Are Heroin Addicts Capable of Love?

Someone who has an addiction will often start showing outward signs of their substance abuse problem when they withdraw from loved ones. People who develop a drug or substance abuse problem typically avoid social situations and interactions even with people very close to them, and they may instead prefer to be alone or find a new social group that also abuses drugs.

The interpersonal relationships of a person tend to be the very first aspect that starts to diminish when addiction arises.

Understanding how an addiction to heroin works can be valuable to help you understand what it’s like when you love someone with an addiction.

When someone initially uses heroin, their brain is flooded with dopamine, creating a euphoric high. Their brain then creates a memory of using heroin, and it’s seen as a rewarding, pleasurable experience. The brain is wired to want to keep seeking out activities that bring pleasure, and the rush of heroin is unlike any natural pleasure a person could experience.

That’s what stimulates the cravings and other characteristics of addiction. The brain of the person addicted to heroin becomes rewired to continue drug-seeking behaviors, and the physiological desire to use drugs becomes the prime driver of the person’s life. Most people who are addicted to heroin feel they can only be normal or happy when they’re high, so they’re entirely driven to keep trying to get the drugs.

It can seem like the person with an addiction is making the choice of drugs over you and your relationship, but that’s not the case. They’re picking the drug over everything.

People with addiction can experience a loss of control because of their brain chemistry. Every single decision and action they make is based on fulfilling their addiction.

If you love someone addicted to heroin, there is very little you can do. The only person who can change things is the person with the addiction. You can set your boundaries, ask them to consider addiction treatment or perform an intervention, but the ultimate decision to become healthier is in their hands.

In the meantime, you can focus on taking care of yourself and gaining the support you need to navigate your life as someone who loves a person with an addiction.

If you or a loved one live with addiction, help is available. Contact The Recovery Village and speak to a representative about how treatment plans can help your loved one address their addiction and any co-occurring disorders.