How to Help Someone Get Out of a Heroin Addiction

Heroin is an extremely addictive illegal opiate substance. Heroin users quickly develop a tolerance, so it is easy for them to overdose with deadly consequences. Sudden heroin withdrawal can also have life-threatening side effects. ^{[1] X Trusted Source National Institute on Drug Abuse Go to the source} Helping someone overcome heroin addiction can be extremely difficult. However, social support is a key factor in recovery, and you can help with that. As a friend, family member or co-worker of a drug addict, it is important for you to be aware of all the different aspects of heroin addiction in order to be fully aware of the problems that lie at the heart of the situation. in front of. Only then will you be able to empathize and support an addict who needs to stay committed to recovery.

Table of Contents

Confronting addicts

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Choose words when talking. Although drug addiction is a disease and a mental health problem, it is unfortunately also a great disgrace to society. Many people use degrading language of addicts, such as calling them “addicts”, “scammers”, “smears” or similar. Words like that heighten the shame surrounding addiction and don’t help your loved one. Addiction is an extremely complex phenomenon and is not entirely within the control of the addict. Don’t judge a person for their disorder. ^{[2] X Trusted Source National Institute on Drug Abuse Go to Source}

Always use words like “substance dependent” instead of “addict.”
When talking to addicts, always refer to their addiction with the word yes , not the word is . For example, the statement “I worry that the thing is harming you” is true, but “I worry that you are a drug addict” is not appropriate.
Avoid using words like “clean” for drug-free and “dirty” for drug use. Words like that emphasize shame and increase your loved one’s sense of shame about their addiction, which can lead to even more use.

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Find outside support. A counselor who specializes in drug addiction treatment can help you or your family consider options for dealing with addicts. Consultants are objective third parties and have little personal contact with insiders, so they have a much needed and reasonable outside voice. In addition, counselors are trained to provide patients with empathy, support, and encouragement, which is difficult for those close to the addict due to anxiety and close involvement in the addiction. levels are not easy to see clearly – including you. Try to find a consultant in your area, or consider consulting your primary care physician.

Alternatively, if you find that therapy isn’t right for you, you can attend Nar-Anon meetups that help the addict’s family and friends. ^{[3] X Research Sources}
A substance abuse treatment specialist can also provide guidance on how to help the patient. You should be prepared to provide detailed information about how often and how much heroin the person uses, whether they take other drugs, how long the addiction has been, symptoms and behavior patterns, etc…. ^{[4] X Research Sources}
For more general information on drug addiction, see the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration or the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

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Direct access to addicts. Try to talk about your concerns about their drug use. You need to make sure that the person is not taking drugs during the conversation with them; if the person is taking or has recently taken drugs, don’t talk to them and try again later. Avoid scolding, reprimanding, “going to class” and saying dogmatic sentences; you should just talk about your anxiety instead. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Have evidence of their problem behaviors that worries you. Bring up what happened, for example, “When you canceled our plans last week…” instead of saying “You always break promises.” Use sentences that are subject to “I,” such as “I notice” or “I’m worried,” as these are less reprehensible and don’t put your loved one on the defensive. ^{[6] X Research Sources}
Emphasizing the effects of heroin addiction on the things they care about most, be it their career, friends, children, etc. This can help the person realize that their actions don’t just affect themselves. ^{[7] X Research Sources}
You can also arrange for intervention, a professionally guided process in which the heroin addict meets friends, family, employers, etc. Intervention is helpful, because it Addicted people can relate addiction to problems in their lives. Ninety percent of interventions performed by trained professionals have resulted in addicts being willing to accept help. Contact your local National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence (NCADD) for further guidance.

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Avoid getting caught up in emotions. When you learn that a loved one is addicted to drugs, your first reaction may be to convince the person to stop by threatening, begging, or begging. Those actions won’t work – heroin affects the addict’s life so much that they can’t stop using it just because you want it. Heroin users will only stop when they are ready. It is easy to fall into intimidation to get addicts to stop using drugs, but that really isn’t possible, doesn’t help them stop the behavior and deal with what led them to heroin.

Remember that letting emotions take over can backfire and only make the addict feel guilty, which in turn will lead them to fall deeper into drug abuse.
Sometimes longtime addicts have to hit the “bottom” (the lowest point in a person’s life marked by despair and uncertainty about the future, or a major event such as an arrest). then decided to quit addiction. However, most addicts don’t need to hit a bottom to want help. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

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Adjust the way the conversation opens. How you talk to an addict depends on your relationship with the person. Are they family members, close friends or colleagues? Consider writing down in advance how you’d like to initiate the conversation to mentally prepare yourself. Here are a few “heading” suggestions that can help you approach the person in the right way:: ^{[9] X Research Sources}

Help a family member – “Mom, do you know that I love you very much, and I say this out of love for you. Lately there are times when you seem to be absent-minded, and everyone Everyone knows you’re on drugs. I even forgot your graduation day last week. I miss you, dad miss you, the whole family loves you. Can you sit down and talk about this?”
Help your best friend – “You know Quynh, we’ve been close since childhood, I consider you like a sister. I know a lot has happened to you, but I see you cancel many of our plans, You’re late and lethargic. You don’t seem to get along with your family like before. I’m very worried about you. I care about you and would like to talk to you more about this.”
Help a colleague – “Huy, you are one of the best people in this office, but you’ve been missing out on a lot lately. I couldn’t submit my report this week due to lack of your part. Recently you doesn’t seem normal, I know you’re on drugs I want you to know that if you’re in trouble, I’ll help you eat your job.”

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Recommend immediate treatment. Once you’ve expressed your concerns, get to the point of seeking help and treatment. A promise to reduce or stop the problematic behavior is not enough; It takes treatment, support, and coping skills to overcome addiction. Explain what treatment you have thought of. As with other chronic illnesses, detoxification must be done as soon as possible.

Find out before making a recommendation about a treatment plan or a center. There are many forms of treatment, and high cost does not mean high efficiency. Usually, treatment depends on how severe or mild the addiction is. Of course you also need to think about cost, but also consider other factors such as type of treatment (group, individual, combination, medication, etc.), facilities physical (outpatient, inpatient, etc.) and sexual environment (common or segregated). ^{[10] X Research Sources}^{[11] X Research Sources}
In most cases, outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation programs are needed for detoxification. Usually a prescription is required to help addicts detox safely. The researchers then found that the 12-step program was an effective and inexpensive way to stay away from drugs and alcohol. ^{[12] X Research Source}^{[13] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source}^{[14] X Research Source}
Note that most drug addicts, especially those addicted to expensive drugs like heroin, will not be able to pay for their treatment on their own, so you may have to help them with this. There are several treatment centers in the US that are funded by the government through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). ^{[15] X Research Source}

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Show that person your love, help, and support. No matter how they react when confronted, let them know that you are always there for them and are always ready to help when they need it.

If the addict agrees to treatment, be prepared to, for example, call your local Narcotics Anonymous (a non-profit organization that helps drug addicts) to schedule a meeting in the area. You can also talk to someone at a nearby treatment center to have one available. Let the addict know that you will accompany them to the center, to meetings, or to a particular individual you refer.
The addict may react with anger, indignation, or coldness. Denial is also one of the symptoms of drug addiction. Don’t take it as a personal insult and react similarly, instead assert that you’re trying to help them. ^{[16] X Research Source}

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Be prepared for situations where the addict refuses treatment. Addicted people may not think they need your help. Don’t think you have failed; At least you’ve planted a thought about recovery in the addict’s mind. However, if they refuse treatment, you should prepare a follow-up plan.

What do you do when the person refuses? What to do could include cutting off finances and other sources (to stop facilitating drug use) or even asking them to leave the house (especially if you have other friends or family members at risk of being influenced by addicts). ^{[17] X Research Source}
It is not easy for loved ones to die when they are addicted to drugs. However, stay in touch and let them know that whenever they reconsider and agree to treatment, your door is always open. Remember that you are helping to heal them. Sometimes we have to endure the pain of a friend or loved one to help bring good to them. That’s not why there is a saying that loves to give up , because it’s not a pleasant way to help others, but you can save a person’s life.

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Clarify what you say. You have to be careful about your behavior and attitude towards someone struggling with addiction. Be consistent and articulate what you say; no empty promises or threats. For example, the promise of “help with all means” can be interpreted in many different ways. Do you mean helping them find a local branch of Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or giving them money (which addicts can use to buy drugs)? You must be very clear about your intentions to avoid misunderstandings. The same goes for threats of consequences. When you’ve told them they’ll be kicked out of the house next time they’re caught taking drugs, be ready to do just that.

Stay true to what you say – this is the most important rule because it shows the addict that you are trustworthy and that your words have value. If you have promised to do something in return for the person’s behavior, do so. If they don’t do what they ask for, don’t give it to them. Once you warn them, you need to act if they don’t listen.
Building and maintaining trust is extremely important. Avoid behaviors that break trust, such as yelling, nagging, “going to class,” making empty promises or threats.

Social support during recovery

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Do not facilitate such behavior. Break the vicious cycle where the addict depends on you and your support inadvertently fuels the addiction. This is called “negative conditioning”. Learn to say “no” and commit to doing it; This is perhaps one of the most important factors in helping addicts transform. It’s also important to note that addicts are most likely not going to react positively when you refuse to give them something, since they’re used to always getting everything they need. ^{[18] X Research Sources}

If the addict is a family member or close friend, you need to be especially careful about finances. Think about whether you’d be willing to lend them money. Many people don’t like lending money because they know it will be used to buy drugs, but others see it as a way to keep addicts from committing crimes or getting deeper into trouble if they are arrested. Decide on this issue and do it right. If you don’t want to lend money, firmly let the person know why and don’t waver. If you’re willing to lend them money, have them write a promissory note each time you lend it out and make it clear that you’ll collect any outstanding debt. If the person doesn’t keep their word, don’t lend them any more money. ^{[19] X Trusted Source Go Ask Alice Go to Source}
Also, don’t facilitate the behavior or try to accompany them by also engaging in drug use. Keeping yourself safe should be first and foremost.

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Don’t advocate for addicts. Avoid covering up or justifying their behavior or taking responsibility for yourself (whether work or family). By doing so, you have saved the person from the negative consequences of their behavior. Addicts must know that what they do will lead to negative consequences.

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Prepare for a relapse. Very few heroin addicts are able to successfully detox and detox on their first attempt. If your loved one relapses, don’t lose trust and overreact such as cutting them off or kicking them out of the house. Remember that most addicts relapse several times before actually recovering. Even when addicts do get through withdrawal, recovery is not certain because withdrawal involves more than just getting rid of physical dependence on heroin.

Heroin addiction is not just physical. A person trying to quit heroin must also deal with the mental aspects and triggers that drew them into the drug behavior in the first place. Even after the withdrawal symptoms are gone, the addiction remains in their mind, prompting them to return to taking drugs again. As such, detoxification must include addressing the underlying problem in order to truly eliminate the possibility of relapse.
If (or when) the person relapses, don’t take it personally, but offer your support again.

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Show empathy and patience. Be supportive and try not to always doubt; You need to understand that overcoming a heroin addiction is difficult, and should be sympathetic to their efforts. Instead of complaining when they stumble on the road to breaking with drugs or trying to control their every move, give them understanding and sympathy. It is very real that it is necessary to encourage the person to work harder to fight the addiction.

Remember that recovery is not a straight line from point A to point B. There will be many ups and downs. Don’t repeatedly ask the person if he or she is still “holding up” or teach them not to do it again. If you are constantly nagging, the addict will no longer trust and be comfortable with you and may hide everything from you.

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Actively participate in strengthening the recovery process. When the person is making progress, you need to praise and encourage that as a milestone on the road to recovery (after a week or 30 days of sobriety). This is also known as “positive facilitation” – the behavior that encourages change in drug addicts. ^{[20] X Research Source}

Enable the person to continue to recover and change by reminding them that you love them and believe in their progress.

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Be present throughout the addict’s recovery. When addicts receive treatment, whether it’s going to a rehabilitation center, seeing a therapist, or going to meetings, maintain an active participation in their treatment. Convincing them to get help and treatment is only the first stage of recovery. Your loved one still needs support while trying to treat and overcome addiction. Let the person know that you believe in them and their long-term recovery.

One way to maintain interest is to try to attend therapy sessions or meetings that allow guests of addicts to attend. It can also help you gain more empathy and understanding as you learn about heroin addiction and its effects on people.
Ask about the person’s recovery. However, instead of asking in a question-and-answer or interrogation format (“Did you go to the meeting today?”, “Did you talk to the doctor today?”, etc.), think about it. Ask open-ended questions so the person can retell what they want to say (for example, “How was the meeting today?” and “Did you learn anything new about yourself during treatment?” this is not”).

Understanding heroin addiction

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Understand what heroin is. Heroin is a narcotic of the opiate group, analgesics , extracted from the poppy fruit ( Papaver somniferum ). This plant has been known to be the most effective pain reliever for the past 7,000 years. Usually sold as a white or brown powder that is “mixed” with sugar, powder, powdered milk, or a stimulant, heroin can be used in many forms, including intravenously, smoked, and snorted. ^{[21] X Research Sources}^{[22] X Credible Sources National Institute on Drug Abuse Go to Source}

Smoking heroin became popular in the 1990s due to concerns about HIV transmission through sharing needles. Smoking is also the predominant way to use heroin in Asia and Africa.

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Learn about the addictive effects of heroin. Heroin causes addiction primarily by stimulating mu-opioid receptors (MORs, similar to endorphins and serotonin receptors for feelings of happiness) in the brain. Under the influence of heroin, areas of the brain and neurotransmitters produce feelings of “pleasure”, pain relief and dependence. These reactions, when combined, cause the user to lose control and become addicted to the drug. In addition to its powerful analgesic effect, heroin also depresses the activity of the central nervous system, reduces heart rate and breathing rate, and suppresses coughing. ^{[23] X Research Sources}^{[24] X Credible Sources National Institute on Drug Abuse Go to Source}

Immediately after use, heroin crosses the blood-brain barrier. Here heroin is converted to morphine and then binds to opioid receptors. Heroin users report an “urgment” or a surge of euphoria. The intensity of the urge depends on the amount of drug taken in and how quickly the drug enters the brain and binds to the receptors. Heroin is particularly addictive because it quickly enters the brain and binds to receptors. The impact occurs almost immediately. The user may feel nauseous at first, but then a feeling of serenity and warmth spreads through the body, and any anxiety or pain seems to be dispelled. ^{[25] X Trusted Source National Institute on Drug Abuse Go to Source}
The “high” will continue until the drug wears off, usually 6 to 8 hours later. Heroin users will have to start thinking about where to get the drug or how to get money for the next use before symptoms of drug shortage occur.
Know that heroin users can talk and think coherently. Even with doses high enough to produce euphoria, the user did not change much in coordinated action, sensation, or intellect. At higher doses, users fall into a state of lethargy, half awake and half asleep. Pupils constricted (“pin pupils”), eyes half-closed. This phenomenon is called “dreaming”, “fantasizing” or “opium dreams”.

Advice

Don’t forget that many heroin addicts eventually stop taking the drug, and there is no set limit that determines how long a user’s addiction will last.
Heroin users will stop taking when they are ready, no matter what you do or say to them. They will have to stop themselves. Addicted people will have to experience a very tired feeling because of being depressed.
Consider getting help for yourself when your loved one or friend is addicted to heroin. Al-Anon and Nar-Anon (not AA or NA are addict organizations) are organizations for friends and family of drug addicts. Meetings with these organizations can help you maintain boundaries and provide support as you deal with addiction.
Set a limit on how long you need to live with the addict, and stick to it. It’s also a waste of your time. If it’s a child and you are fortunate enough to be able to afford the treatment, help them. But the final decision still rests with them. We cannot expect too much.

Steps

Confronting addicts

Social support during recovery

Understanding heroin addiction

Advice

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