Herion Addiction: Methadone & Heroin Facts

Question: Uncle and herion addiction?

(Posted by: tamilynn on 2008-09-22 13:27:16)

He's 50yr has been on herlin, coke, whatever since he was fourteen, he was in maximum security prison for 5 years in the 80's for armed robbery, he has hep C now and taking interferon treatments, methadone, sometimes he looks ok when we see him, other times, you can tell he's done something, he is falling asleep when talking, etc. eyes' rolling back in his head, he used to shoot it. Is he doing heroin again, or too much methadone? how does that work?

Posted by: Jen N on 2008-09-22, 13:39:38

It could be any number of things. He could be using heroin again, or taking more methadone than he should or God forbid he is combining them. There is nothing you can do, absolutely nothing. He has been walking this path in life for far to long to change. I am sorry to sound so pessimistic, but I speak from experience. All you can do is offer support (not monetary) when he needs it, and always remember he did this to his self, this was his choice.

Posted by: ashleytheresa13 on 2008-09-22, 13:37:11

Methadone is very addicting too, but doctors use it to help with heroin detoxification. (without it patient's can die) It's hard to say whether or not he's using heroin again or both...

Posted by: kittycat lover on 2008-09-22, 13:39:37

It sounds like my ex when he was abusing the methadone. He would fall asleep while talking to me, eyes would roll back, simply pass out with seemingly no reason why. If your uncle is taking more than his prescribed amt of methadone it can cause these symptoms for sure. Also watch to see if he takes cough syrup... it supposedly increases the effect of the methadone.

Posted by: Wait for Dawn on 2008-09-22, 13:43:43

Addictions are hard to overcome for the addict. As a matter of fact; alanon, an organization for people who know people who are addicts, teaches they cannot quit on their own will power. They teach tough love etc. Alanon would be a good place for you to start dealing with an addict. Most large cities and towns have an alanon group in their phone books. They may be able to help you deal with your uncle, and others you may meet who are addicted. They usually have free articles/ pamplets.

Posted by: thelema93 on 2008-09-22, 13:57:58

As a heroin addict myself, I feel like I'm qualified to answer this ;-) Unlike what one of the above posters said, opiate withdrawals DO NOT kill you. You *will not* die without methadone, unless you commit suicide during withdrawal. Withdrawals are really hard to face: worst anxiety and depression of your life, constantly restless and shaking, hot and cold flashes, heart palpitations, sick like you have the flu, constant stomach cramps and diarrhea. Not to mention the unbearable cravings and low self esteem. . .opiates are *very* hard to kick unless you taper off slowly and have some good friends and/ or family to support you. If he's falling asleep when talking and stuff like that. . he may be "nodding " from having a lot of opiates in his system. This is a state on the borderline of consciousness which can come with bizarre and intense waking dreams, etc. Maybe his methadone dose is too high, maybe he's doing heroin or other opiates. In the end, he is the only one who can decide to quit. At his age, there's a good chance he won't quit, especially seeing as he's been on it so long and is getting kinda old. As long as he isn't living a "junkie lifestyle " (stealing to pay for his drugs, spending all his money and selling his stuff for drug money, etc), and there aren't too many negative consequences occurring, what does it matter if he keeps using? Obviously he has had negative effects (hepatitis, prison, etc) in the past, which still affect him today, but if he's no longer committing armed robbery and such, I don't see how it's a big deal (although if he's shooting up, I dunno if that's too good when you have hepatitis). In short: probably back on heroin or to much methadone. but (and no offense). . .you might wanna mind your own business.