by Suzana Vuksanovic

Created on: November 17, 2009

Most drug addicts' days start with waking up to conscious craving. Feelings involve a reluctance to face the day's demands for drug procurement countered by a fear of the increasing severity of symptoms if left without a dose. Depression at being in such an untenable position is common sometimes to the point of being suicidal.

For the softer drugs like marijuana that involve few if any physical symptoms the day may simply be one of depression, listlessness and apathy, as drug procurement depends upon the next payment from whatever source pay check, welfare benefits, drug dealing etc. For these addicts time without drugs means waiting a long, grey corridor of the mind that serves as a waiting room with a clock that is unnaturally slow. Difficulty in concentrating, short attention span, irritability and negativity are common

Those with addictions that have established a firm physical hold do not have the luxury of waiting for income. They face a day where the necessity to procure drugs is unquestioned. Alcoholics tend to shoplift alcohol if they cannot persuade anyone from their shrinking circle of friends to lend them some money. Pharmaceutical addicts start doing the rounds of 'doctor shopping'; sometimes travelling great distances to get to promising prospects. Those on 'hard' street drugs such as methamphetamine and heroin face having to produce money in order to buy their very expensive drugs.

Sitting it out is not an option for these addicts. The withdrawal symptoms are severe and greatly feared and only get worse with time. Hence the harder it will be for the prostitute to dress up, put on make-up, look appealing whilst trying to attract clients; and if they are very sick, they will sometimes rob the client rather than extend the agony by performing the job. The housebreaker and shoplifter is more likely to make mistakes that will lead to their apprehension. They all tend to be more obvious to unwelcome eyes because of their sickness, causing paranoia to be paramount.

During this initial time of working whilst still in the throes of early withdrawal, every addict fervently wishes for luck to be on their side and grant them the amount of money necessary to 'score' (buy their drugs) after that, they know, everything will be much easier. The first part of the day is always the hardest part. The prostitute prays that she doesn't have to wait too long before finding a client, and that the client she gets pays her enough so that she can 'score' right

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>