by: Debbie Wicker

Dear Hayley,

The simple answer is don’t give into her addiction. She is likely in withdrawal from heroin addiction, which is VERY unpleasant.

You should take your sister to a hospital ER and they will have meds to reduce the effects of heroin withdrawal. She MUST go into to treatment and stop using because heroin addiction is FATAL!

If you give her money you are enabling/helping her to stay addicted. Once someone becomes addicted to heroin they are willing to do ANYTHING to get the drug. Addiction is a disease of the BRAIN and the drug takes over the person.

Your sister is dangerous to be around because you don’t know who she is dealing with to get her drugs. They are likely to be very nasty people and could come and rob you to get the money they need.

Your sister may become violent to get you to give her the money she needs to get high, so be very careful and if your sister won’t go to treatment the you should stay away from her for your own safety. You should also consider calling the police because your sister won’t be able to use in jail and that may save her life.

You should also go to Al-anon meetings at least three times a week. Start working the steps and find a sponsor who has helped their sister/brother to end their addiction. Attending meetings three times a week will quickly educate you as to what you and your sister are dealing with. Also, encourage your sister to attend as well so that she will learn about the disease she is fighting.

I know this sounds like I’m being melodramatic but I have seen MANY bad things happen to those who try to help a relative who is addicted to heroin, so PLEASE be very careful and protect yourself. Don’t support your sister’s addiction in any way and try to get her to the ER as soon as possible.

Good Luck!

Debbie

by: Jennie

Just stumbled across your blog and was instantly amazed with all the useful information that is on it.