Suggest Ways To Wean Off Heroin

Posted on Mon, 22 Feb 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 22 Feb 2016 Answered on

Fri, 29 Apr 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I am writing in to see if you can give me advice on my granddaughter, she is 18yrs old,living at home with her mom and she is involved with a herion addict. Never thought this would happen, she says she loves him and wants to help him get clean. He said he wanted to but I think he is lying and is just using her. He has nothing,mother threw him out because of this,no job,steals to get his fix.I do not no why she likes him, he has nothing. Im afraid she will get some kind of disease or hurt by him physicially and we are at our wits end trying to keep her away from him. Please give me some kind of advice on what to do. Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
counseling by an expert will help

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Thanks for writing to us. I can understand your concern for your granddaughter.

At young age of 18, girl is usually not able to understand the consequences of relationship in long run. First of all you can take help of the person who is closer to her and who can convince her. This may be her friend/relative, teacher or anyone. She needs to be explained about psychological, social and physical consequences of long term relationship with such person. If feasible she should be given example of such cases.

She should also be told about taking care during physical relationship if any. If that fellow is taking any drug intravenously, he may have some infection and chances of spreading some serious infection through sexual relationship may be there.

The best counseling can be done by a professional like psychologist or psychiatrist.
You should make her ready to consult by saying that she just has to meet the professional and ultimate decision will be of her only. Do not impose decision on her and do not force, otherwise it may be difficult to convince her.

However one rare possibility is that that guy may leave addiction for her and get on track to live healthy life with her. During process of counseling if needed, that guy also can be called to interview.

In conclusion she should be made clear about pros and cons of her relationship with a heroin addict and ultimate decision will be her.

Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (2 days later)

Thank you so much for the advice.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

You are always welcome. Hope there will be good outcome.

If still any query there, I will be happy to answer if not, you can close the discussion and if feasible give your feedback and rating so I can improve my service.

In future you can contact me directly on this site if you wish with this link:

http://bit.ly/drchintansolanki

by clicking on 'Ask me a question' on same page at the same cost with three follow up questions.

All the best.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar