigmas; there is always concern about the family and one's reputation. However, prioritising reputation will just end up in you losing that friend while also aiding in ruining his or her life.

It's never easy being a friend to a drug user; their perception of the world becomes distorted, and their ideologies change to help them cope with their addiction. It can get to a point where that person cares about nothing else in their life other than the need of the drug. Your friend may even turn on you, but that's the most crucial point where you need to be patient. Do not give up on that person; get help from professionals and your other friends. You, as the friend, need to be strong because, at that point, your friend won't be. Neither can you let yourself be swayed by the friend to take drugs yourself. 

Most people have at least one family member or friend who is dealing with some sort of addiction, and they turn a blind eye to it, hoping that the person will come to their senses. But that is not something the friend can achieve on his or her own. Drug addiction is not a condition that only happens to a friend of a friend or a distant family member. It can happen to those we love. The harsh truth is, addiction will not go away and being in denial about these issues only makes things worse. Better to talk about it and learn more, rather than let pop culture monopolise the conversation.