I had/have a similar experience, and the last time this friend called me she told me about her sob situation and I acted sympathetic but said nothing as far as offering my help. I was waiting for her to ask me for something like she usually does. Well, she must have detected the ice behind my silence because she tactfully did not ask me for something, for once.
I have loaned her money (she became resentful when I asked for it back and got it from her eventually), my time, my brain (helped her write several essays for her college classes), my sympathy (when she was going through a lot during her divorce and after, when lonely) and my company.
I have received her company and that’s about it! So, unless she offers me her company and doesn’t expect anything in return, that’s where this friendship will go. I have not heard back from her for over a month since her last phone call, so I’m guessing she doesn’t need anything. And frankly, since realizing the type of person she is, I have emotionally detached myself from her as a friend and consider her more of an “acquaintance” to hang out with on occasion. I think this gravy train has left the station.
I hope your friend has finally appreciated you for the generous, kind person you are and started acting like a real friend. If not, the qualities you have make you an ideal friend and I’m sure that you will quickly fill the void with friends when you decide this person is not a true friend, but just using you.