Why do heroin addicts seek treatment?
The impetus to stop heroin use and seek treatment may derive from complete exhaustion and ‘burnout’ from addiction’s harsh and demanding lifestyle: or it may arise from fear of the dangers of street life or serious illness. The catalyst may be pressure from family, friends, employers, the legal system, or personal financial cost. It can also be the result of repeated unsuccessful personal attempts to stop heroin use, or of personal, family or economic collapse. Opiate dependent individuals seek professional help to find support for change, to handle life stress, to break unhealthy connections with drug-related associates and places, to regain a sense of stability, and to repair health and social problems.