Chippers

Heroin is a power opioid with a high rate of dependance. It is estimated that about 23% of all people who try heroin become dependent. It has widely been accepted and observed that once the heroin addiction process begins, it progresses into constant use to avoid withdrawal symptoms. However there is a certain population of heroin users, called chippers, who are able to use the drug socially yet still maintain fulfilling lives around their habit and experience little to no withdrawal symptoms. The Natural History of 'Chipping' presents five case studies compiled from interviews conducted with 54 occasional heroin users. The five case histories illustrate how certain heroin users develop separate social circles with drug-using peers and non-drug using peers and how they are able to maintain their use to particular setting and company. There study was unable to determine any distinguishing characteristics common among all chippers with regards to race, socioeconomic class, upbringing, or personality type. More studies into this phenomenon could reveal unknown connections between social factors and addiction. It is worth noting that studies on chipping are very difficult to perform as the social stigma against heroin use prevents users from coming forward to participate in studies for fear of being exposed to family, friends, or the law.