Exclusive Heroin Addiction Relapse Prevention at Bayside Marin Treatment Center in California

Learn more about relapse prevention at Bayside Marin in California

Heroin has long been considered to be one of the most difficult addictions to overcome in California and the greater United States. The powerfully addictive properties of this opioid can rapidly trap individuals into an ongoing cycle of abuse, ultimately having a detrimental impact on all aspects of their lives. Once a person has developed an addiction to this deadly substance, overcoming the compulsion to continue abusing it can be exceedingly difficult. It is for this reason, among many others, that individuals who make the brave decision to receive heroin treatment for their addictions to heroin should be encouraged and celebrated.

As is true for an addiction to any substance, an addiction to heroin is not simply cured by participating in a heroin treatment program at a trusted heroin rehab center. Instead, forcing oneself to abstain from using this drug can be a daily struggle. Keeping this fact in mind, it is imperative that, while receiving care, individuals are given a discharge plan that outlines options for continuing care services that they can take advantage of once they leave the heroin addiction treatment center. By having ongoing supports in place, individuals have the best chance at maintaining their sobriety for the long-term.

Unfortunately, because of the daily inner battle that a person must contend with when he or she is addicted to heroin, relapsing is not an uncommon occurrence. A relapse occurs when a person has achieved sobriety, remained sober for a period of time, but then surrendered to the temptation to use heroin again. While relapsing can be a devastating experience, it should not be viewed as a sign of weakness. People in recovery should not feel as though they have failed, yet they must make a conscious effort to re-commit themselves to their sobriety.

Reasons why people relapse from heroin addiction

There are a myriad of reasons as to why some individuals end up relapsing. Cravings and temptations are not eliminated by one’s participation in treatment, and sometimes those cravings and temptations can become so all-consuming that an individual feel unable to ignore them. Examples of possible circumstances that can result in an individual succumbing to relapse can include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Being in the presence of people who are using heroin
• Believing that one is capable of using heroin just once or twice without falling back into the cycle of habitual use
• Feeling as though life was more manageable and more pleasurable when one was using heroin
• Not taking part in aftercare services or support groups once heroin treatment at a rehab center has come to an end
• Suffering from a trauma
• Experiencing significant stress that one feels unable to cope with
• Boredom

How to prevent relapse at Bayside Marin Treatment Center in California

Sadly, the risk of relapse is an ever-present threat in the lives of those who are in recovery from a heroin addiction. However, this does not mean that everyone will relapse, it just impacts the daily challenges that they face as they work to sustain their sobriety.

The following are suggestions for steps that individuals can take in order to prevent a relapse from occurring:

• If your treatment provider gave you an aftercare plan to follow upon discharge from their care, make every effort to adhere to those suggestions. If your treatment provider did not provide you with an aftercare plan, seek out guidance from another mental health or addiction treatment professional to discover ways that you can continue to be successful in your recovery.
• Attend Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings. Doing so can be a great tool in helping to prevent relapse as it can give you an opportunity to be among others who have experienced similar challenges to your own, and who can provide you with first-hand experience and support.
• Seek out a sponsor and remain in regular contact with him or her.
• Refrain from placing yourself in a situation where heroin will be available. Additionally, avoid associating with people who are using heroin or other substances.
• Be open and honest with a few close family members and friend with whom you feel comfortable and who you believe you can trust. Share with them your goals for sustaining your sobriety, and ask them to hold you accountable to your commitment to doing so. Also, use your loved ones as a sounding board or as a source of support and encouragement when you are feeling overwhelmed or are struggling with your sobriety.
• Develop a daily schedule and stick to it. Keep yourself occupied with hobbies or activities that hold your interest. Doing so can help you keep your mind off of your desire to use heroin.

If you do experience a relapse, do not become discouraged. It can be a tumultuous experience, but it does not mean that you cannot achieve sobriety once again. Seek out professional and re-enroll in a treatment program of your choosing.

If you have any questions about treatment options, aftercare services, or relapse prevention, please contact the team of devoted professionals here at Bayside Marin Treatment Center in California. We want to help you remain committed to your sobriety, ultimately assisting you in living the healthy and happy life that you deserve to be living.