The UK’s Hidden Heroin Addicts

heroin on spoon being sucked in by syringe

Updated October 2022

At The Lighthouse, residential rehab in Essex, we want to raise awareness that addiction comes in many different forms. Stereotypical heroin addicts are portrayed as being unable to work, care for their children, hold down a relationship, or have any means of making money other than through crime. Whilst this is true for some, it is not true for all. 

When you envisage a heroin addict, you most likely think of a person using heroin that is homeless or living in a house with other addicts. This image fits with society and the general media’s portrayal. Just think about the film Trainspotting and how heroin addicts are represented. They have lost everything, including their career, health, family, and their grip on reality. 

Yet not all heroin addicts are like this. The reality is that heroin addiction can affect you this way, but numerous heroin addicts are hidden from society. These high-functioning heroin addicts controversially challenge society’s perception of heroin addiction. From the outside, they appear well, hold down a job and relationships, and may even have children. 

Heroin is an extremely powerful class A illegal narcotic. Heroin effects are characterised by drowsiness, sleepiness, and nodding in and out of consciousness. Naturally, this would make you question whether functioning on such an intoxicating drug would be possible. We can assure you that it is possible and that hiding an addiction becomes second nature to the addict, who will go to great lengths to keep it secret from others.

Heroin affects different people in different ways. Whilst it may well send one user into a state of oblivion, it can send another user into a euphoric but highly functional state.

The amount of heroin taken, its purity and, or strength, and how it is administered all impact the way it will affect the person using it. Heroin addicts will also use prescription or over-the-counter drugs and often become addicted to opioids.

Help is available

We treat heroin addicts in our residential drug rehab in Essex who can still function at a high level, heroin addicts who only live to seek and take the drug. Functioning heroin addicts who fall somewhere on the scale in between — are not individuals that use it occasionally. An addiction to a substance means there has to be a level of dependence and loss of control, whether physical, mental or, more commonly, both.

Heroin is one of the most highly addictive drugs available, and those who become addicted end up using it more often to achieve the same initial heroin effects or to keep withdrawal symptoms at bay. A functioning heroin addict is likely to use just enough heroin to stave off withdrawal symptoms at times when they are required to function or commit. They may or may not use larger amounts for more potent heroin effects when they do not have to appear ‘normal’ or be with other people who do not use heroin. 

Much like high-functioning alcoholics, they keep themselves regularly topped up with smaller amounts of the substance. Regardless of how they are using or how much, the fact remains that they “have” to use; they have lost the power of choice and the ability to quit heroin without help.

What a High-Functioning Heroin Addict Looks Like

A high-functioning heroin addict is someone who appears to cope with life pretty well. Sometimes too well. They may have a job and appear successful. Their appearance may look well groomed and taken care of. They may get their children to school on time who are presentable and well nourished. Perhaps their bank balance is healthy, so they have many friends and frequently socialise. Outwardly, there may be no visible signs that they are suffering from heroin effects and a potentially fatal addiction. So, why would they need or consider professional help if this is the case?

What’s essential to comprehend about addiction is that addicts will almost always live a double life. One life they present to the world, the other they indulge behind closed doors when no one else is around. Scratch beneath the surface of any high-functioning alcoholic or addict, and the truth is often all too visible. There is usually at least one area of their life that is consequently being affected, whether that be their health, personal relationships, emotional stability, or finances.

If you are concerned that someone close to you may be using heroin, some telling signs are hard to hide continuously.

Signs and Symptoms of a High-Functioning Heroin Addict

If someone you know displays any of the following signs and symptoms, they may be using heroin or another substance, such as oxycontin or fentanyl.

  • Their appearance has changed noticeably over a relatively short period and without explanation
  • Looking drawn and tired with greyish sallow skin
  • Pinprick pupils (heroin and many other substances cause pupils to constrict)
  • They may be challenging to engage in conversation and withdraw socially
  • Track marks or abscesses on the arms (a sign of injecting)
  • Sooty residue on their fingers and on items they have touched (applies to those that smoke heroin)
  • Slurred, slowed or delayed speech and response
  • Emotionally inappropriate or showing no emotions at all
  • They live a secret life – making and taking calls out of earshot, leaving at short notice, disappearing without prior explanation or warning
  • Unreliable and challenging to get hold of outside of “office” hours
  • They are unwell most mornings
  • Change in behaviour and attitude that they dismiss or justify
  • Losing interest in things they used to enjoy, such as socialising with friends, hobbies, or sports.

The US has a similar story to the UK regarding hidden heroin addicts. This video offers excellent insight into the new face of heroin addiction.

By presenting as high-functioning heroin addicts, they are likely lying to themselves, thinking they are in control of their addiction. The longer a heroin addiction goes untreated, the bigger the associated risks, whether to mental, physical, emotional, financial, or social health. The most significant danger, as with all addictions, is that help is not sought soon enough. As a result of this, they may die from an unintentional or intentional overdose.

Do High Functioning Heroin Addicts Need Rehab Treatment?

The problem with high-functioning heroin addicts is that they give the impression they still have a certain amount of control. Typically when approached about their drug use, they will argue that they cannot be an addict as they are still able to work, care for their children, etc. It can be challenging to persuade an addict that they need help when they feel like they are coping.

Most addicts will have a degree of functionality at some point in their addiction. This is usually before it spirals out of control, and they lose everything. This is the progressive nature of addiction. At Step by Step Recovery addiction and rehab centres, we don’t want that to happen to any addict. Attending residential rehab as early as possible is often key to preventing this from happening. You do not have to lose everything as a result of addiction. You can choose to turn your life around at any point.

 

We offer free advice on supporting and treating all types of addiction. Please complete our online assessment form to learn more about our bespoke rehab treatment programmes. Alternatively, please call us on 0800 170 1222 for more information about our private-outpatient rehab and residential rehab centre for drug addiction

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