Dear Dr. Happy, I am a senior in high school. I am worried about my best friend, Sara, who is beginning to experiment with drugs, and not just marijuana, either. She really likes getting high on methamphetamine with her boyfriend. He’s the one who got her started and gets it for her. I don’t want to be a bad friend because she says it’s just fun and she can stop anytime she wants. Still, I’m worried. What should I do?
Worried Dear Worried, You should really avoid doing all street drugs; they are all illegal and can get you in trouble. But, as you’ve implied, not all of them are equally bad for you. However, methamphetamine is a particularly dangerous one. It seduces because early on it feels like you are in control. But slowly it takes over and before you know it, you become severely addicted. That said, if you care for Sara, please tell your parents, the school nurse, or even her parents; you need to help your friend before she becomes deeply addicted. It may feel like you are ‘ratting her out’ but what you are really doing is being a wonderful and courageous friend.