Frequently Asked Questions


How can I tell if someone is using heroin?

There are no definitive signs of drug misuse. The difficulty is that signs of drug use can easily be confused with emotional upheaval, feeling tired, excited or anxious. Possible signs of heroin use are: very small pupils, appearing drowsy, lethargic, scratching, croaky voice and reduced appetite. You may notice changes in behaviour, appearance, sleeping habits and friendship groups. Withdrawal symptoms may be noticeable when someone has not had any heroin for a little while. These include: watering nose and eyes, large pupils, sweating, difficulty in sleeping, agitation and, restlessness, goosebumps and scratching.

Heroin is usually smoked on foil or injected (or occasionally sniffed). Finding burnt foil could be a sign of heroin smoking. Equipment used to inject drugs include spoons, cigarette filters, needles and syringes.

For more information about heroin and other drugs see the Drugscope website.

Am I drinking too much?

Department of Health guidelines state that men who drink more than 21 units per week risk damaging health. For women the limit for safe drinking is 14 units of alcohol per week.

A unit of alcohol is:
Half a pint of ordinary strength (3.8%) lager or beer
1 small pub measure (125mls) of wine (8.5%)
1 single spirit (25mls)

It may be a good idea to keep a record of your alcohol consumption over a week or more. Use the table below to work out how many units you are drinking and compare it to the recommended weekly intake. Drinking alcohol does not just affect people's health it can also affect relationships, your mood, financial situation, employment and have legal consequences.

For more information visit the Alcohol Concern website.

My son/daughter is possibly using drugs-what should I do?

There are many reasons why people take drugs. Many children experiment with drugs and do not experience serious problems. Living with a drug/alcohol misuser can be very stressful. Remember you can't look after someone else if you don't look after yourself. Talk to a close friend about how you are feeling. There are organisations that are there to help and advise relatives and friends of people with drug and alcohol problems.
  • Keep cool and try not to accuse them, it’s likely to spark a row. If you’re wrong it may damage your relationship with them.
  • Find a time when they are not under the influence of drugs, and you both have time to discuss the situation without being interrupted.
  • Decide how you want to react if you’re child tells you they have used drugs.
  • Listen respectfully to what they have to say and try not to get angry if you think they're not telling the truth.
  • Show that you are concerned about their health and well-being and offer to help them through any difficulties either now or in the future
  • Explain what behaviour you will accept and what you won’t tolerate - Threating punishment is unlikey to give you the results you want.

Emphasise that they are responsible for their actions and the consequences of their behaviour. There are many agencies both locally and nationally that can help, support and advise you and your child. The Leeds Addiction Unit runs a relatives support group for people residing in Leeds.

How do I get a place at rehabilitation?

Treatment agencies in Leeds offer a variety of outpatient and day patient treatment programmes. The Leeds Detoxification Centre offers residential detoxification for alcohol users. Referral to other residential rehabilitation can be made through all these services.

For more information on services in Leeds visit the links section.

I want to stop using drugs / alcohol but I don't want to go to an agency. What advice can you give me about detoxing?

If you are a heavy drinker stopping suddenly can cause you to hallucinate, become confused and fit. We strongly advise you to consult your doctor before attempting detox. Write down how life is going to be better by stopping. You can refer to this list when things are difficult to remind you what you are going to gain by stopping.

Think about how other people can support you and discuss this with them. Decide on a date to stop and tell close friends and family. Throw out anything that might remind you of the drug, e.g. dealers telephone numbers and injecting equipment.
Plan your time carefully for the period of the detox. Some people find it helpful to write themselves a timetable with at least one activity every morning, afternoon and evening. Keeping occupied will help to distract you from thoughts about drug use and take your mind of any aches and pains.

Write down the withdrawal symptoms you expect to experience and think about what you can do to relieve these. Remember that any discomfort will not last forever. Most withdrawal symptoms will only last a few days.

What is Naltrexone (blockers)?

Naltrexone is used when someone has stopped using heroin or other opiates. It blocks the effects of these drugs, so if someone used heroin after taking Naltrexone it would have no effect. This can help prevent someone from slipping back to heroin use after they have stopped. It could be dangerous for someone to take Naltrexone if they have taken heroin or other opiates in the past two weeks.