Expert: Jacqui - 12/7/2009

Question
Hi Jacqui,

For the past few months I have been going out with a heroin addict. It was hard to sit back and watch him inject all the time without trying it and so I snuck some while his back was turned and have been using once every few days on and off for a month or two now. I guess my question is, I kind of feel like I need it now. I've been careful not to have it days in a row because I didn't want to develop an addiction, but I think I've been stupid enough to let it get far enough that I can feel it physically now. I'm not sure, though, whether it's just my imagination. Could you perhaps tell me what it is like at the beginning of a habit and what I should do? My plan is to ignore the feelings and never use again. But I'm worried that 1) it won't go away, or 2) that I might go and score in a couple of days' time when I think it's safe again.

Thanks for your advice,
Rachel

P.S. I am 27 years old, live on my own, and had never tried any drugs until six months ago.

Answer
Hi Rachel,

You generally know when you are feeling heroin withdrawal and at the beginning it can manifest itself as sleeplessness, tossing and turning at night, sweating, recklessness.  Not using days in a row doesn't necessarily stop it, for instance if you used every second day you could end up with a physical habit.  However, it won't be anyhting like someone who has been using daily for years, so might be a good time to get it sorted.

If you can, give yourself a break of at leave 7 days.  If you do use again after that, try to have a break of at least three days in between.  This won't guarantee that you won't get a physical habit ever, but may keep it in check.  Withdrawal at the level you are experiencing will last two or three days.

I am the last person to say 'dont use at all', as I believe in personal choice.  However you have a good opportunity here to keep it in check, so if you can, I think a break might be in order.  If you are worried about using over the next few days you might want to stay away from other users and occupy yourself with other activities.

I hope that goes some way towards answering your question.  Please feel free to stay in touch.  AND most importantly, remember to be careful as you will be at risk of overdose ... avoid using alone, if you score off someone you don't know, take a smaller amount first, and don't mix it with benzos or alcohol if you can help it.  Also, if you inject, don't share - hep c can be a big pain in the liver!

Take care and stay safe,

Jacqui