Gift for former drug user

#1 · 20-03-2023 7:41pm #1

What present would you get for someone who was a former drug and alcohol addict? People always say you never give them money but I think that's patronizing and surely part of being a recovering addict is managing temptation.

Jim_Hodge · 20-03-2023 7:47pm

There's no end of gifts. Being a former addict doesn't prelude somebody from having interests or hobbies, wearing clothes or jewellery, using aftershaves or perfumes, liking movies or books, or enjoying a weekend break somewhere. They've even been known to spend gift money on something other than drink or drugs.

0ph0rce0 · 20-03-2023 7:51pm

Drugs and Alcohol for sure. That's what they want.

cruizer101 · 20-03-2023 8:03pm

https://youtu.be/dIpi0kle1g0

dontmindme · 20-03-2023 8:06pm

You haven't said how long they're drug-free. Get them an indoor plant.

2ndcoming · 20-03-2023 8:08pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120380837#Comment_120380837

No, not that kind of plant.

20-03-2023 8:12pm

Get something to occupy them and be active or interactive with, distractions are always a good idea. There’s any number of things, depending on hobbies, former hobbies, or things they have expressed curiosity above. I would avoid just money of itself if they are not long in recovery, but vouchers for activities, books, food, anything they have a liking for. Understanding a person’s vulnerability is not patronising, it’s doing your best for them in their present circumstance.

20-03-2023 8:13pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120380837#Comment_120380837

Or a windowsill herb garden

Jequ0n · 20-03-2023 9:42pm

Well this guest is really going to enjoy their stay, considering they are only seen as a former drug user. I feel a bit sorry for them

20-03-2023 10:01pm

PlayStation

Jim_Hodge · 20-03-2023 10:02pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120381172#Comment_120381172

And the thread title doesn't even say former.

Of course it could all be a wind-up.

slither12 · 20-03-2023 10:31pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120381226#Comment_120381226

No, lol. It's not a windup. I have a family member who has problems with drugs and my family and I were considering gifts. I've always heard that you never give an addict money but as I said, it seems a bit patronizing and treating her like a child. I think it's better for someone to learn to cope with addiction and not give into triggers (people drinking, smoking weed, clubbing, being gifted money etc..)