Groups may also form when a number of addicts are waiting to 'score' a deal of heroin. When the dealer arrives, some clients may be in withdrawal and will want to use the drug as soon as possible. This group is sometimes the extent of the addict's companionship. Although often a lonesome pursuit in our society, in other areas, such as parts of India and Asia, there is a particular social ritual to traditional opium use. This may cross social and religious barriers and is associated with few of the harmful consequences of intravenous use.
Many addicts do stop using drugs.
They perceive the dangers, realise their situation and call on their resources to curtail opiate use. Numerous surveys and censuses have found that surprisingly large numbers of Australians have tried illicit opioids, but estimates of the numbers who have been addicted are substantially lower. Despite the obvious severe consequences which occur, some addicts continue to use the drug in a compulsive and harmful manner. Heroin makes me feel good. It gives me energy to go out and do a day's work and helps me relax in the evenings.