Need info, Heroin addicts

[WriterMan2007]

Hello all. Unbeknownce to me, my brother has been a heroin addict for the past three years. I didn't find out until recently and now it's too late--he's gone.

As a tribute to him, I'm trying to write a book for friends and family of addicts, so I'm reaching out to this community to find out some information.

I've done a lot of primary research in terms of going to clinics and talking to patients, but I find that often people are more open and honest when it's anonymous. As such, I'd like to ask for you help.

If you would, please answer any/all of the following questions:

i) What did it feel like the first time you used heroin (please be as visceral as possible)?

ii) What did it feel like after you became addicted / how did the original feeling change?

iii) How long did it take to go from (i) to (ii)?

iv) What does detox feel like? Did you go cold turkey? If so, how long did it take for you to feel "normal" (or at least functional)?

Thanks in advance for sharing your stories.

- Adam