[zamalek]

My experience originates in South Africa. All my friends did coke - it took, in some cases, years to get them off of it. One thing I learned is the barrier of "it's a problem." A few quit entirely (citing biological/logical reasons), almost the rest now use it on occasion - I don't give them hell for that. If someone goes on a drug-filled festival for 5 days (think Burning Man), it's a legitimate experience (that I am entirely unfamiliar with).

I think that's the key: shades of grey. At one point I was very seriously alcoholic but pulled myself out of it; I still concede to social situations. It's not a problem, it's a momentary span of blissful negligence followed by a day of sorrow (that I'm fully dreadful of while drunk).

I'm not special in any regard. I was absolutely lucky enough to realize these things internally. Here's the scary thing:

I spent every living weekend at my friends' digs in South Africa, years and years. It took me a long time to learn about their drug habits. The very first friend candidate that I have met in Seattle has guaranteed that he will get me on coke in no time.

It's an epidemic for absolute certainty. I failed to resolve a single friend's addiction and it still haunts me - what am I going to do with thousands of people who are convinced that there is no problem?

Seattle has a big problem. We are telling addicts to come get their fix safely (which I deeply applaud), but are not attempting to understand their motivation.

Is there any charity making an actual difference that I can volunteer at?