Definition of a Junkie

[Twiglet]

Is the Definition of a Junkie, just someone or some people, you don't like, that prefer a different drug to you?

Reputation Comments on this post:

reputation trade by PM

[~lostgurl~]

It is usually a refence to an IV drug addict who's addiction takes over their morals. It is less comonly associated with drug addicts who are not IV users for the same reason. I usually only use the term about people who steal to support their drug habit or addicts that are incredibly unhygenic.

[jcdjinn]

I always thought it only refered to a heroin addict. Meth=tweaker, crack=crackhead, and heroin=junkie.

[Jatelka]

There's a thread here....

http://www.drugs-forum.com/forum/sho...ghlight=junkie

which I think covers it quite well

[enquirewithin]

Originally Posted by jcdjinn

I always thought it only refered to a heroin addict. Meth=tweaker, crack=crackhead, and heroin=junkie.

The original meaning was a heroin addict (junk is heroin/ opiates) which includes smokers and sniffers-- but someone who is really addicted and cannot do without. IV users tend to be more addicted. Heroin addicts will steal because withdrawal is so unpleasant and heroin is expensive. Also, heroin gives people a very detached, amoral view of the world.

It has pejorative overtones, like 'dirty little junkie,' and I suppose the use has spread to other chronic drug users. Maybe you could be a chocolate junkie?

A junkie (or junky) is a heroin addict. The word has also come to be used to describe addicts in general, and even more loosely, enthusiasts and obsessives (as in the term "science fiction junkie").
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junky

[Orchid_Suspiria]

For the most part it applies to heroin/opiate addicts.The term came about because in the forties they would steal junk metal to support their opiate addiction.

Reputation Comments on this post:

finally someone actually explains where the term comes from

[Wflash]

Originally Posted by enquirewithin

Also, heroin gives people a very detached, amoral view of the world.

Many people yes. But I don't believe it always needs to. I'm a huge believer in personal responsibility. The fact that SWIM would describe himself as a junkie (in that he has a long-standing physical addiction to opiates) is not an excuse for him to treat people with anything other than kindness and respect.

[rxbandit]

like orchid was saying in the 40's war veterans who picked up heroin/opiate addictions on their tours of dutys came home. They would pick up junk metal and cans and such and recycle them/sell them to junkyards to support their habits. These individuals were known as junk men which later evolved into the term junkie. More or less they spent their whole day scrounging up enough change for their fix and did not do much else with their lives. I think when a drug becomes the highest priority in someones life they are considered a junkie.

Reputation Comments on this post:

Interesting bit of lore!

[Twiglet]

Funny, cos people still scrap metal to pay for heroin (normally)

[enquirewithin]

Originally Posted by rxbandit

like orchid was saying in the 40's war veterans who picked up heroin/opiate addictions on their tours of dutys came home. They would pick up junk metal and cans and such and recycle them/sell them to junkyards to support their habits. These individuals were known as junk men which later evolved into the term junkie. ...

Very interesting. I didn't know that! I always assumed the term was a value judgment.

Originally Posted by Wflash

Many people yes. But I don't believe it always needs to. I'm a huge believer in personal responsibility. The fact that SWIM would describe himself as a junkie (in that he has a long-standing physical addiction to opiates) is not an excuse for him to treat people with anything other than kindness and respect.

Of course, SWIW is right. It is the individual's responsibility. I would only judge people by their actions, not their drug intake. Many junkies don't steal. In fact, they only do it because they have no money, if they do. Richer heroin addicts, or ones that can do without, have a lot less problems and get into less trouble.

My cat hasn't touched opiates for years but, although he never stole to support a habit, remembers doing some funny things under the influence of heroin. He also remembers other feline friends changing as their involvement with heroin developed. One has to be careful.