Heroin addict

[bblueeyesb]

My boyfriend is a 'recovering' heroin addict.  He went to prison for a few months for a heroin related incident and was forced to get clean. He had been in and out of rehab before getting locked up with no success in kicking this addiction. Since being home from prison, he swears he will never use again. At first, I believed he was done. Recently though, I have noticed symptoms of drug use. While these symptoms are not near as apparent as before, I still believe he is doing something. His pupils are tiny, his face looks droopy and he has tons of energy. He walks, talks, and acts completely different. Is it possible to be using heroin and gain energy? I know that he is not shooting so I know the symptoms vary a bit. He swears up and down that he is not using but I have that gut feeling that he is lying. How do the symptoms of heroin use vary when its being snorted rather than shot up?  One last thing, he constantly tells me to pick up a drug test because he will pass it everytime. Is there a way to pass these drug tests after using that I am not aware of?? So confused..irritated..etc.. Any suggestions as to what to do and knowledge of mental symptoms of use is greatly appreciated.

[bblueeyesb]

I have definitely been considering therapy. We realize we need to do something because no trust makes a relationship impossible. I was even thinking going to an Alanon meeting to get suggestions. Im not really sure where to begin and how to seek help with a tight budget. Thank you for your honesty.

[Julia M Aharonov, DO]

The difference of shooting up heroin and snorting are really insignificant, so if he is still on heroin, he would have the same symptoms. If you do not believe him, take him up on his offer of the drug test. But from the reading of your letter, it felt to me like you have no more trust for him. So, here is my six million dollar question for you: why are you still in this relationship?  You have as much as already told me that even passing the drug test will not make you trust him.  Either go to therapy together to work on the trust issue or go on with your life. Sorry for sounding so harsh, I only want what is best for you, you do deserve it. Why not? Good luck and stay safe.