Heroin addict trying to "cold turkey"..what can I do to help??

Question

I picked up an homeless acquaintance literally "off the street" ...says he's serious about trying to kick; giving him his prescription meds, Clonapin, Seroquel and Trazadone; he's disoriented when awake; trying to keep him resting & comfortable; last fix 6am today; ANY suggestions welcome!

(he's done the inpatient thing several times with no success)

UPDATE: Friday June 23.....I feel that I have failed my friend, but three days and three nights dealing with a heroin addict have exhausted me, mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.....had to take him back downtown this morning as he has gotten progressively sicker...he refused to go back into a rehab facility, although I begged him to do so. However, my conscience is clear; I fed him and provided every material thing he needed; all I can do now is pray for him. A recovering alcoholic myself, I realized that I have put myself in danger of losing my sobriety, and I cannot risk that. THANKS to ALL of you for your answers, your prayers and support. Peace to all.

Answer 1

Lisa, this is a truly selfless act of generosity, but you cannot help this individual. He has got to have professional help. If he id denying professional help then he is not truly ready to kick the habit. He needs other medications besides the ones you listed above. All of those are not gonna help him with the intense withdrawals he is going to experience. All those meds he is on are gonna do is keep him sedated and groggy. I have no addictions, but I was given everything you listed above for insomnia. Now, insomnia and heroin withdrawals are a whole heck of alot different. Has he ever tried to get on methadone therapy? I am frightened that you are in a situation that is gonna backfire on you. If his last "fix" was this morning he has not even started experiencing the absolute worst yet. You called him an aquaintance. Right? Well, you need to remove yourself from being SO involved in the scenario. Really, for your safety. I have never experienced knowing anyone with a heroin addiction, but I have been close to friends and family who have had alcoholism, pill addiction......and I'd never put me, my family or my belongings at risk again, especially when there are free or low cost clinics available to these people. If this man decides to go get another fix he is going to, no matter what you say. If he doesn't have money he will steal whatever he can from you. It doesn't matter how serious he is about quitting. When the wothdrawals and pain start to set in he is going to want that feeling to end and the only way it is going to end is another fix. If you truly want to help then talk him into going for professional help. Get yourself out of the situation. It is seriously so nice and thoughtful of you to want to help this man, but this addiction is bigger than anything you, me or most people could even fathom. This is going to totally disrupt your entire life if you do not get him out of your house. Love yourself. Don't put yourself in the position to get hurt and that is exactly what you are doing if you allow this "aquaintance" to stay with you. Remember this, too: an addict will lie to anyone and tell you exactly what you want to hear and turn right around and rob and steal you blind. The drugs have ripped away any conscience that these users once had. God bless you for trying, but this is way bigger than you are.

Answer 2

Herion addiction is one of the fastest growing problem in the united states today... 2 reasons its cheap and its highly addictive. Both of my nephews have been addicted to herion. They were "good" kids growing up and had a loving family. The problem is that the addiction is everywhere. I dont know why they started. i dont think they know either. The youngest one is well on his way to recovery. The older boy. 22 is bouncing back and forth. He has stolen from just about everyone in our family. He has probably spent $20,000.00 in the last year on drug. That might be a low estimate. We have tried to help many times. But the herion actually makes a physical change in users brain. My nephews arent the same anymore. the 22 year old hasnt worked for 8 month and has many offers to do so. It completely ruins a person.

With all this said, I have see great progress in him recently... i think for 3 reasons.
1 he has hit bottom. He had been living God knows where, family kicked him out and was facing starvation. every other time it was us coming to him to get help... this time he came to us.

2. his parents have refused to "bail him out" so to speak. They finally let him suffer for his actions. He knew that if they would pay the bill for his mistakes he would continue to do the drugs and not worry about the concequenses.

3. He has started a rehab program that includes SUBOXONE its not the miracle cure but its very close. It really helps in the rehab process.Just remember you need to ween off the suboxone too eventually.

Your friend is lucky to have you. you need to remember he is still an addict and the most important thing in his mind is his DRUG... not you... you cant make him quit he has to want to... He will steal and lie like a PRO just to get the drug. You need to be VERY SMART right now and realise the best for him is just emotional support, dont give him money. Give him food. dont give him possession, give him a place to sleep. If he is really ready for recovery then try the steps i said above, but nothing is perfect.... herion is one of the worst drugs out there today....

GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS YOU

Answer 3

You are in a world of danger! Herion is a very strong addiction. Most people can not quit cold turkey. They want to but its just too hard. Watch out. Don't leave this person alone in your home. If he wants a fix bad enough he will steal anything he can to trade or sell for drugs. The best help you can give this person is professional help. Get him to a hospital or doctor or mental health facility. Good luck. you are a kind person for doing that I just hope you don't regret it later.

Answer 4

Famous last words. The problem with many cases of heroin addiction, alcoholism and drug misuse is that you don't realize or accept the effect of it. That's one of the first steps of therapy, accepting you have a problem. If you ever were dumb enough to get hooked on anything like h or meth you're gonna have trouble getting out of it.

Answer 5

I have had many friends in this sittuation you realy can do nothing for them to make them feel better. I am sure your friend feels like death. And will feel like it for at least a few days. After the one week point it starts to get better. If your friend can make it that long without any more heroin. I only recomend that you lock up any of your valuables. And i am not trying to be a jerk. But when they are sick they do stupid irrational stuff. The only way to get better is to get worse first. GOOD LUCK to you and your friend i realy hope that they can do it.....

Answer 6

Honey I dont think those meds are going to help! I am a recovering addict myself and if he is homeless it could be helpless! Sorry! I hope the best for the both of you!!!!

Answer 7

now you know this individual is not ready to quit, this is why you should teach the kids around you that if you give up in life and become a weak individual, this is one of the many outcomes that they could encounter. Find a new hobby to get into, fast

Answer 8

A herion addict can't quiet by going "cold turkey", they will need help from a professional. Your *** is going to end up dead.

Answer 9

you are a good man, I am sure that if you look in the Yellow pages, or go to the cops, they can tell you where too go

there are a lot of programs out there

Answer 10

im sorry i dont have any solutions excpet if in britain call nhs 24 they will help but i take my hat of to you for doing such a selfless act x