maintain, v. — Green’s Dictionary of Slang

maintain v.

[drug imagery, sufficient to maintain an addiction]

(US black) to sustain oneself, to keep going.

2007		q. in Wenner & Seymour Gonzo 192: I wanted to get better was really so that I could be better for Hunter. I could maintain for Juan—I thought, anyway, that I could maintain for Juan.
2008		‘Grandmaster Flash’ Adventures 156: I’m losing something here [...] Got me laid up at night, unable to sleep. Got me doing more coke than ever, just to maintain.