Heroin is one of the strongest painkillers known to man. Addiction to this drug is hard and fast. While it may be extremely difficult finding out someone we care about is addicted to heroin, there are things you can do to help. The first thing you will want to do is find out all you can about the drug. There is a lot of information on the Internet about heroin that you may find helpful. While you are doing this, and absorbing the shock of the addiction, try not to judge the person who is addicted. They did not ask for this, really. They made a poor choice by trying the drug and addiction was the result.
The next thing you should do is to suggest detox and treatment. The addict may react very negatively to this suggestion. They may cry uncontrollably, they may fly into a rage, so be prepared for this type of reaction. Be consistent in suggesting treatment. This is part of what is known as “tough love”. You may even suggest going to their first treatment or meeting with them. That may help you understand the addiction too. Stand firm and do not let them use pity or sympathy to break you down. It is literally a matter of life and death, so stay strong. If they continuously refuse, you may want to contact a rehab center yourself and find out if intervention is possible. In most states it is and when it is used, most addicts seek help within a week.
If they continuously refuse, you may want to contact a rehab center yourself and find out if intervention is possible.
Understand that it is very hard to detox from heroin. Many times it takes several attempts. Remain supportive and continue to push them to try detox as many times as it takes to succeed. Try not to nag or be constantly suspicious or the user may avoid you, in which case, you can’t help them. Do not give an addict money. You can assist them with bills if you wish but never directly give them money, which they could spend on heroin. Stay positive and try not to nag or be too harsh on the addict. Convey confidence that you know they can beat the addiction. Understand that the addict goes through little withdrawal experiences every 8 hours or so after they have had the heroin. These tiny withdrawal episodes are enough to convince them that real detox will be hard – and it is! However with proper care this can and has been safely done.
Nick Hayes is a graduate of the Narconon drug rehab program in 2005. Nick takes much enjoyment in writing, and feels there needs to be more information about drugs and alcohol provided to the people of the world. He believes nobody should have to go through an addiction.
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