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Question
Just found out tonight that my 21 year old is addicted to smoking black tar heroin.He wants help to get off the drug he says he needs to do a little tonight to "get well" i don't know what to do, my husband & I took it away from him but my son thinks he will suffer greatly & says he needs to do a little not to get high but to get well. I know i'm repeating myself, i just want to be clear. he smokes a few times a day he says and withdrawal will start soon. i think he is afraid and i don't know enough about this. do we need to get him into treatment tomorrow? also we don't have any money will this prevent us from getting him the help he needs?
Hello Frances!
I am afraid to say that your son is telling you the truth.
The most feared thing among heroin addicts is the withdrawal syndrome.
It feels like you will die because it is so painful.
And if your son is using the "black tar" like one is worst because is more potent.
You have two choices here:
1. Plan the withdrawal management with your son at home by using plenty of painkillers and several nights without sleep.
2. Get him to a DETOX center where they can offer it for free or at least with a payment plan.
Before taking any step you have to be sure that your son is really committed into quitting, if not, don't waste your time.
If you are writing from United States, you may dial 211 for United ways or contact your local Salvation Army. They usually find places that can make a free DETOX.
I hope this information helps you and PLEASE, don't hesitate to contact me anytime.
Cordially yours,
Hector Manuel
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Answers by Expert:
Hector Manuel Rodriguez
Expertise
I can answer questions about prevention, treatment alternatives, how to deal with withdrawal symptoms and addiction health consequences and/or complications. Being a former addict myself, I decided to go farther and educate in every single subject about substance abuse such as cocaine, marihuana, crack, heroin, LSD, amphetamines, meta amphetamines, opiates and alcohol among others. I am prepared to deal with a client from the point of initial interview and guide him or her throughout the whole recovery process from a Counselor's perspective. Down to earth, professional and dynamic are just a few of my qualities. I am commited to help addicts at a 100% of my knowledge. Rehabilitation is for everyone, we all have the right and the power to recover from addiction.
Experience
Having the knowledge and experience of the whole process, from living in the streets, my way to rehabilitation and recovery gives me a step ahead among others who have studied this subject just from a classroom perspective and not real life experience.
Besides my own experience I am well educated in twelve step programs and support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotic Anonymous.
Note: Please refrain from asking any questions that may encourage drug/substance use as well as other specific questions about "bloodwork" and other drug tests.
For those questions, ask a team member specialized in Chemistry, Medicine, Psychiatry or Pharmacy.
Education/Credentials
Stonebridge Associated Colleges 2009
Certified Substance Abuse Counselor
S.A.C. Dipl. E18818
N.C.F.E.
Certificate # 1225409
Award # IIQ0006865
Past/Present Clients
HIPAA law would not allow me to give information in this section.
Every case is worked on an extreme confidential matter.
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