It is often mistakenly believed that it’s easy to identify someone struggling with addiction, especially with heroin. Many individuals with heroin addiction don’t fit the media stereotype of being disheveled, jobless, or visibly high. In reality, most people facing addiction, including heroin, are high-functioning, meaning their substance abuse usually doesn’t disrupt their daily lives.
However, high-functioning addiction isn’t sustainable. Eventually, control will slip away, and addiction will take over. The risks of maintaining functional heroin abuse include tolerance, overdose, and accidental death. No amount of heroin use is safe. If you or a loved one is abusing heroin, the time to stop is now. Contact our compassionate team online or call 717.969.9126 to learn how to get help for heroin addiction and enroll in Recovery Ranch PA’s heroin rehab today.
Recognizing High-Functioning Heroin Abuse
A high-functioning person struggling with heroin abuse is someone who can conceal their excessive drug use without facing significant consequences. While they may appear stable outwardly, they’re often struggling internally. This pattern can manifest in various ways—daily use after work for some, while others might binge on weekends. Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Changes in physical appearance, grooming, and self-care.
- Disappearing for long periods or lying about their whereabouts.
- Regular sickness, lethargy, or irritability in the mornings.
- Evasive responses regarding money or communications.
- Mood swings or behavioral changes.
- Making excuses or blaming others for their problems.
- Getting defensive or angry when questioned about drug use.
- Isolating from friends and family or missing social events.
- Hiding drug paraphernalia.
- Appearing tired or having flu-like symptoms when others are healthy.
In the early stages, these signs may be subtle. However, since heroin abuse is a progressive issue, the signs will become more pronounced over time. Recognizing these indicators is vital, as is being aware of the signs of overdose.
Helping a High-Functioning Person Struggling with Heroin Addiction
Witnessing a friend or family member grapple with addiction can be incredibly painful. You may experience a whirlwind of emotions—sadness, anger, fear, and helplessness. It’s important to remember that addiction is a disease, and no one chooses it. Your loved one likely desires to overcome their struggle just as much as you wish for their recovery.
The initial steps toward providing support involve educating yourself about addiction and exploring treatment options that you can present when your loved one is ready to seek help. Keep in mind that a high-functioning person struggling with heroin addiction may be in denial, so it’s essential to exercise patience and maintain open lines of communication.
Avoid Enabling
It’s natural to want to help someone you care about, but enabling isn’t helpful for someone with addiction. Examples of enabling behaviors include financially supporting their addiction or making excuses for their behavior. Set clear boundaries about how you will help and your limits, and stick to them, but avoid ultimatums.
Offer Nonjudgmental Support
Most people struggling with addiction have underlying mental health issues and struggle with feelings of guilt and shame about their addiction. Let them know you love and support them without judgment. Be willing to listen without telling them what you think they “should” be doing.
Celebrate the Positive
Acknowledge the steps your loved one takes toward recovery, no matter how small. Your positive reinforcement can build their self-esteem and encourage future progress. However, be prepared for relapse. Recovery, especially from opiates, is full of setbacks, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t possible.
Connect with Recovery Ranch PA and Start Heroin Rehab in Pennsylvania
Helping someone with heroin addiction is challenging and requires professional interventions. Contact our team online or call 717.969.9126 to speak with a treatment team member today about how you can help a loved one get the help they need or enroll in heroin rehab yourself.
