Heroin Addict: Methadone & Heroin Facts

Question: When a family member is a heroin addict who does not want help what is there to do?

(Posted by: Paul M on 2009-10-19 07:42:43)

Posted by: David on 2009-10-19, 07:45:29

Sadly, nothing. they get high, you get the pain. all addicts work the same way.

Posted by: Kathleen on 2009-10-19, 07:46:05

The family can stage an intervention with professional assistance, or they can get help for themselves.

Posted by: p_borino on 2009-10-19, 07:46:41

You can try an intervention or you can give that person consequences for their actions and stick to them. Like, no being around that person anymore, no more lending money, things like that. Sometimes it works, but most of the time the addict has to want the help.

Posted by: AG on 2009-10-19, 07:47:27

The only thing you can do is not enable them. Do not keep in contact with or support them until the decide that they will get help.

Posted by: emmabugg on 2009-10-19, 07:48:29

Like everyone else said you can try an intervention but if the person really doesn't want help well theres not much you can do about it. sad to say.

Posted by: ABC_TO_XYZ on 2009-10-19, 07:49:19

Drag him/ her to the rehabilitation center (by ear).

Posted by: Jennifer on 2009-10-19, 07:49:53

YEP,David is right I am a recovering addict myself and I am doing quite well now.Thanks GOD for that,I have no real advice because this person is refusing any/ all help right now.They WILL hit the bottom,that's a fact and this family member better hope and pray that someone will still be there when he falls.Best of luck to you all :)

Posted by: Cheryl on 2009-10-19, 07:51:09

Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do. You cannot be responsible for someone else's actions, emotions, or behaviors. It still hurts when you see that they are destroying themselves though. Al-Anon is support groups for family members who have an alcoholic as a family member. The concept is the same for heroin. Find a support group in your area.

Posted by: . on 2009-10-19, 07:52:57

My cousin is one! she ran away from rehab like ten times. Recently the police found her where she was hiding and she is now in a very strict rehab centre. there is not much you can do! it is so sad! these people are often smart, handsome and rich, but they just crave the drug too much...

Posted by: patricia on 2009-10-19, 08:04:07

Read Byron Katie's "Loving what is " - there is a great section on how to be loving and helpful to someone who is using drugs - it sounds funny, I know, but if you feel you need to come terms with it, it's an idea! Sorry, I have no other ideas! Best wishes. xxx

Posted by: Sean :) on 2009-10-19, 09:22:19

As others have said, intervention is a possibility...make some sort of "ultimatum " with the family member (if you don't seek out help, you can't live here anymore)...something like that... Your family doesn't deserve that kind of pain-i know because i've gone through it...i've estrange him (my younger "brother "). Unfortunately, my parents love him too much to actually kick him out of the house, so they allow him to continue treating them the way they do. Drug users/ abusers, and those who don't seek out help, are losers, bums. If they don't take into consideration the ultimatum, get rid of 'em, your family doesn't need that, doesn't deserve that.