Heroin abuser or addict?

[LJGsmom]

My daughter used heroin maybe 5-10 times in the summer and maybe twice in the fall and twice this winter.  She had withdrawal symptoms after the summer but not so much anymore.  She has used small amounts of pot a few times a week for 2 years perhaps.  Recently she was arrested.  She says she has quit drugs and is in outpatient relapse treatment now.  She has individual counseling once a week, group therapy twice a week, a psychiatrist visit once about every 2 months, goes to several AA meetings weekly, and will likely have probation with drug testing.  She has been through this routine for alcohol and pot.  It helped with the alcohol but not so much with the pot.  In the past, we have thrown her out of the house just based on that drug use.  The heroin really scares me.  Is it possible that she is an abuser who can quit as she says or is she a heroin addict?   Right now she is in college keeping her grades up and holding down a part time job as well as doing her treatment.  Is she a candidate for medications like naltrexone or does she need to be sicker?  

[ProdigalGirl]

I agree with Avisg. Have you ever watched the tv show "Intervention" on A&E? I am sure some started out as quote un quote "casual" users. Once those receptors get a taste for this drug (so I hear, never did this drug), most say their life is changed forever. What makes your daughter any different?? Just be vigilant and monitor everything if she lives with you. She is your baby after all and it is hard to believe that your child could be a heroin addict. I do believe she is. It hits all types of families. You did not make her do this. She made a choice. I am proud that you are inquiring here. As addicts, we know all the ropes, lies etc that we tell and did to hide our dirty secret. My biggest lie was to my family that I was not abusing the prescribed oxycontins I was taking . I was ashamed. I admitted to buying "a few" to my sibling. A few in reality was almost $80,000 worth over a 8 yr period. I am college educated, a model citizen (pay taxes and such), who would think right? LJ, your daughter is hiding this from you. Be on the lookout and always come and ask questions. We embrace parents like you.


Prodigal Girl

[avisg]

Honeslty I have never met an occasional heroin user. It will help if she is honest with self  and others and WANTS help that's going to be the biggest factor .

[LJGsmom]

I am certain she does not use heroin daily.  Is it really impossible to be an occasional user?  If she is an occasional user as she has said, is medication appropriate?  Is it possible for her current course of treatment to help?  

[TrayCee]

theres not such thing as a Heroin abuser.  In order for something to be abused there also has to be a correct way to use it.   I'm sorry she is a heroin addict.  I'm not judging her..its just fact.
Also, its rare for people to occasionally use heroin

Shes in for a fight...good luck to you both

[mr.lucky66]

Yes  fentalyl is stronger but not more euphoric. It's dope's Euphoria that makes it so addictive not because because a synthetic opiate can knock you out by using a fraction of a mg. I've used all opiates and none were as sartsfying as heroin. That being said, I think it can get someone addicted faster, in some cases a day or 2 for dope (heroin).

[avisg]

Whether its the strongest or not really does not matter it is VERY addicting. I don't know very many "Casual heroin addicts" Normal its very hard for heroin addicts to quit.I would be absolutely very concerned and worried if she is using heroin at all.