Heroin Addiction: A Case Study

Heroin is a commonly used depressant that creates a euphoric rush for the user. According to page 304 of the textbook used in this course, “about four million Americans have used heroin at some point in their lives and some 300,000 are current users.” (Nevid, et al. 2014) The most common use of heroin is injection either directly into the veins, or directly under the skin; and other less common uses include snorting and smoking the drug. Heroin causes the user to experience a power high, or rush, that lasts anywhere from five to fifteen minutes, and a “state of satisfaction, euphoria, and well-being that lasts from 3 to 5 hours.” (Nevid, et al. 2014) Although heroin is a satisfying drug, not everyone who uses the drug is addicted to it. According to the textbook, “more than half of the current users are addicted to heroin.” (Nevid, et al. 2014) There are both behavioral and pharmacological treatments that are available and effective for treating heroin addiction.

Although it is termed “family therapy”, the therapy can include anyone ranging from immediate family members, to coworkers and close friends. Using this form of therapy to treat heroin addiction can have positive effects, as well as negative. Some positive effects include the person suffering with addiction being able to hear and see the effect that their addiction is having on those they love and that love them, seeing that everyone is gathering to support their treatment and recovery, as well as rooting for them to make a full recovery, and they also get to see that when they do recover, their loved ones will be there to help them stay clean and transition back into a non-addict lifestyle. The therapists may also train the family members on how to handle relapses should they occur and how to recognize the signs of their loved one possibly