I have had a few friends in the past few years that have dealt with addictions. It's not only really sad to see them suffer, but it's really hard on their friends and family as well. If you have a friend or loved one suffering, do not ignore it.
I had a friend who started experimenting with more and more drugs. He got to the point where he started dealing to pay for his drugs and get them easier. He finally went all the way and started doing heroin. It got so bad that he was making all kinds of deals just to support his heroin habbit. And then... he got busted. It was bad and it landed him in jail. We knew he had a problem, but we didn't know how bad it was or even how to address it.
Fortunately, there is a show on TV now that can help. It's called "Intervention" and it airs on A&E every Monday night at 9pm/8 central. You can see the trailers here: http://www.aetv.com/intervention
If we would have seen this show back then, we probably would have known what to do... or at least tried. The show really outlines addiction and the process of intervention. It might help you save a friend's life.
Are you gonna watch it?

It's all in the situation. One of my friends has an addiction to drugs. She does PCP, pills, acid, and weed... and I admit, I've done a few experimintations with her. In the public eye, she's a weird "scene" girl that ran away from home in the name of drugs. But that's not true. They're only used to get away from life. To relax.

I know it's not healthy. She's got some help, and got less needy for drugs. But personally, I don't see drugs as a completely horrible thing... it's like alcohol. It only depends on how much and how often you do it to be a problem.

Yeah.. I have to agree with kciked. I've had friends that have been addicted to heroin, and cocain, and such. They cleared up with out that show. WIll power, and hours of screaming at people really helped too! xD

Personally, I hate that show.
I also find this post as an advertisement.
I know many people, friends and family, who have severe addictions. Some get better, some get worse, and my friend S, who was addicted to heroin, is clean. All without an Intervention.

Take care.