'My boyfriend has recently started taking heroin again – how can I help him?'
|
Q: My boyfriend is taking heroin and has been for 8 years. He stopped for the past year but has recently gone back on. How can I help him? I am the only one who knows and he won't see anyone about it. What can I do? Tash, 19. |
our online advisors reply:
Thanks for your question Tash.
It seems like you are in a difficult situation here. It must be very frustrating for you to know your boyfriend has resumed his drug use. It can be really difficult to know what to do for the best and how to offer support. Having a friend when you are struggling can be really important and it is great that you want to be there for him. However, it is a lot of pressure to be under if you're the only one who's aware of this.
It may help to get a better understanding of heroin use. The sites below will help:
- http://talktofrank.com/azofdrugs/H/Heroin.aspx
- www.thesite.org.uk/youthnet/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=163&a=213
It is natural that you are worried about him but it is his choice to continue taking the drug and it sounds like his drug habit is having an impact on your relationship. It is important for you that your sense of responsibility doesn't drive you to try and rescue him in a way that hurts you. If he is not yet ready to admit his addiction and recognise what is happening to him, he is going to be very resistant to attempts to help. I realise this is a really upsetting situation for you and maybe it would be useful for you to talk in confidence with somebody about how you are coping. The weight of this responsibility is having an impact on you and leaving you unsure about what to do for the best. It sounds like you are struggling to cope with this on your own and would like some support.
Talk to Frank offers support to drug users, their family and friends, and have written an article specifically for people who are worried about a friend's drug use. They are available on 0800 77 66 00 (24 hours a day) and they will also be able to tell you what help is available in your local area.
This might be a good starting point for you to find the best way forward. You may also find it useful to read this 4Health feature that looks at the problems faced by the family and friends of drug users.
I hope this helps Tash. Take care.
Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of third party sites.
