How do you live with a heroin addict?

Answer 1

You are not stupid. An addict needs to support their habit and this requires more than the money to buy the drug. An addict cultivates and becomes very good, very fast at lying and deceit. You're not necessarily any more gullible than anyone else, the addict is usually just a very practiced lier.

Not all heroins addicts are the same. An addict with a 200$ a day habit who is very wealthy may be quite able to maintain their habit without bothering the various people in their lives. If a person in a low paying job has a 200$ a day habit, their behavior regarding the people around them will be different. Always remember though, it is not your job to understand someone else's addiction, situation or life. When and if an addict wants to quit, they will. You cannot make someone stop. You really aren't going to be able to know if the person is still using when they tell you they've stopped. All you will be able to gauge is behavior. Do you feel pressured, coerced or tricked into giving the addict money. Does your money go missing? Is jewelry or any pawnable items missing? Focus on behavior, not words and promises. Keep a journal of things that happen and your feelings so you have something to refer to later to help you remember and affirm yourself when doubt sets in.

You can *live* with a heroin addict, but a close relationship with one over an extended period of time will likely only hurt you. Heroin is an interesting drug. It was used on the ancient battlefields to help the wounded. It would allow a doctor to perform amputations etc. without the patient putting up a fight. The drug doesn't remove the actual physical pain, but rather reroutes the sensation so that the drugged person *NO LONGER CARES* his arm or leg is being removed. ...now, apply the same idea to daily human interactions. Heroin reroutes conscience and moral priorities, that which is required in all human relationships.

Longterm heroin addicts tend to learn or develop sociopathic behavior. The drug is the priority, the goal and sole purpose in life. The drug itself allows the addict to not take moral responsibility for the things they need to do to maintain their habit. Heroin, perhaps more than any other drugs enables the addict to deceive themselves... many will come to believe the very lies they are telling you. Various support groups may blame you for being in a relationship with an addict, but remember, the addict is very skilled, and you are probably just a normal loving person. The term "co dependence" is very blaming and sexist. Don't blame yourself, or allow anyone else to blame you for being open to love. So, in short, NO, you can't happily or normally live with a heroin addict. You will just loose all your money, anything that can be pawned, perhaps your self respect, and the much needed support from those around you. Your heart will probably also get broken. If you're already there, get help... If you are a woman contact your local woman's shelter for advice or contacts. Find yourself a Victim of Abuse councellor or a therapist who has a lot of experience with addiction from a variety of perspective beyond just a 12 step approach. Repeated theft and lies are abuse.

Perhaps you might want to start looking at why you are asking this question at all. That you are asking indicates that you're pausing to consider your own wellbeing and see the risk and dangers associated with life with an addict - and this is a wonderful thing. Keep focusing on your own wellbeing and living a happy healthy life. Only you can build the kind of life you want for yourself. Let the addict live out their lives the way they wish. Your priority is your wonderful self and the beautiful life you will have.

Good luck and get out now!

I survived a five year relationship with a junkie. I'm still healing. You can too.

Strength & Love!

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== == YOU DON'T! How stupid can someone be. If you live with someone addicted to any drug, be it alchohol, or narcotics, you are basically standing there watching them commit suicide. You don't live with an addict. You try to convince an addict to live. Answer

What if this person was your brother or sister or mom or dad??You have to live with them even though it kills you. Some circumstances are not under your control. RE: Answer

It is possible to live with heroin addicts. Some will lie, cheat, and steal and will make life very difficult for you. Some people may live with a heroin addict and never even know it! There are many ways to deal with an addict roommate. You neverhave to stay in a horrible situation "even though it kills you" because there are many people and groups out there to help you. If the addict is "your brother or sister or mom or dad" you are in luck! There are Government agencies to help with this very circumstance. Here in Canada, The Ministry for Children and Families

http://www.gov.bc.ca/mcf/ http://www.safekidsbc.ca/

http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/getting_help/help.htm). There are ways of keeping yourself safe and still see your mom/dad/brother/sister... Stay alive, be well and happy. Don't just survive, THRIVE!

Answer 2

You start by understanding that this was a choice he or she made and that you have no control over what he or she chooses to do with their life. Understand that you can't fix their problems, and that by staying in the relationship, you are actually becoming a co-addict. Understand that the only way to help that person (and yourself) is to remove yourself from the relationship. Then pack your bags and get out!