Question: I am new to cocaine I only tried for the first time 2 weeks ago. It was unbelievable. Since then already I have already been snorting it 2 or 3 times a day. I am already needing bigger amounts to get as high. This feels so good but already I am scared about addiction. Can it happen this fast in only a couple of weeks?

Zelik Mintz Says...:

With cocaine, becoming psychologically addicted is more the issue than physical addiction.  Cocaine's effect is very seductive because the high produces strong elation and illusions of power.  Because the high is so short lived, the user tends to need to use often in order to sustain those feelings.  And resistance can build very quickly with one needing more and more to reach the initial high.  If you have been using for 2 weeks and it makes you feel "unbelievable" and already you are using throughout the day and need more and more, it is best to stop as soon as possible.  The escalation you describe suggests that there is likely some degree of self-medicating that is motivating your cocaine use.  Although physical addiction is secondary, physical side effects of cocaine is substantial irritability when the high wears off and, with long term use, a physical deterioration.  It may be useful to go to an NA (Narcotics Anonymous) meeting to experience the destruction that cocaine addiction can cause.  

Question: Can I get HIV if I shared a pipe with some guy that had bleeding lips. It was really dark in the park and my buddy saw this guy that he knew that is practically a homeless dude and the guy asked if he could have a few tokes and since I was baked I did not even think to worry about sharing a little herb. Then we walked into the street light and I saw this guys lips were bleeding from being so dry and cracked. I am freaked out and I can’t stop thinking about this. Should I get tested or am I being paranoid?

Zelik Mintz Says...:

First I'd like to suggest that you get tested.  I recommend this because of your anxiety about sero-converting to HIV rather than because I think transmission in your case is likely.  Although theoretically possible to transmit HIV by sharing a smoke with someone who has bleeding gums or mouth, transmission needs an avenue to enter directly into the  bloodstream - cuts or abrasions in your mouth.  Hearing that HIV in your case is very unlikely will probably not be enough to fully relieve anxiety.  Talking to a physician and testing negative will hopefully be more effective in lessening your worry and concern.  

Question: Dear Friend, I am a psychotherapist in South Jersey. Two years ago one of my clients in recovery struggled with how to explain alcoholism to his young daughter. He was concerned that she would hear from neighbors and family members that Daddy was a "drunk". After an unsuccessful search for the perfect children's book to help him and his daughter he asked me to write one. "Daddy's Disease" is the result. “Tommy doesn’t know why his father doesn’t show up for dinners, or soccer games or why he acts funny sometimes. Tommy thinks it’s because his father doesn’t want to be with him, that he hasn’t been the best boy he can be, that he should try harder. But, Mommy tells Tommy that Daddy has a disease called “alcoholism”. She helps Tommy, and his faithful dog Murphy, understand what this disease is and how it affects Daddy, and the whole family. She teaches Tommy that he is not responsible for Daddy’s behavior and that gives Tommy the peace he needs to foster a healthy childhood.” In an easily understood, beautifully illustrated style, "Daddy's Disease" helps families to navigate the difficult waters of alcoholism. It is my hope that you will consider making this information available for the many children and adults who have been struggling with this devastating disease. Please feel free to contact me at 856-296-3775 with any questions. I thank you for your time and consideration and for all the good work you do. Best, Carolyn Hannan Bell - www.alcoholismhurtskids.com

Zelik Mintz Says...:

Dear Carolyn Hannan Bell.  Thank you for reaching out informing me about your book on how to address alcoholism with children, particularly in the format of a children's book.  So often children misinterpret dysfunction in the family, thinking of themselves as the cause of the dysfunction.  It is very helpful to frame alcoholism as a disease and not what is often thought of as a moral failing.  Your book sounds like a very valuable resource for families struggling with alcoholism and can be helpful for any addiction that affect the family.  I will keep your book in mind when I come across families struggling with this issue.  Good luck with getting the book out there! Best regards, Zelik Mintz, LCSW, LP

Question: Quit smoking pot after 12 years. By the end I hated it 95% of the time and it made me feel terrible. I should feel so happy and great that I am 35 days without a smoke and most of me is pretty pumped about getting this far but I can’t get over the disappointment of not having a joint to look forward to after doing something hard or difficult. What am I supposed to do to make this better? I am trying to think of things in a one day at a time outlook because the idea of never having that thing to look forward to is really upsetting and heavy…sort of depressing. I know in my brain that it is not worth destroying 23 and half hours a day just to have that one good half an hour but my gut and emotions just feel like they feel.

Zelik Mintz Says...:

First I'd like to give you props for quitting smoking pot since you've expressed how it has made you feel terrible. You didn't mention if you have support set up to deal with being sober or just having quit on your own.  What you are going through is very common.  After 12 years of smoking pot, you are very used to using pot as a reward and likely a way of relaxing.  You're hardwired to anticipate and reach for pot after doing something hard or difficult.  Without being able to satisfy the desire, life may seem empty and, indeed, like there is nothing to look forward to.  This is part of the addiction. How have you used pot to self-medicate as a way of dealing with problems or boredom or uncomfortable feelings?  Learning to find healthy ways to reward and relax is not easy after 12 years of using pot to do so.  I would recommend finding a group (NA - Narcotics Anonymous) where you can get support from other people going through the same struggles with drugs as you are.  Since you didn't say how much, often, why and if smoking pot affects your life (motivation, relationships) in negative ways - aside from feeling terrible when you smoke - I don't know what would be most helpful .  But finding support and commonalities with others can help you address the difficult issues of giving up getting high.

Question: I just found out that a guy I used to do cocaine with a lot has hepatitis C and he is in really bad shape. We shared coke straws together many times. He shot up and I never did though. I have not done cocaine with him in more than 2 years and I have no symptoms. How likely is it to get infected just by sharing straws?

Zelik Mintz Says...:

Most people who have Hepatitis C have no symptoms and are unaware that they have contracted it.  And for many people, Hepatitis C does not develop into a disease that causes serious problems.   Hep C can be transmitted sexually or through blood so using the same straw snorting cocaine with someone who has Hepatitis C is theoretically possible to transmit.  I would suggest scheduling an appointment with a medical provider and have some bloodwork done and discuss the concerns with an MD.  Doing so would hopefully help put your mind and anxiety around Hepatitis C at ease.  I am not an expert on Hepatitis C and I would strongly suggest you see a physician.

Question: Can I go to jail if I order prescription drugs from online pharmacies? If I get an online consult from a doctor at the pharmacy does this count as OK then? I have never done anything like this but I am getting insufficient pain control from my doctor (who is an A-Hole and looks at me like I am a junky when I ask him for medication to control my unbearable pain) and he says he wants to start giving me less when my pain is worse than ever.

Zelik Mintz Says...:

Sites that offer pain medication with online MD consults are legally questionable.  Although the risk to you may be minimal, it would be wise to avoid the possibility of your medical and other information being permanently on the web. Aside from the legal issue, ordering pain medication online is risky in other ways.  The sites that offer meds with online MD consults are shady enterprises with no opportunity for recourse if you have questions or problems. You may not even get the medication you ordered or know what is in the medication you receive.  The best avenue to explore is seeking out a pain management specialist or clinic where your particular pain issues are addressed by specialist who are trained in pain management.  Instead of arguing with your MD, get a consult from a pain management doctor or group and use the specialist in conjunction with your regular MD.

Question: Do doctors in New York have a record of what medicines were prescribed to what person and when they were prescribed? I am asking because I saw a lot of different prescriptions for pain killer medicines at my sister’s house from different doctors. Is this actually the case in New York State? Do you think I should go behind her back and give her main doctor a list of all the medications she is taking? Would he be able to use that information or is that a breach of doctor and patient confidentiality?

Zelik Mintz Says...:

Doctors in New York State do not have a database of what medications are prescribed and what doctors a patient goes to.  It is a common practice for people who have addiction issues with pain medication to go to different doctors and emergency rooms to get multiple prescriptions for opiates so that they can procure as many pills as possible. Finding similar prescriptions for pain medications written close together by different doctors is a major red flag for concern.  You can certainly give a list of medications your sister is taking to her primary doctor but the MD may refrain from having a discussion with you because of breaching confidentiality.  I would strongly suggest confronting your sister with the knowledge of the multiple prescriptions. 

Question: If you take a lot of MDMA will you start hallucinating like feeling like you have bugs under your skin and these hallucinations will last way after you stop being high? If this happens does it mean that the MDMA is actually cut with something more dangerous or can this happen if you take enough MDMA in a row, like for a few days in a row. If this happens is it dangerous or do you just have to wait and it will go away?

Zelik Mintz Says...:

Drugs affect different people in different ways.  Binge use of MDMA can certainly, depending on the person, have any number of side effects which may not totally resolve when the use is stopped.  Frequency and amounts, as well as the psychological and psychological state of the person using, can all contribute to any number of effects from the drug.  In addition, when one buys an illegal drug, one does not know what that drug is cut with or what the drug even consists of.  When buying street drugs, there is always a large degree of risk on getting what you intended to buy.  If the hallucinations persists, I strong urge being evaluated by a psychiatrist who specializes in use of illegal drugs or addiction.

Question: I am using modafinil because I find it really helps me stay focused at work. I can keep my head down and get twice as much done…and I actually even sort of enjoy what would be tedious otherwise. But I am addicted to it and if I don’t take it I feel like crap. Should I be very worried about it? Is there any reason I can’t just be addicted on this forever without really having any problems. Oh yeah. I don’t have ADD or any reason to be using this. I am lucky to have a friendly doctor who’s happy to fill with a wink and a nod.

Zelik Mintz Says...:

I don't know much about Modafinil and have only read about it recently.  One concern is that the effects from long term use of Modafinil is unknown.  From what you write, it sounds like you are dealing with addiction issues with Modafinil.  Aside from the desired effects from the drug, when you don't take it your body is informing you that it is dependent on Modafinil, which is a serious concern.  From what you've described, your use of Modafinil has lead to a psychological and physiological addiction which will only become more problematic with continued use.  I suggest you slowly cut down it's use until you are no longer dependent on Modafinil to feel psychically and mentally stable.  Any addiction, even if not a problem currently, will accelerate and can lead to serious issues with functionality and mental well-being.