Wondering what to buy for the drug addict in your life? Worried it will make their addiction worse? Here are the five best gifts for a drug addict that won't worsen their habit.
1. Share an Experience
Although each person addicted to drugs is an individual, so it is hard to generalize, many actively seek out sensory experiences and social contact through their drug use. Sharing an experience can be a meaningful way of spending time with someone who uses drugs, without reinforcing their addiction. On the contrary, a different kind of experience might just open them up to life having more to offer. It could be something outlandish, such as a flight in a hot air balloon -- the ultimate high -- or something as simple as a meal in a restaurant that is pleasant, accepting and provides an experimental sensory experience, such as a raw food cafe or one that features live music. Stay away from places that serve alcohol.2. Financial Gifts That Can't Be Used for Drugs
Although cash equates to drugs for those addicted, you can give money, in forms that are a step removed from a drug deal, so it may not be worth the hassle of your friend or loved one trying to convert it to cash in order to buy drugs. Good examples are gift certificates, particularly for items you know they need. You can also pay for something that can't be cashed in, but might enhance their quality of life, such as health insurance, a magazine subscription or a continuing education program.3. Gadget or Nick Nack Unrelated to Drugs
One of the big attractions of drug use is having something to do with your hands. There is often a procedure, even a ritual associated with drug use, that can leave idle hands uncomfortable when abstinent. Little gadgets such as a small, handheld plaything, stress ball or musical instrument fulfill a similar need. A small puzzle such as a rubic cube can also fulfill this need.4. Media Showing the Realities of Recovery
Drug users are often fascinated by the lives of other drug users, especially if the person is using the same drug they are hooked on. While some books and movies make inappropriate gifts by reinforcing the excitement of drug use, some do a great job of illustrating the recovery process, showing people can come out the other side. Some examples are Boy George's autobiography -- he took ecstasy and LSD and later heroin, but became abstinent as he matured; the movie, "It's All Gone Pete Tong," is funny and deep, gets across the sinister side of cocaine addiction, without being preachy, or cocaine being the focal point of the movie; and Eminem's "Recovery" album.5. Realistic Self Help Resources -- If They Want to Get Clean
If your drug addicted friend or loved one is interested in self help approaches to recovery, a carefully chosen gift might spur them on to try to get clean or work on improving their lifestyle more generally. Particularly helpful are approaches to achieving the goals of drug use without drugs. "The Natural Mind" by Dr Andrew Weil, and "Free Rides: How to Get High Without Drugs," by Douglas Rushkoff and Patrick Wells are good examples.
