Hi, all. My friend is addicted to crystal meth whether he wants to admit it or not. From what he's told me, he tried it recreationally a year ago once, had no desire to, then in the past six months has started doing it more exponentially.

The past month has been really bad and he has relapsed twice. I am quickly seeing him go from the flamboyant, witty, and intelligent person I knew into someone in withdrawal with lots of shame and no self confidence. He has expressed to me that he wants to do therapy and we disposed of his stash/paraphernalia together (but I understand that it's not hard for him to get more).

Please do not waste time drilling into me that I "can't fix him" or make him quit. Trust me, I understand this. But I don't know if I should be stern and caring, or act like a normal friend because I don't want him to feel ashamed around me. He's already avoidant as it is and if I push him too hard he will shut down and could get himself killed.

I appreciate his transparency and overall want him to be healthy. I have pointed him in the direction of therapy, and he knows he can call me at any time. I have healthy boundaries in place and a strong support system myself.

What do I do? I miss my friend and I want him to be healthy. I don't want to abandon him in his time of need, but at the same time, I have to stay sane too.