If you find yourself living with a heroin addict, then you probably know from firsthand experience that it can be frightening, frustrating and painful. Many people have the misconception that addiction is strictly the problem of the addict, but nothing could be further from the truth. Addiction affects not only the addict, but everyone they love.
It’s never easy living with someone who struggles with an addiction, and with heroin being one of the most addictive drugs available, it can be a longer process to get the addict to want help; longer than with most addictions.
Drug and alcohol addiction can destroy the person you love and can rock the very foundation of what was once a very solid family structure. It’s important to understand that you can’t stop the addict from doing drugs. Chances are, when you first find out and confront them with the problem, they may lie. In fact, they may lie until they reach a point when they finally realize that they want help from the grasp that heroin has on their lives.
As difficult as it may be, try to restrict all access to money from the addict. Giving them money, even for something as simple as groceries, will more than likely result in them using the cash for drugs. Try not to allow them access to credit cards or any valuables that can be taken and sold for cash. It may sound extreme, but heroin addiction is extreme, and if the addict needs drugs, they are often willing to do anything to be able to chase that next high.
It is painful to see someone you love spiral downward out of control, knowing there is nothing you can do to stop it. If the addict isn’t willing to admit that he or she has a problem, then many people plan an intervention with a trained professional, to help confront them about their addiction and the toll it is having on their lives, and the lives of those they love. It’s imperative that you have a rehab facility which can help with heroin addiction, on standby, in case he or she agrees to get help. It’s also important to try to hold the intervention at a place the addict feels comfortable with, and approach them with an attitude of love and not anger or frustration. If not, it could backfire and the addict could become hostile.
Whether the addict is willing to admit that they have a problem and seek help is beyond your control. What you can do is seek counselling or therapy in your area, or a 12-step program such as Nar-anon to help you with the pain and emotions that you’re feeling. Remember you are not alone, and addiction doesn’t just affect the addict, but everyone around them as well.
If at any point you feel as though your life is endangered or the addict becomes abusive, please contact the local authorities at once.
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.