It’s probably time to make changes if you are…
- using more heroin than you want to
- finding it hard to stop using
- missing school, work or family commitments because of heroin use
- always thinking about heroin
- feeling like your current heroin use is making you become someone you never saw yourself as being.
If you want to talk with someone about whether or not you should start cutting down, it’s a really good idea to talk with a GP or drug and alcohol counsellor about your drug use and what you can expect when you start to use less or quit.
You can also call the Alcohol and Drug Helpline (0800 787 797) for confidential, non-judgemental expert advice. It’s free and open 24 hours.
If you are only ready to think about cutting back, you might want to consider starting by buying less so you use less, delaying your first session of the day, and using a smaller amount than usual.
If you decide to cut back or stop after using heroin regularly, you may experience psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms. These can vary, depending on how long you’ve used it and how much you are used to taking on a regular basis. However the most common symptoms you might feel include deep and persistent cravings, not being able to sleep, diarrhoea, cold flashes, nausea and vomiting, bone pain and involuntary kicking movements. There are self-help and professional supports available to help you with this.