When you think of an addict, most picture a disheveled, jobless, or homeless person who spends their entire day high and looking for their next fix. This is the stigma of addiction. However, what if your co-worker, someone that comes to work every day, dressed professionally, and ready to start the day, was struggling with substance abuse, and you didn’t have a clue? Is this possible? Is there such things as functioning heroin addicts? 
More About Heroin Addiction
Heroin is a highly addictive, illegal opioid drug that is processed from morphine (morphine is a naturally occurring drug extracted from the seeds of the poppy plant). Heroin, like all other opioids, binds to the opioid receptors in the brain and depresses the central nervous system. As a result, when a person uses the drug, it causes an intense euphoric rush followed by a sense of calm and relaxation. Heroin is one of the most addictive drugs on the street due to the rush and euphoria it produces. This intense euphoric rush is caused by a flood of dopamine released in the brain when used. Once an individual takes that first hit, they want to keep getting that same feeling repeatedly, so they continue using the drug. Before they realize it, their body has become dependent on it. If they try to stop, they will start experiencing debilitating withdrawal symptoms, which start the cycle of addiction. If you or a loved one have a heroin addiction, the best thing to do is get help. Start with a medical detox then move on to some form of heroin treatment program. You do not want to keep letting this drug control you and possibly cut your life short.
The Destruction of a Heroin Addiction
Depending on the addict’s personality, many heroin or drug addicts cannot stop or limit their use. The cycle of addiction, which is characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior and the inability to stop using despite any harmful consequences, quickly causes them to lose their job, financial stability, home, family, and everything they got. Before they know it, they are out on the streets wondering how they will get their next fix.
Is There Such a Thing as a Functioning Heroin Addict?
There is. There are hundreds of people that use heroin or other drugs, for that matter, and are still able to function as normal citizens. A high-functioning heroin addict is a person that is addicted to heroin, but your normal average person would have no clue the individual has a problem. This is because a high-functioning heroin addict can still maintain a job or go to school and handle their family obligations.
Signs of a Functioning Heroin Addict Individual
As with any addiction, over time, even a high-functioning heroin addict will develop some noticeable signs. The signs may be subtle, but anyone that has had experience with an addict will notice something isn’t quite right with that individual. The person will most likely start being late for work. They will probably use it at work, which means frequent breaks or trips to the bathroom, and they will have trouble focusing on their work. Relationships will start to crumble as the addict isolates themselves from others. They will lie, have mood changes or a variety of behavioral changes, and become irresponsible. In recent years, heroin and all illicit drugs have become incredibly dangerous since many are combined with fentanyl, and fatal overdoses occur. If you suspect a friend or coworker may have a problem, talk with them about getting help.
Start Treatment for Heroin Addiction at Evoke Wellness
Evoke Wellness rehab centers assist men, women, and families throughout the United States struggling with substance abuse and searching for addiction treatment. Our premier treatment centers offer a comprehensive approach to treating substance abuse with multiple levels of care. We offer a healthy and safe environment for getting sober from any drug, our specialists are here to help you and will answer any question you have, just give us a call anytime. We are available around the clock and all calls are confidential. It is time to get over and a sober life starts now and begins with you!
