Prayer request for a friend in need...

Self | 12/31/2006 | The Coopster

[The Coopster]

I know this isn't news, or breaking news...and this is my first thread ever on FR, after 6 years.

But I have a friend in dire need of as many prayers as he can get.

I've known this guy for 20+ years. We went to school together. He's been probably the best barber I've ever had cut my hair, until now.

Seem like an odd observation? He's losing his grip on more than just barber talent, as he's battling a pretty hardcore addiction (crack cocaine). I've seen it before - coke takes away your honor, your pride, your money, friends, health, etc.

Last night I went and found him in the van he's currently living in - doesn't even know whose it is, and I don't even think it runs. Took him out for a sandwich, and a heart to heart.

I'm very worried about him, and it makes me extremely sad that I can't help him more. He's still barbering, and almost functional, but as he puts it - he'll go several days and everything will seem fine, and then he goes on a bender/binge, and spends all of his money. He's lost control, and he looks like crap.

His family has pretty much given up on him. His co-workers just shake their heads and throw up their hands. And I'm pretty sure there's not another soul out there besides me that is caring about what ultimately happens to him.

Christmas Day he hitched a ride out to his dealer's house, bought what he bought, and walked back across town to the van, smoking that crap the entire day. The only bright point that I heard was that he stopped at a live nativity, to at least reflect on the hell that his life has become. He's not a religious guy, so this seems pretty big to me.

Bad personal choices/life decisions is what led to this, to be sure. But this thing is way bigger than he is at this point, and he need the help that I think only God can give him at this point. Even though he's not much for God, I know that God believes in him, and is his best hope. He obviously doesn't have the strength to handle it alone.

Please, please, PLEASE say a prayer that the new year will be better for him.

[VRWCTexan]

Prayers for Dave

[Brad from Tennessee]

Cocaine addiction is psychological rather than physical. As such, it generally takes longer to kick than substances like opiates or alcohol because the withdrawal is not physical but mental. However, Dave's crack addiction may eclipse another addiction such as alcohol. As someone already stated, he needs to hit bottom(Unfortunately, for some of us that bottom is a steel embalming table). You can contact Narcotics Anonymous in the phone book or on the internet for some practical advice. Also any local drug/alcohol treatment facility will advise you. From your description I would say Dave is ready, or near ready for intervention. This involves talking him into entering a medical detox unit for a week or so followed up by long-term rehabilitation/halfway house where he will learn about 12-step programs and other sobriety maintenance therapies. I equate chemical dependency to demonic possession. The patient hosts a malignant entity that is bent on the patient's destruction as well as causing harm to everyone around him. I deal with addicts and alcoholics from that perspective though I am not religious. But I do pray daily and I will pray for Dave. He is lucky to have a loving friend like you Coopster.

[onyx]

Your friend Dave has my prayers!

Thank you for the ping ohioWfan.

[Frwy]

Not even God can help him???? Seems strange to me. I'm praying Dave will hear the voice of God in his heart and know it is now he must give it over to his Maker.

[siznartuf]

"I'm very worried about him, and it makes me extremely sad that I can't help him more."

The addiction is:

(1)stronger than him.
(2)stronger than you.

You can TRY to get him in a Cocaine or Narcotics Anonymous meeting, so he can be introduced to a program of recovery, if that's what he wants.

I know it's very hard, but you MUST NOT enable him.

You can also get yourself in a group that helps people -- that have addicted fiends -- cope.

Prayers for you and your friend.

[siznartuf]

typo:

"friends" cope

[nothingnew]

He's still barbering, and almost functional, but as he puts it - he'll go several days and everything will seem fine, and then he goes on a bender/binge, and spends all of his money. He's lost control, and he looks like crap.

How he still "barbers" is a mystery to me, but prayer is up.

Happy New Year Trussell.

FMCDH(BITS)

[BlessedBeGod]

Prayers on the way for Dave's recovery. You're a good friend to help him.

[The Coopster]

I don't think that's where Sarge was coming from.

I understand what he meant, and it's been part of my anguish. How do you help a guy who's stuck in the middle of this hell?

This seemed like the right place to start.

Like I said to some other dear friends of mine, and touched on a bit earlier here: I'm researching ways that I may be able to help - even if it's just getting him info on his options.

I may very well print off the prayer thread, and take it to him in hopes of touching his heart.

I want him to know that there are at leat a few people pulling for him out there. I fear it may be his only hope. That I may be his only hope.

He talks about knowing that he needs help. Part of that I'm sure is the addicts propensity to say what they think others want to hear.

But as others pointed out, his experience at the Nativity is a glimmer of hope for us both.

I've lost a number of friends over the years - a pretty large number, considering my age (38).

I am determined to do what I can to prevent losing another.

[presently no screen name]

Good post.

[Brad from Tennessee]

Thanks.

[AKA Elena]

Prayers, in earnest for Dave from a first hand witness to how drugs shatter lives.

I also request prayers for continued goodness to shelter two (three) victims of addiction ... the two grandchildren who live in my house who have never known their father (a violent, felonious, wife-beating drug addict), and their Mom, my youngest daughter.

The kids are fourteen and twelve (a boy and a girl) and except for being kidnapped when they were about 2 1/2 and 6 months along with their Mom (who escaped at her great peril,) have NEVER lived with him for a day ... or with any other man.

[The Coopster]

Thanks Brad.

I'm already doing some heavy research on different options.

He's definitely got an addictive personality. Cocaine hasn't been his only issue over the years - but this one is a doozy.

I really appreciate your, and everyone else's advice - and especially the prayers and support.

In some ways, I think I need them as much as Dave.

[don-o]

Good advice all over the thread. People have different bottoms. But, I believe a bottom must be hit. Mine was what is called a "soft" bottom - but, believe me, the hard bottom was staring me right in the face.

Please update how it goes.

[Dubya]

Dear God our Father,

through Your loving kindness I Affirm in faith that You are now placing Your hand of healing upon Dave. You know our concern. Know Also of our love for You and our faith that You will grant restoration and recovery to Dave.

In Christ’s name, Amen.

[lysie]

Coopster and Dave:

[floralamiss]

Deep prayers going up for Dave today and every day... for you, too, Coopster. You're a great friend.

[Dacula]

Prayers up

[The Coopster]

Dear Dir/Ma'am,

I know that I probably didn't follow correct protocol in my placement of this thread. But I wanted as many as I could to see it right away.

But instead of just wiping the thread from all areas, could you at least put it/leave it under announcements with the rest of the prayer threads?

Thanks.

[The Coopster]

Oops!

Dir=Sir

That probably won't score any points...

:-)