Heroin usage is becoming a more common problem in Ohio. Now, I am not going to sit here and keep telling you how bad heroin is because, let's face it, we all know that heroin is horrible and the rates of addiction are only getting worse. Instead, I want to bring awareness to the families that are being affected by this horrible drug because I think they get overlooked.
Heroin is not just ruining the lives of the addict, but is a difficult experience for the families that have to sit and watch their child, sibling, parent, etc. be taken away from them because of their addiction. You can google how to help an addict and a million things will pop up, but finding the best way to support a family dealing with addiction is even harder. Many people mourn for the addict, but what about the family?
If you know a family that is experiencing the loss of someone to the addiction, or a family currently trying to help a family member overcome an addiction, make an effort to show your support. Make those close ones food or see what you can do to help them out. It is tiring and time consuming trying to help a family member overcome this experience. Even small gestures of support remind the family that they are not alone and you are there to help can bring them comfort.
Another way is to just give them company! Maybe they will want to vent to you, or maybe they just want to be distracted for a while. If they do want to talk about the struggles they are going through, make sure to respect that and never let them self-blame. Remind them to just keep doing their best, and that is all they honestly can do. Be there and be ready to give a shoulder to cry on or be ready to think of a million fun topics to talk about to get their mind off of all the stress Either way, the best way to show your support is to be there.
When a family loses a family member to heroin, remember to continue to give your support. For a month or so everyone is giving their blessings, and then the death of their loved one is forgotten. Continue to give your support, love them, and remind them they are not alone. Their hurt never goes away, and sooner or later the death of their family member becomes their reality.
Lastly, educate yourself and try to educate others on the epidemic of heroin usage. Donate your time to bring awareness to the horrific addiction. This shows the people you're supporting the that you do actually care and you want to help.
Heroin usage is at an all-time high right now. I have personally had to sit back and watch a good friend lose her fiance to the horrible drug. Nothing is more sad than watching someone's life cave in before you. So, remember to keep affected families in your blessings and give continued support through this sometimes unpredictable and stressful experience.
