Oprah on a Family Addiction to Heroin: Are You Ready for Rehab?

In mid-February, Oprah Winfrey boldly addressed the increasing problem of heroin addiction in America. While you may have known that heroin is a highly addictive illegal drug, you may not realize that the face of heroin addiction is changing. Heroin addiction affects men and women of ALL ages, races, and socio-economic backgrounds.

How does someone become a heroin addict? Lisa Ling did some research in what you may think an unlikely place to find rampant heroin addictions: the heartland of Ohio. The local police in the Richland County, Ohio area are overwhelmed by a heroin epidemic. Some of the heroin addicts whom Lisa met were featured on the show. First, Oprah spoke with a family (2 parents, 2 teenage sons, and a baby) that, only a few years ago, were leading a normal, happy life. After a work-related injury, the father was prescribed pain pills (Read more about Signs of Prescription Drug Addiction and Signs of Opiate Abuse). His addiction to these medications escalated quickly, and he switched to injecting heroin because it was cheaper and more effective. His wife and teenage sons began using as well. Today, the teenagers steal to maintain their addictions; the family has spent almost $40,000 on heroin since the problem began. Despite desperately wishing for a return to their life before heroin, the family has not been able to shake their addictions. In the middle of this situation is the couple’s 13-month-old baby whose welfare is compromised daily by having parents whose priorities shift between the baby and their addiction (Read more about Addiction’s Effects on the Family). Oprah’s next guest was a 24-year-old heroin addict, Merry, who is pregnant (Read more about Substance Abuse and Pregnancy). Once looking forward to a promising career in nursing, her life’s path shifted when she began to use alcohol, cocaine, and, eventually, heroin. Every 4 hours – even in the middle of the night – Merry needs to inject herself with heroin. She’s terribly conflicted about how to handle the situation because heroin withdrawal could cause her to go into early labor and perhaps harm her unborn baby, but using heroin regularly is wreaking havoc on both of their bodies. Merry has been through heroin withdrawal 5 times and is terrified of the experience (Learn more about Detox & Withdrawal). She also is afraid of what it would mean to live life without heroin – including cutting ties with most of her current relationships – because it is all she has known for so long.

What can be done about heroin addiction? Oprah’s episode increased awareness of the problem of addiction to heroin in America. But what can you do if you or someone you know is abusing or addicted to heroin, a prescription medication, or some other substance? The good news is that there are numerous rehab facilities across the country and around the world, some of which specialize in opiate addiction. The first thing you should do is consider seeking professional help (Read Why You Shouldn’t Fight Addiction Alone). Help is available at all stages of the recovery process. Opiate withdrawal, especially, can be both unpleasant and potentially dangerous if not monitored by a physician. Because of the potential for opiates to cause severe physical and psychological addiction, the addict will likely benefit from treatment in a rehab facility where they will receive counseling and be taught new life skills (Read 10 Questions for a Rehab Center). Yes, this will probably mean some sort of financial investment; but with the recent passing of the Mental Health Parity Act, your insurance company may cover a portion. Additionally, the price of rehab facilities can vary greatly, and certain groups (like veterans) may be eligible for government-funded treatment (Read How to Pay for Rehab). Remember, the alternative is that your loved one continue to put the same resources toward heroin! Chances are, you will have already tried, in vain, to persuade the addict to enter treatment. Don’t be discouraged! Addicts often fall into any number of negative thought patterns that can taint their perception of reality (Read How Addicts Think). While one person may not be able to persuade an addict to seek help, an intervention involving several people and run by a professional interventionist may be successful (Read Preparing for an Intervention). You may also need to honestly assess your role in the addict’s life and if you have played any part in helping the addiction continue as long as it has (Read Are You an Enabler?) Importantly, throughout the recovery process, don’t neglect your own needs. One person’s addiction affects the lives of many people and can inflict serious emotional wounds. Even if the addict accepts help, you might want to consider seeing a therapist to help you heal as well. Heroin addiction is painful for everyone involved. If you would like to discuss your loved one’s unique situation, need help locating an appropriate rehab facility, or would like some guidance about what the next best step might be, please call a specialist.