Question: Is it possible to smoke heroin just on the weekends and not get addicted? My cousin says he does this and it is no big deal.

Shannon Freeman Says...:

Well, everyone is different, but heroin is very addictive.  It is possible that your cousin only uses heroin on the weekend.  My guess is that he doesn't realize that the amount used or the length of time he spends using it has increased (maybe now it is Friday and Saturday instead of just Saturday or it is more hours spent using it).  He may also be experiencing withdrawl symptoms that he doesn't recognize.   Sometimes being addicted to something isn't obvious to the person, but may be obvious to others.  I think it is unlikely that his use of heroin is "no big deal."  

Question: I have been addicted to opiates, weed and alcohol, together and at different times in my life. I am generally able to quit using when things start to affect my life too severely but whenever I do I always feel better for a little while but then I get to this point where there is just this huge hole in my day where getting high or drunk used to be and I really start to miss it - that something to look forward to that you now is going to work as directed at the end of the day. Eventually, because of this hole I feel I always fall back into using something and I always end up getting addicted to something yet again. I can see that no matter how many times I quit using unless I can fill that hole in my life I am never going to win this battle for good. But the thing I don't have any idea of is how to do that? I am healthy, have a good job, friends and a loving family. My life is perfect - so why can't I be happy with what I have?

Shannon Freeman Says...:

It sounds to  me like you could use some therapy to get to the bottom of the "huge hole" you are experiencing.  My guess would be that self-acceptance issues are creating the hole.  You may think you are ok with yourself and that your life is "perfect", but often times that is not 100% true.  Sometimes we have unrealistic expectations or negative core beliefs, lack of spirituality, etc that keep us from finding inner peace.  A therapist that works with addiction issues could help you work through this and find ways to stay sober and feel good.