I've had at least two friends that started down that path doing things like popping pills, huffing, and drinking too much. I ended up having to distance myself from them as a result because it was too toxic for me.
Drugs were all around growing up. I was 13 the first time I tried cannabis, and I still smoke multiple times a day. I had friends that recreationally snorted cocaine, just like I had friends that casually popped pills. More often than not, when they get to the point of crack and dope… that’s when they become problematic and when I cut ties. I’ve lost too many people to drugs and alcohol over the years, so it’s a very strict boundary I have set that has severed ties with even family.
Yeah, had a couple of friends lose themselves to drugs. Of course everyone was into weed, but once they went into the hard stuff, they were gone. Loooong gone. Unfortunate to witness
I am still friends with all the weed enjoyers I know and have met. Those who have fallen to the harder stuff are still where they were 10 years ago. I feel bad, but as a previous drug abuser myself, it was best to move on. I'm glad that marijuana legislation in the US has lessened the negative connotations associated with use, but it's still going to be a while before it's as accepted as drinking responsibly.
It's your preference to distance or not. It sucks when you have to, but if drugs are not your thing, then as an adult, you have that right to make that decision. No matter what, it still sucks to lose people.