You have given a very valid advice, when someone is addicted to something and he still follows those that are also like him, it will be very hard for him or her to change. Leaving that group and finding something else that makes you happy will help a lot but then, it is very hard for them to understand this especially when they are not ready to stop what they do.
Thank you so much for sharing the story as you promised, I hope others will learn from this too.
RE: Say no to hard drugs!!