Watching someone you care for battle with heroin addiction and the fear of what comes next can leave you feeling heartbroken and uncertain. But you do not have to do this on your own. At Refine Recovery, we believe that knowing how to help a heroin addict can make all the difference in how you approach them and enable them to take the right steps toward safety and sobriety.
What Is Heroin Addiction?
Heroin is a powerful opioid, derived from another opioid called morphine. It is 5-10 times more potent than morphine and inherently more addictive than other psychoactive substances, as it quickly changes the brain chemistry. Soon, the mind and body begin to experience the persistent need for heroin to feel and function normally. This is known as heroin dependence.
Dr. Marisa Sisk, the Chief Clinical Officer at Refine Recovery, tells us that, “You need to keep in mind that while heroin may be very addictive, not everyone who uses heroin becomes addicted to it. Experiences may vary, as addiction is intricately tied to a family history of substance use, past trauma, and co-occurring mental health conditions.”
What Does Heroin Addiction Look Like?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) lists the following signs of a substance use disorder, including heroin addiction:
- Persistent, intense cravings and urges to use heroin.
- Using heroin more frequently and heavily than originally intended.
- Tried to cut back or quit heroin use more than once, but have been unsuccessful.
- Continuing to use heroin despite its adverse effects on physical and psychological health.
- Prioritizing heroin use over career, relationships, and other activities/responsibilities.
- Using heroin under high-risk circumstances, such as driving, swimming, or operating heavy machinery.
- Developing tolerance for heroin – needing larger quantities of the substance to achieve the desired effect.
- Experiencing serious withdrawal symptoms upon trying to reduce or quit heroin.
Dr. Sisk says, “While these signs may be harder to notice, or it might be even too late till you notice them, the psychological and behavioral signs, such as cravings, secrecy and lying, changes in social circle, financial difficulties, and even legal troubles, become the early red flags of heroin use.”
When you notice these signs in your loved one or someone you care for, it may be an indication that they are using/becoming addicted to heroin. Do not ignore your gut feeling; you need to speak to them about your suspicions. However, you need to approach this topic carefully, and we will tell you how.
How to Help a Loved One Facing Heroin Addiction?
Begin by educating yourself.
Yes, it is crucial that you learn about heroin use and addiction before you speak to your loved one. It is prudent to understand the signs and symptoms, and also the facts about heroin addiction.
Offer genuine support.
Do not confront or shame/guilt your loved one. Dr. Sisk says, “It is easy to understand why you might feel angry or hurt when you learn that your loved one may be using heroin. But we have noticed that whenever you try to confront or blame the person, the effects are counterproductive.”
Instead, tell your loved one what you have observed (using “I” statements can help) and remind them that you are always with them. Create a safe, open environment for them so that they will be ready to approach you whenever it is.
Be prepared for denial, lies, and defensiveness.
More often than not, your loved one may deny or lie about their heroin use. They may even become defensive and say, “It is not really that bad,” or “You are overreacting.” Be prepared for such reactions. Do not become frustrated or angry; remain relaxed.
Be direct with what you have observed, and stick to facts. If you think the conversation is going nowhere, take a time out. Bring it up later. Better yet, you can enlist the help of someone you know and trust for additional support.
Keep encouraging your loved one to seek help.
Many who use heroin try to cut down or quit heroin on their own. But Dr. Sisk says that, “Whenever a person who is addicted to heroin tries to stop it on their own, the abstinence period only lasts for two weeks before the person relapses. This is why seeking professional help is the safest way to stop heroin use.”
Speak to your loved one about the pros of seeking help and quitting heroin. However, do so with love and understanding. Express your concern and offer your help in finding resources so that they feel supported when they take proactive steps toward their recovery.
Be engaged in your loved one’s recovery.
Dr. Sisk says, “Recovery is never meant to be faced alone. When family and loved ones are engaged in this journey, the person is more likely to build lasting sobriety. Those who go it alone will still recover, but the journey is harder, and relapses more common.”
Recovery is a journey – it does not end when rehab begins, nor does it end after rehab. Recovery needs to be a priority every day going forward. So, your loved one will need your support in putting their recovery at the front and center of their life. When you are with them, this journey becomes more achievable and easier.
Recognize the signs of overdose and act immediately.
The biggest risk to a person’s life with heroin use is heroin overdose, as the lethal dose is only 5 times more than the dose needed to get high. In fact, just in 2023 alone, heroin was responsible for nearly 4,000 overdose-related deaths. By understanding the signs of heroin overdose, you can act quickly to save a loved one’s life:
- Low body temperature
- Cold, clammy skin
- Bluish lips and fingernails
- Slowed breathing
- Convulsions
- Coma.
If you suspect a heroin overdose, act immediately. Call 9-1-1 immediately and administer naloxone available under the brand name Narcan, as it can reverse heroin overdose symptoms and restore normal breathing within minutes.
Prioritize your self-care, too.
The caregiving burden with heroin addiction is a very real thing. It is easy to lose yourself to this and stop living for yourself. However, you are your priority, too. Ensure you are caring for your own needs by:
- Eating a balanced, nutritious diet.
- A good night’s sleep of 7-9 hours.
- Regular exercise.
- Being in touch with your loved ones and attending peer support groups for families and loved ones with a substance use disorder.
If you ever feel like your safety or well-being is in danger, do not overlook it. Try to get out of the environment or call emergency services like 9-1-1 immediately.
Help Your Loved One Break Free From Heroin Addiction
Knowing how to help a heroin addict is a vital step in helping your loved one break free from heroin addiction. Do not delay this any longer; heroin use can easily turn dangerous and lethal. Reach out to Refine Recovery today; our experts are always here for you, whether you are looking for practical direction or seeking support for your loved one.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Help a Heroin Addict
1. What is heroin?
Heroin is a powerful, addictive opioid that is derived from heroin. It is known for its intense euphoric and pain-relieving effects, which keep a person coming back for more. However, heroin use can easily turn dangerous and lethal.
2. What are the tell-tale signs of heroin addiction?
Persistent cravings, secrecy and lying, changes in the social circle, financial and legal troubles, and a dishevelled look are some of the earliest tell-tale signs of heroin addiction. Some of the later signs can be skin abscesses and collapsed veins.
3. How to help a heroin addict?
You can help someone with heroin addiction by creating a safe environment where they can be open with you, encouraging them to seek professional help, and being engaged in their recovery.
4. Is it hard to quit heroin?
Yes, quitting heroin can be very challenging, especially if a person tries to do it on their own. Reaching out to healthcare providers or rehab centers to detox and heal from heroin addiction is the safest and most effective way to quit heroin.
5. How is heroin addiction treated?
At Refine Recovery, heroin addiction is treated in a holistic and personalized manner with medically supervised detox, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), behavioral therapies, peer support, and aftercare.
