It can be tough to see someone you love struggling with heroin addiction. You may not know how or if you should approach the person, what to say, and how to encourage them to get help without making them angry or defensive. Here, you will learn how to help someone with heroin addiction see the value in getting heroin addiction treatment in Youngstown, OH.
At Midwest Center at Youngstown, we know how heartbreaking it can be to witness a loved one’s struggle with heroin addiction. We are here to help people with substance use disorders and their families get through addiction together so they can move on to a happier life. Reach out to us at 844.544.0502 when you need guidance for managing a loved one’s addiction.
How to Help Someone with Heroin Addiction
Do you want to learn how to help someone with heroin addiction? If so, you are off to a good start by making an effort to learn more about how heroin addiction impacts a person and how to talk to them about getting treatment.
First, it helps to understand what heroin does to a person. Heroin is an opioid drug that interacts with the opioid receptors in the brain responsible for pleasure. When a person uses heroin or another opioid, they will feel happy, relaxed, and free of pain and discomfort. Over time, their brain stops producing its own dopamine and comes to rely on opioids for pleasurable feelings. If your loved one stopped using heroin abruptly, they might experience anxiety, delusions, or hallucinations. In addition, some people may display mood swings, irritability, and paranoia.
Knowing this, you can understand why it is difficult for them to simply quit using heroin. Keep this in mind when you approach them about getting treatment. The individual may be unable to think rationally and can easily get upset or defensive if they feel attacked. Instead, try a different approach:
- Avoid accusations, judgment, or blame. The person will likely shut down immediately or retaliate.
- Speak calmly. Try not to get heated or emotional since this could trigger their defensiveness.
- Express your concern for their well-being. Let them know that you love them and care about their health and happiness.
- Allow space for them to respond. You may need to sit through awkward silence for a bit, but wait it out and allow them time to process.
- Have information ready about local heroin addiction rehabs in case the person is open to getting treatment. Offer to make the call to the treatment center for them right away to avoid a delay and have them change their mind.
Using the above suggestions when approaching your loved one about getting heroin addiction treatment can help them feel understood and cared about rather than attacked. This will increase the chances of them considering heroin rehab.
Tips for Showing Support During Heroin Addiction Treatment
Once you have made it over the hurdle of getting your loved one to agree to heroin addiction treatment, it is time to learn how to support them while they go through heroin rehab. Here are some tips:
- If you live with the person in treatment, ensure that all drugs and drug paraphernalia have been removed from your home.
- Keep your loved one’s treatment confidential unless they have asked you to share their recovery status with friends or family members.
- Participate in family therapy sessions.
- Offer to provide transportation to and from the treatment facility.
- Offer to provide child care, if applicable, while the person attends treatment sessions.
- Look for local heroin addiction support groups. Ask your loved one if they would like you to join them.
Your efforts to show support during heroin addiction treatment can go a long way toward helping your loved one overcome addiction.
Reach Out to Midwest Center at Youngstown Today
If you need help talking to someone in your life about their heroin addiction, Midwest Center at Youngstown is here to guide you. We can help you approach your loved one in a way that encourages them to seek treatment. Call us today at 844.544.0502 to learn more about the support our heroin addiction rehab in Ohio provides for families overcoming addiction together.