Dear Abby Family friend fears woman is addicted to meth

DEARABBY » The 22-year-old daughter of close friends of ours has been living in a van during the pandemic. Her parents, my husband and I heard her on her cellphone talking about a partywhere her friends were doing meth. No one reacted except me.

I cannot stop worrying about this youngwoman, who I have watched grow since shewas a baby. The red spots on her face, which I had assumed were fromacne, nowhaunt me.

I had offered her the use of our driveway, if needed, but I don’t want meth users here because I have two college-age sons, so now I regret even that.

I feel since she broached the topic she was asking for help. Her mom let it completely slide. Help!

— Sick withWorry

in Colorado

DEARSICK » The baby you watched grow up is now an adult. If you think shewas asking for help because she is addicted to methamphetamine, talk to her and offer to help her get it. IF she says she wants to move her van to your property, explain that as long as she is using and/or partying with contemporaries who do, the offer is off the table.

As to her parents who, from what you wrote, appear to be clueless, tell them you are alarmed and why, and urge them to go online and educate themselves about the symptoms of meth addiction.

What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “What Every Teen Should Know.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)