can heroin be casually abused?

[capferry]

My friend came to me yesterday and told me she is a heroin addict. She told me she only uses once a month but then told me she did it last week and did it yesterday. She wants to get clean but says she doesn't need treatment and if i tell anyone she will stop being my friend. I don't know what to do because i really want to help her but don't know what would be the best way to do so. She doesn't do it every day and she says she doesn't go looking for it but if a friend calls and asks her if she wants some she'll say yes. Does anyone have any idea what i should do to help her?

[detox1978]

good answer guys! i'd like to add, the fact she felt she had the need to convey in a friend about the heroin use seems like she knows it's an issue but is not ready to admit it's a problem. i agree, point her in the right direction " this website to start" maybe talking about it on her to people that are not sitting right in front of her and knowing she's not being judged may help her transition in to it's heroin and it's a problem stage. the fact that she told you she doesn't look for it but,when friends call and offer she says yes, to me simply states she can not say no either. confronting an addict does NOT work like you see on t.v. you can not convince an addict that we need help, we need to see it as a problem with in ourselves and only then can we get the help we need. many non addicts think they can use the tough stand in the mirror and look at what you're doing to yourself approach, that could lead to more use. just know if you're going to help her threw this, it could be a long road and you have to be in it for the long haul if that's what it takes.

[rizboy]

like IBKleen mentioned the desire to stop using or even to admit theres an issue, has to come from the person using.There are very,very, very few people who can use ocassionally.And it sounds like her drug use is creeping up slowly but surely.The only thing you can do is be there as a friend.chris

[IBKleen]

Let's see, she did it last mont then last week and then yesterday. Doesn't sound casual to me. I tried for 20 years to use it casually and was never successful. She is either trying to fool you, or worse...herself. Very sad. Hun, there is no successful way to use (abuse) any drug.

Talk to her calmly. Ask if she feels she needs help. Ask her to create an account, come here and talk herself.

You are a good friend but you cannot get clean for her. Point her in the right direction and step aside.