6 Signs of a Functioning Heroin Addict

Heroin Addict Personality

These are the personality traits that are commonly linked to heroin addicts:

1. Slow or Sudden Changes in Physical Health and Appearance

Histamine, a chemical created in the body, will be released quite often when heroin is present. Once it is released, it may cause the user to have a runny nose and an overwhelming sense of itchiness. As a result of this, someone suffering from heroin addiction may often have a runny nose and an inability to fight off common colds and seasonal allergies. Heroin can hurt the immune system and weaken its ability to combat infections.

In addition to this, heroin addicts may often have dry mouth, abscesses, and other skin infections. Dry mouth, also known as cottonmouth, is a common side effect of heroin. Most heroin users inject the drug in large quantities via a syringe. This is what often leads to infections such as abscesses that appear at the site of injection. Injecting multiple times a day will damage the skin and leave scars behind.

Most people will experience the side effects of heroin for up to five hours after ingestion. The most common effects are slurred speech, trouble breathing, and disorientation. Cottonmouth and dilated pupils are also common amongst those who have recently ingested the drug.

2. Frequent Impulsivity

Impulsivity is defined as a behavior that involves someone tending to act with little regard for the consequences of their actions. For example, an impulse purchase might be made off the cuff without considering how it could impact the buyer’s budget or lifestyle.

Impulsivity is a common personality trait amongst those who struggle with the escalation of drug use. It is also present among those who often relapse after long or short periods of sobriety. Impulsivity is commonly linked with addiction because it feeds the desire for instant gratification. Impulsive people yearn for the desire to feel gratification and pleasure at the moment, rather than setting goals and making strategic plans to achieve success and happiness.

Impulsive behavior can be exhibited in many ways. Some people may eat an excessive amount of food in one sitting without considering how their body will respond to the high levels of calories, fat, sugars, etc. Some may drive recklessly or engage in other risky behavior without considering how it could harm them and others. Some people engage in shoplifting, extreme sports, property damage, violence, and many other impulsive behaviors with little to no regard for the consequences.

3. Constant Fatigue

Opium, a derivative of the poppy flower used to make heroin, has properties that encourage numbness and feelings of fatigue and drowsiness. This can easily lead most heroin users to a lifestyle full of frequent napping and extensive sleeping.

Although that could be a sound explanation for constant fatigue in a heroin addict, other issues can bring the same effect. Many people who struggle with substance use disorder eventually fall into a depression and begin to lose interest in the things that once brought them immense joy and happiness. They may eventually find nothing to look forward to each day other than the high or satisfaction that they will get from their substance of choice. Once things reach this point, they may sleep more than usual or have a lower energy level than most.

Keep in mind that heroin may not impact every user in the same manner. Some of those with pre-existing health conditions may have side effects that are different from those of the average person with substance use disorder. Therefore, sleepiness and chronic fatigue may or may not be a product of their heroin addiction. Although it is common among heroin users, many other health issues can lead to that as well, such as depression and sleep apnea.

4. Patterns of Dishonesty and Manipulation

The core of addiction is often the struggle to go without whatever it is that is making the person addicted. Though it may seem like an obvious observation, understanding the basic foundations of addiction can help you understand why they lead to certain changes in behavior and personality. Heroin and other addictive substances can cause intense cravings in the user that override their ability to control their impulses. Those struggling with the ability to control cravings will do almost anything to obtain the substance they are addicted to, even if it means harming others.

For example, an addict could resort to theft and manipulation of family members and friends if it meant that they could get access to heroin that way. This behavior is often the biggest reason why those who struggle with substance use disorder eventually find themselves to be on the outs with their loved ones. When the addiction is out of control, it can hurt the addict’s moral compass and reasoning.

5. Questionable Acquaintances

Peer pressure can be a struggle for people of all ages, not just those who are younger and in school. Some of those struggling with substance use disorder may already know people who have access to toxic and addictive substances, while others could begin to befriend questionable characters solely because they offer access to heroin.

Once a heroin addiction becomes obvious enough that family members and friends notice it, addicts may choose to distance themselves and go where they feel they will be accepted and comfortable. This could be in the company of other addicts or distributors of addictive substances. They will often feel the need to escape those feelings of guilt and judgment, which encourage them to surround themselves with like-minded individuals, even if that will only drive them further into their addiction.

Even if family members and friends are only showing concern and care for their well-being, it can be difficult for heroin addicts to face the reality of the issue and make a change. Stubbornness is incredibly common amongst those who are addicted. Like most people in the world, they find the comfort of instant gratification and pleasure to be more rewarding than the pain and discomfort that could come with having to make a change.

6. Chronic Financial Issues

Impulsivity and the struggle of dealing with cravings can quickly lead an addict to financial woes. Illegal drugs can be expensive, and the impulsive nature of most addicts leads them to do whatever they can to feed the addiction, even if they don’t have the financial means for it.

Heroin addicts typically find themselves pawning prized possessions, gambling, or using money intended for bills to further their addictions. Some soon find themselves in debt and need to part with their most important possessions. If you are a family member or friend of someone with substance use disorder, you may also find that they are asking to borrow money more often or can’t afford simple things that they used to be able to buy.

As addiction progresses, to the user, nothing seems more important than the substance they are addicted to. Their need and desire for the substance will override almost anything else that they possess, regardless of how valuable the items may be. Be wary of this and pay close attention to how they behave when they can’t find a route to their next opportunity to use the substance. This is an easy way to determine that they need professional help.

7. Trouble With Stress Management

Stress is common, regardless of whether one has a substance use disorder. Some people, however, have higher levels of stress than the average person. For example, those who are involved in careers that impact their safety or character daily will be more stressed than most. A movie star could often feel suffocated by trying to maintain a particular image to be favored in the public eye. A firefighter, policeman, or soldier could often find themselves struggling with the thought of whether or not their next workday could be their last.

The inability to cope with stress is an understandable and highly relatable struggle that impacts billions of people each day. When it becomes too overwhelming to bear, the individual could often feel the need to seek relief from a substance. In most cases, that substance can provide a temporary feeling of relief and satisfaction, which is what leads to the addiction. Once the individual finds that they can escape from the haunting levels of stress and anxiety via the substance, they will begin to rely on it, even if they can only feel that relief for a few moments.

If you know that your loved one, friend, or acquaintance is dealing with high levels of distress, reach out and pay attention to their behavior and actions, as this can help you lead them to a better method of stress relief. Some people dealing with high levels of stress begin to withdraw from their family and friends. They could also engage in behaviors such as binge-watching TV, binge eating, oversleeping, and overworking. Some could also begin to change in a way that is harmful to others in their vicinity, such as lashing out and engaging in physical or emotional abuse. Self-harm is another common link between highly stressed individuals and substance use disorder.

6 Signs of a Functioning Heroin Addict

4. They hang out with people who also use drugs

The saying, “Show me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are,” rings true. Typically, those who abuse drugs like to surround themselves with other people who also use drugs. This helps them avoid any unwanted judgment or guilt.

5. A lot of their money goes to drugs

If you’re a partner or close friend of a high-functioning heroin addict, then you may notice that they spend lots of money on things that aren’t clothes, groceries, other necessities, or basics. They might try to lie about or brush off any accusations about how they’re spending their money.

6. They go off on their own frequently when out with friends or at work

Even functional heroin addicts have to use the drug frequently to feel “normal,” and to keep up with this need, they might step away frequently while in social settings or at work, to use.

Can You Be a High-Functioning Heroin Addict?

The media has painted a particular picture of a heroin addict. When you think of a person who uses heroin, you might picture someone who looks physically ill, has destroyed their relationships, and is slumped in an alley with used needles by their side. But this isn’t the case for all heroin users. Unlike those who visibly struggle because of their drug addiction, there are others who can carry on what seems like a normal life despite their behavior. But can you be a functioning heroin addict and get away with it?

Although you can be a functioning heroin addict, this usually doesn’t last. There are different personalities when it comes to addiction: the person with the “go big or go home” mentality and the person who uses just enough to “take the edge off.” Functioning heroin addicts are usually the latter.

These people may use just enough to maintain themselves and function “normally.” They might even use the drug only in social settings or “recreationally.” However, considering how potent and addicting heroin is, individuals who follow this pattern of drug use eventually succumb to a full-blown addiction that takes over their life.

Treatment Options for a High-Functioning User

Treatment for Heroin Addiction includes medical treatments and behavioral therapies. For a treatment to be effective, it’s important to match the best treatment approach to meet the particular needs of each patient. Medicines are being developed to help with the withdrawal process. The FDA approved lofexidine, a non-opioid medicine designed to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Heroin Addiction Treatment

Heroin Addiction is a serious condition that should not be taken lightly. We Level Up rehab treatment & detox center can provide you, or someone you love, the tools to recover from Heroin Addiction with professional and safe treatment. Feel free to call us to speak with one of our counselors. We can inform you about this condition by giving you relevant information. Our specialists know what you are going through. Please know that each call is private and confidential.

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