Heroin Overdose: Methadone & Heroin Facts

Question: My cousin died of a heroin overdose?

(Posted by: patriotsluvr67 on 2008-07-27 21:12:58)

My cousin died of a heroin overdose yet her sisters still tinge to take it. My other cousin is going to Iraq, and ive alreay lost many family mebers under the age of 45. Dont they realize that they are not immortal, that they can die just like their mom and sister and grandfather??? Y would they put our whole family through that hell again if we are all do willing to help???

Posted by: dragonleheart on 2008-07-27, 21:34:06

It may not be that they don't want to stop, in many cases they can't. Heroin is a powerful drug that takes over the life of the user. It changes the person's behavior patterns and brain chemistry, making drug seeking behaviors a higher priority than anything else. They won't stop until they're ready. I know you're trying to make sense of this, so your best bet is to go to the NIDA website nida.nih.gov/ researchreports/ heroin/ heroin2.html#what and read a little bit about heroin and the associated treatments. You may also want to attend some Nar-anon meetings. These meetings are meant for the families affected by the heroin use of loved ones. Your willingness to help will mean the world to your cousins when they are ready to stop. Until then, they will continue to use heroin until there is legal intervention, a severe medical problem, or a wake up call. When they are ready there are plenty of resources available for them to get help, including detox services. As a substance abuse counselor, I hear a lot of families ask "why can't they just stop? " Unfortunately, there is no short answer for how to make them stop. You may also want to check out the HBO website hbo.com/ addiction/ thefilm/ index.html?current= 5 which explains addiction through documentaries. I wish you and your family the best as you wait for your cousins to accept help. DragonLeHeart

Posted by: queen s on 2008-07-27, 21:17:37

Call police for advice, this is serious. the police can either put them to an institution(rehab) or jail. at least it would save their lives.

Posted by: ramyakladios on 2008-07-27, 21:18:44

From my own experience, some people truly don't care about their lives and existence. However, maybe they DO care, but they simply cannot stop and need serious help. My friend died of a heroin overdose a year ago, and her friends still do it everyday. Some people just never learn from other's mistakes.

Posted by: knicname on 2008-07-27, 21:18:53

I'm sorry for all your losses. Sometimes it's hard to understand why people do things.

Posted by: Belle on 2008-07-27, 21:22:52

Because they are addicted. They cannot help it. They feel physically ill if they are not on drugs. Over time the Heroin damages the brain's neurotransmitters, which is why it is so hard for drug addicts to give them up. They do not mean to put their family through distress, but I know it does. It takes a lot of support from the family and perhaps methadone treatment to help them overcome the addiction.

Posted by: Dollyrocker on 2008-07-27, 21:23:02

You can call the police on them and do tough love. maybe they'll set themselves straight. seems like they may be taking heroin in order to feel less depresssed about their situation. sorry about your losses.