Heroin is a very addictive drug that can cause many different changes in the user. If you know someone with a heroin dependency, you may be wondering if the drug is capable of changing a person’s personality.
It can certainly play a part in changing the person you once knew into someone who seems completely different.
To understand what a heroin addiction can do to someone, you’ll need to look at what the drug is capable of. Here’s what you can expect from someone who is addicted to heroin.
Change in Appearance
Someone with a heroin addiction may start to look different each time you see them. Perhaps you’ll notice that they take less pride in their appearance and stop grooming as often as they used to. You may also notice that they look paler and haven’t spent much time outdoors lately.
Weight Loss
Your loved one may begin to lose weight rapidly. Firstly, taking heroin can become a user’s main priority and regular meals could become a thing of the past. Secondly, taking heroin can lead to nausea which can diminish a user’s appetite.
Covering Arms and Legs
You may notice your loved one wearing long sleeves and long-legged clothing, even during the summer months. Heroin addicts often inject the drug which means they’re left with marks on their arms and other parts of their body. They make their clothing choices to cover the marks and scars so others can’t see.
Financial Problems
Addicts run through their money quickly because of their addiction. You may find that your loved one can’t afford to pay bills or buy groceries often because they have prioritized their drug habit over everything else. You may even witness your loved one selling or pawning items to get more money for their addiction habits.
Laziness or Complacency
Perhaps the person you’re worried about used to be someone who would always be on time for work or take responsibilities seriously. A drug addiction can change that quickly. You may notice that your loved one isn’t bothered about turning up to work and may even forget to do things for family members.
Heroin addicts often become disconnected from the world and the people who love them the most. They may start avoiding social events or stop attending activities and hobbies they once loved.
Mood Swings and Behavior
All of the above can indicate a change in personality but it is the user’s behavior that’s often the biggest sign. Someone who is usually calm can quickly change into someone unpredictable and uncontrollable when heroin is involved.
If you’ve seen your loved one go from one extreme mood to the next within a short space of time and this isn’t normal for them, it’s a good indication that heroin is responsible.
A person using drugs is constantly experiencing highs and lows which can contribute to changes in behavior and personality. Taking drugs like heroin can alter a person’s brain chemistry which is why it often looks like a user has suddenly changed personality.
Some behavioral changes can also become dangerous. For instance, erratic behavior can lead to violence. It can also lead to mental health problems like anxiety and depression, both of which have been known to drive thoughts of suicide. It can become a vicious circle but there is good news.
If your loved one is willing, there are many ways to reverse the effects of heroin on brain chemistry. The first hurdle to jump is detox before moving on to recovery. This is often a long road for many addicts but recovery is achievable.
Personality Change Isn’t Permanent
With the right addiction treatment and support, a heroin addict can change behavior and return to the person you once knew. There are many different treatment options that can help a person with addiction.
At Robert Alexander Center For Recovery, we specialize in providing addiction treatment such as intensive outpatient programs, inpatient programs, and partial hospitalization.
If you’re worried about your loved one’s personality, they may benefit from behavioral therapy which aims to change negative thought patterns and provide the tools for making better life decisions. No matter what your loved one needs to get started on the journey of recovery, we can help.
Contact us to discuss how we can help and the best way to get your loved one involved in our programs. Our friendly staff are always on hand to give you the advice you need and guide you in the right direction.
