When heroin impedes your ability to enjoy life

Colorado is not isolated from the many emotional, physical and legal problems sparked by heroin. While this state is known for its leniency regarding certain drugs, you’re likely aware that heroin, in all its forms and uses, remains illegal throughout the nation.

If prosecutors charge you with a crime in connection with manufacturing, possessing, buying, selling or using heroin, you risk severe penalties, if convicted. If you, your spouse or other loved one is currently facing substance abuse problems associated with heroin, you’ll be glad to know there are support systems in place to help you overcome your problems.

What families of addicts need to know

Witnessing the negative impact heroin can have on a loved one’s life can be devastating. The following issues are things to keep in mind if you’re trying to help someone beat a heroin addiction:

• Your Colorado community may have a lot to offer to support your whole family as you try to help the family member who is addicted to this powerful drug.
• Intervention programs are often successful. You can learn more about how to hold an intervention if you think it is a viable option in your family member’s situation.
• Learning about heroin and understanding how it affects the brain and body can arm you with useful information that helps you help your loved one.
• You may want to speak to someone well versed in criminal law if your spouse or child is facing legal problems related to heroin.

Drug addiction can wreak havoc on lives. It has emotional, financial, physical and, in many cases, legal impacts that can be far-reaching and long lasting. It’s understandable that you want to do everything you can to protect your loved one’s life and help to preserve his or her freedom.

Detoxification is not an easy process

It is definitely possible overcome drug addiction. Heroin is a strong narcotic, however, and withdrawal often includes the following symptoms:

• It is not uncommon to experience tremors or muscle cramps when depriving the body of heroin after using it for an extended period.
• If you or your loved one are weaning off heroin, you may suffer fever, vomiting or nausea.
• Severe anxiety is another common side effect of heroin withdrawal. In worst cases, people may have suicidal tendencies.

Heroin is not likely to disappear from Colorado streets or the rest of the nation. There will always be illegal drugs and always be people who manufacture, use or sell them. There will also always be support systems in place to help you overcome addiction and to try to mitigate any legal circumstances that arise in connection with heroin activity.