NCJ Number
189502
Date Published
1997
Length
0 pages
Annotation
The video details heroin addiction with interviews with addicts and treatment personnel.
Abstract
Heroin addiction is a totally consuming and extremely seductive life. The drug medicates pain and produces a wave of euphoria that is described as relaxing and floating. However, the drug takes over your life eventually and you end up with dirty needles, no money, and a “hopeless” situation. When you are high you are in control, you feel strong and powerful, but in reality you are sick and you are “owned” by the drug. No one thinks that they will get hooked. There is perceived glamour, danger, risk, and high pressure involved in an addict’s life that is just as seductive as the drug. There is camaraderie in the drug world where everyone is cool and people live to shoot and be with others like him or her. “Going to cop became my life.” The survival tactics of the heroin addict include stealing, writing bad checks, breaking into cars, selling stolen goods, and prostitution. Those who are addicted never think they will do these things but the drug is in command and they find themselves committing crimes and spending time in jail. Some seek treatment not to become clean but because they don’t know what else to do. The first step toward treatment is honesty about what they have done to themselves and others. Underneath the boastful using stories lies shame. A whole identity is built around being a junkie and without that lifestyle -– who are they? To recover they must do whatever it takes to get their lives back; take responsibility for themselves, focus on recovery meetings, and surrender to a higher power. The problem with addiction is not getting off the drug; it is staying off the drug. When there is a craving, an alternative must be found –- prayer, meditation, or exercise. The next step is to tell another recovering addict about that craving. Support from people who care is key to recovery. If honesty gets you sober, responsibility will keep you sober. This can mean a job, a spouse, children, and paying the bills. There is no magic to recovery, only a willingness to pay the price.