Heroin Addiction

[Lindquistity]

The dramatic reality of heroin addiction entered my world on Sunday.

A family member whom I rarely hear from, asked to borrow a large sum of money.

My first thought after I read his text was that he might just need money for an unexpected expense that was not budgeted for. After I spoke to him on the phone, I knew he was in trouble.

The following is an account of our interaction about 25min after it happed. The only editing done was blacking out their name, and the street address.

"
•   *** texts to see how I am doing. I ask him how he is doing. His reply is that he is in some “serious shit.” First he asked to borrow $150 dollars, I say sure, no problem. Then he asked if I can make it $200 instead. The he asked to have the money in 10-15 min and we were to meet at the ****. I was there first and waited about 5 min after I withdrew $200 from my saving account. After waiting for that 5 min or so, I called **** to change the drop off to in front for the shop. When I was face to face with him he was nervous, shaky, polite, and apologetic about the situation. He stated that he was going to get help, he need help. As soon as I gave him the cash, he was gone. He stopped at the Uni-Mart on **** to fill his tank
•   I was sure from the first texts and phone call, he needed the money to get out of a “jam.” I honestly felt that he was in danger if was not able to produce the $200.
•   After I laid eyes on him I noticed he was trembling and shaking and also very skinny.
•   After he left, I knew he was going to buy drugs with the money.
•   The next day, October 5, 2015 **** texted me apologizing and again saying that if he does not get help he will die. He also said that my understanding means a lot to him and that he hopes that this would not ruin our relationship.
•   I told him that he has begun the process of recovery by seeking help and that this is the hardest part, and that I was proud of him for that."


****'s mother called me soon after, and informed me of his heroin addiction and told me not to feel guilty about it or anything that could happen, and offered to pay me back that day. I declined and said that all I want is for him to get better.

Today **** stopped by my office to drop off half of what he owes me. It wasn't the longest visit by any means (he said he had to split), but he thanked me again and said that was should get together next week so we can talk.


I write this because this is what it took for me to realize that addition REALLY is a disease that effects both the addict and their families. My heart aches for all the families/friends affected by this awful, awful disease.

-Lindquisity

[GravitySucks]

Addiction.  Cunning, baffling, powerful

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) works.

[Caruthers612]

            So sorry to hear about this, but glad you felt you could share it here, so you'll hopefully get some support. The one thing I want to say is something I'm sure you know already, but considering what you may be about to go through with your family member, it needs to be stressed. From everything I've heard or read about addiction, especially hard drugs like heroin, it is as if your loved one has literally been possessed. Everything that person says or does is the addiction talking, it is this demon that possesses their mind and body until it is purged. Point being, obviously, to not take personally anything the person says or does until he's got that monkey off his back.

             All the best to you and your family.

[Firek]

Addiction.  Cunning, baffling, powerful

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) works.

Please, do not confuse Narcotics Anonymous with the Scientology program, Narconon. You want the former.

[BobGrau]

Almost seems like families are the real problem here.

[K_Dubb]

That is scary shit.  Knew a girl who died.

Used to work for a clinic that dispensed methadone and buprenorphine.  There are lots of tough little old ladies with sociology degrees who've seen everything waiting to listen patiently and help, and nurses to make sure they're safely medicated.  Never worked with so many good, altruistic people.

If heroin is an unfamiliar thing to you guys, know that there are people for whom its treatment is a well-practiced, safe routine.