Heroin is a highly addictive illegal drug derived from opium. It is typically injected but can also be inhaled or smoked. It works by affecting the pleasure center in the brain and producing feelings of euphoria and pleasure. Addiction typically occurs within a week of the first use of heroin and often after the very first dose. If someone you love is in the process of overcoming heroin addiction, there are some things you can do to make his or her journey easier.
Educate Yourself about Heroin Addiction and Treatment
It will be easier to support someone in clean living if you know what he or she is experiencing. Learn all you can about addiction and recovery such as the following:
- Heroin and its effects
- The feelings that are experienced when heroin is taken
- The withdrawal symptoms that arise when heroin use is stopped
- What happens during rehab
- How you can reinforce what is learned in treatment
Attend family counseling sessions and support groups for loved ones of addicts in order to prepare yourself more fully. If professional treatment has not yet been sought, make sure that you take steps to get your loved one enrolled in rehab treatment. Heroin addiction is almost always caused or worsened by root issues that will need to be uncovered and dealt with in order for a full recovery to occur. You may need to stage an intervention in order to get the individual into treatment. Interventions involve organizing a meeting with the heroin user and confronting him or her with the reality and dangers of the addiction. At this time you will also present the individual with a plan for treatment.
Support the Recovering Heroin User Emotionally
Be a source of encouragement to your loved one. Try to make the recovering heroin user’s life as stress-free as possible, and make yourself available to help the person process his or her emotions. Living clean after heroin addiction will require a change of lifestyle that typically requires new friends, new hangouts and new hobbies and activities. Encourage the person to continue to attend support groups and rehab aftercare. As you support the recovering heroin user, be consistent and honest as you hold the person accountable.
Know What to Do in Case of a Heroin Relapse
Many individuals going through the process of recovering from heroin addiction relapse at least once. It is important not to jump to conclusions or accuse the person of failing. Remain supportive and encourage the recovering person to view relapse as a learning opportunity. If a full relapse occurs, encourage the individual to return to treatment in order to regain lost ground. Clean living after heroin addiction is difficult, but it will get easier over time.
Do You Need Help Assisting Someone Recovering from Heroin Addiction?
Is someone you love struggling to get or stay clean from heroin? Call our toll-free helpline to learn more about helping someone recover from addiction. We are available 24 hours a day to provide information and connect you the recovery resources that will best fit your needs. Call now, and help a loved one now.
