You're right, it is a very slippery slope. I don't know the answer to your question. I've been addicted to pills for 12 years and have never stopped for longer than 3 days when I I would relapse. Needless to say, wd's each and every time. Best not to start and find out. You're friend has to want to quit. Taking pills recreationally is a relapse with or without wd's in my opinion.