So, for many years I abused hardcore drugs. I have been clean for about 6 years, and I thank God for that.

Even so, on several occasions, I have had dreams where I would either be using drugs, or trying to get some. In most of the scenarios, I am at a gathering or an event where drug use is taking place, and I about to use, and am completely excited to be doing so, but for whatever reason I never actually take the substance.

The one dream where I remember I actually used, was very strange. I was with a group of friends from high school, including my ex-best friend whom I used to party with, and we are all snorting drugs. I believe it was in someone's room. If I recall correctly, I also think that Corey Feldman was there, for whatever reason. I remember my old pastor walking in, and I get really nervous, but he doesn't do anything -- he just sort of walks in, sees us using, and walks out, like he doesnt want to be there. He doesnt even try and stop us. I just could sense his unhappiness and disappointment.

A few nights ago, I had another dream involving substance abuse. This time, I am trying to score some weed with my ex-best friend that I used to party with. I remember that she kept getting distracted, so we never actually got ahold of anything.

When I wake up, I usually feel the old cravings that I used to have, or I wish I had some in my possession.

Do all ex-users have dreams about drugs like this? Could it be that I have unresolved issues regarding my past use, that maybe I need to deal with? The thing is, I could go for weeks, even months, without even thinking about using, but then I have these dreams, like something in my subconscious is mindful of it, or I have a suppressed desire to use.

Any help would be appreciated.

It is not uncommon. It could be about unresolved issues. Other possibilities are that it reflects in your waking life a slipping back into that "stinkin' thinkin'" of those days, or simply a reminder that you're vulnerable. (We alkies speak of being "one drink away from a drunk".)

Next time you have one of these, take a while to review what's been going on in your life. That may suggest what's triggering them.

That is helpful information. Thank you for responding, Bob.

Do you think there is any significance to the fact that I am always expecting to use, but for whatever reason, in most cases I never get to?

Ultimately, that's for you to determine; but I think it's interesting that in the two dreams you cite your intention to buy/use is interrupted by outside forces: your friend's distraction, your pastor's arrival.

If these were my dreams, (and dream interpretations can be highly personal), I think what I'd be seeing is that outside circumstances might be playing a greater role in keeping me clean than self discipline (or however you'd describe the internal processes that enable us to stay clean and sober).

I might say that, unpleasant as these dreams are, I think they serve a useful purpose. They remind us, as I said above, that we're not invulnerable, we're one drink, one toke, one line, one whatever away from going back to Square One. It doesn't hurt to be reminded!