Tuesday, January 30, 2007


I had this up once before and I took it down because I thought it might violate someone's anonymity- but the more I look at it the less I think it does. I may have a change of heart and delete it again.

Heroin Part 2

D- worked as a waitress. When she got caught cashing stolen checks with her sister she was sent to a drug rehab/ half way house. Her drug of choice is herion, like her sister and her mother.

She told me that waiting tables is a great job for a heroin addict. Cash paid daily. She worked at several restaurants usually getting fired. She told me that she has only had sex with a guy for money once, but I would imagine that if you are a heroin addict its a fine line between dating and whoring.

D- and I used to be very close friends. There was never anything sexual in our relationship but we enjoyed each others company and spent a great deal of time together. It's too hard to keep a friendship up with a drug addict once they begin using again. They are heart breaking. You will continue to do them favors as a friend. Lend them money that you know you wont get back. After a while you realize that you are being used, they no longer consider you a friend, you are just another resource.

The last time I considered myself friends with D- was when I lent her money and she asked me drop her off at the McDonalds on V* Street to score heroin. I dropped her off and told her she'd have to walk back- I didn't want that shit in my car. As I drove away I realized I made a mistake in giving her money and driving her to her dealer. Her choices are hers but it would be on my head if she OD'd. I decided then and there that I couldn't be the friend she needed.

I saw D- a few months ago, she was picking up some prescription at the CVS. She had given birth to a son. Her boyfriend left her, she was talking about having him arrested but it was unclear for what. She didn’t want to engage in conversation with me, I thought it was because she owed me money or because I didn’t bring her cigarettes at the Justice Center like she asked or because she was dope sick and ashamed but I realize now she was probably picking up a prescription under a phony name.

11 comments:

Unknown said...

Your stories are wonderful. People need to hear what the drug experience is like. You didn't ask for my advice but I'd suggest you change one or two identifying details such as the person's gender, ethnicity, age group, even drug of choice. Just enough so a reader who knew her wouldn't make the connection. But that's just my two cents.

Faith said...

Having to give up on someone is heartbreaking. Sometime it has to be done though to keep them from pulling you down too.

Unknown said...

Very painful and very honest. Thank you for sharing.

paris parfait said...

A raw, honest post. Drug addiction is such a terrible tragedy. It's a lose/lose situation for the user and their friends and family. Sometimes the only thing that can be done is to walk away, if all the rehab programs, etc. have been tried and failed. I once met a really nice guy in San Fran, the single father of two adorable little boys. His ex-wife, their mom was a heroin addict. So I decided not to go out with the guy, because I didn't want to deal with the dramas associated with his ex's problems, nor did I want my daughter anywhere near that situation.

Waspgoddess said...

Your post really gripped me. It had a rawness to it which really suited the topic. I hope you decide to leave it up.

My best friend was a heroin addict but when she became pregnant she stopped using. She's still clean, 19 years later, she's a wonderful mother to three sons and a midwife. Sometimes tragedy really can have a happy ending.

GreenishLady said...

I thank you for posting this. It is an honest portrayal of the impact of addiction on friendships and relationships (or a sketch of some of the impact, I suppose).

Crafty Green Poet said...

I think you should definitely keep this post up, its an important one for peopel to read and as sarala says you can cahnge details to protect the person's identity.

Annie Jeffries said...

I agree with Crafty Green Poet - please leave this post up. Her story could be the saving of another.

Anonymous said...

I agree with everyone. I think you should keep it up. If anything, blogs are where you can post your own thoughts and feelings, right? If someone has a problem with it, it's like coming into your house and complaining because they don't like your decorations. Well, they can leave if they don't like what you write, right? Lucky for you, I always like what you write. :)

Anonymous said...

You tell so much in so few paragraphs.
I like your use of the word resource.
Thanks for sharing

twilightspider said...

Sometimes leaving someone behind is the only choice you have. You cared and you tried your best, but she wasn't going to change.

Thank you for sharing this.