Opiate addicts are misunderstood in many ways, but one of the most profound comes with the idea that addicts should simply be able to “walk away” from their addictions. I wish. Unfortunately, this could not be further from the truth. The addiction symptoms that we suffer from often aren’t really about the pleasurable effects of the drugs, but more about the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that comes when we run out. In fact, in many cases, it is these withdrawal symptoms that cause us to continue taking drugs, even if we wish to stop.

The Misconception: Heroin Addiction and Staying Well
 
Consider this as an example: in order to prevent withdrawal symptoms from occurring and stay well, heroin addicts must dose (inject themselves) every four to six hours. After awhile, this isn’t even about getting high anymore; it’s just about making sure that you don’t get sick. It’s a serious sickness, the one that comes when heroin goes, and yes, it is often necessary to commit crimes to get the money needed to purchase more heroin.

People will look at a situation like this and say that the person should simply stop taking heroin, without realizing that the withdrawal symptoms are so severe that that is what is driving them to continue injections and that they probably aren’t even getting high. Withdrawal symptoms can include dizziness, extreme nausea, headaches and vomiting, so addicts do have a valid need that they must fill.

Unfortunately, due to the misconceptions in the general public, those who haven’t experienced it often don’t understand what drives a person to continue taking drugs even if they want to stop.

No Rule Without Exceptions

I once knew a girl who walked off the methadone clinic at 120 milligrams and never looked back. No detox. No withdrawal symptoms. Nothing. This girl had a mental disorder that so disconnected her mind and body that it didn’t even seem to register. I’ve never seen anything like it before or since. This is not the rule. This (almost) NEVER happens. This will not happen to you. I just wanted to point out that on the very rare occasion, there comes along someone who is so completely outside of themselves that they don’t feel the effects of opiate detox. Lucky, lucky ducks.

The Bottom Line
 
Addiction is a disease, just like heart disease or diabetes. Sadly, the public at large has not recognized this yet, and still treats drug addiction like a crime and addicts like criminals. This is due in large part to the myriad of laws that were hastily constructed to outlaw consumption of drugs and opiates which had the unfortunate effect of leading the public to believe that drug addicts are “evil” and “bad,” and unfortunately, old habits die hard (no pun intended). Drug addicts are not “evil” or “bad;” what we have is a disease, and society needs to recognize this in order for there to be appropriate and successful new treatment options.
 
What’s your perception? Have you experienced prejudice based on your addiction history or present?

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"Misunderstanding Opiate Addicts: The Withdrawal Symptoms" posted in Addiction, Opiates.
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