Death

[SoConfused1989]

Hi all,

My boyfriend is in rehab for heroin abuse, for which he entered himself willingly without any input from myself or his family in order to get better and have a future with me. Needless to say, I am very proud.

However, there is one person in his life, his best friend, who was an extremely terrible influence, and Ive been terrified of what would happen when my boyfriend got out of rehab and they got into contact.

Unfortunately, today I find out that his best friend passed away of a heroin overdose, and my boyfriend has no idea. I cannot contact him directly, but I had his mother try to contact his counselor to see what he thought was best for my boyfriends recovery.

Does any addict in recovery have any input on a situation like this? I want my boyfriend to know, but i also think its important for him to find out in a safe environment where he can work through his feelings in a healthy way, instead of grabbing a needle. Thoughts?

[dominosarah]

That was smart thinking about having him hear the news while in treatment.  His counselor will be able to help him thru this~

[jifmoc]

I agree w/ Msdelight: as sad as it is, it's an incredible wake up call. Also, sort of serendipitous that it happened while your boyfriend is in a safe environment. Since his counselor was contacted, she/he will decide what's best. Nothing else for you to do.

I know you didn't ask this, but has alanon (or naranon) been recommended to you? It's extremely important that the loved one of an addict gets support and learns to refocus on themselves. I can't recommend it enough:)

[msdelight]

Hi, well oh my gosh that gave me goosebumps. So sorry for all of this honey. It seems to me you have done all the right things so far by contacting his mother and getting his counselor involved. He will have to be told sooner or later and its best to let those working with him handle the situation.

He may find this news to be a wake up call because he knows that it could have easily been him. Since he made the decision to go to rehab on his own, I think it will reinforce the idea that he made the right decision.  He will need to process his grief and sadness first though, so I'm glad he's with professionals. Hang in there, hoping for best for you both.