Heroin addictionis one of the most terrifying and difficult experiences a person can have. The misery of people’s parents, siblings, and partners is frequently ignored. When the patient stops using, your affection and care elicit tremendous and overpowering sensations of delight, which shift to despair if they relapse. People with substance use problems become quite adept at concealing their actions, making it difficult to detect blips in their recovery.There are indications to look out for if your loved one is relapsing on heroin, and the sooner you notice them, the better. Your top aim should be to get them into an inpatient heroin rehab program, which should last at least three months, according to doctors. Detox, addiction therapy, and the teaching of coping techniques are all necessary for them to recover from this illness.
Signs of Heroin Relapse
If you’re worried about a loved one, watch for thesesigns of heroin relapse:
- Changes in mood, attitude, and sleeping patterns
- Neglecting of family, job, and school duties
- Financial difficulties
- Not attending therapy and 12-step meetings such as Narcotics Anonymous
- Puffiness or dark circles around the eyes
- Insomnia accompanied by extreme drowsiness or “nodding off”
- Lethargy/tiredness and yawning
- Small (constricted) pupils
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Runny nose, teary eyes, and sniffling
- Losing weight
- Skin abrasions (track marks) caused by needles
- Change in eating habits
- Wearing baggy clothes to hide weight loss and track marks
Heroin Relapse Prevention
Addiction therapy, lifestyle modifications, a commitment to sobriety, participation in a recovery program, and the support of others are all important in preventing relapse from heroin. Relapse can be avoided by using the following strategies:
- Family Therapy
Every member of the family is affected by heroin addiction. Family members must learn how to assist one another without enabling undesirable behaviors. They need to improve their communication skills as well. People who feel loved and supported are less likely to relapse, according to research.
- Behavioural Therapy
People with co-occurring addiction and mental health difficulties benefit from counseling that incorporates techniques such as contingency management and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).CBT has been demonstrated to be particularly helpful in addressing the maladaptive beliefs and behaviors that fuel mental health and addiction illnesses. To encourage desirable actions and discourage negative ones, contingency management uses principles from applied behavior analysis.
- Group Therapy
In sobriety, group therapy and support groups can help you feel more connected and accountable. Hearing from others who have faced similar challenges can help you feel less alone and ashamed. Long-term recovery necessitates the development of a sober peer network from which to seek social support.
Heroin Addiction Treatment
Detox is not the same as therapy for heroin addiction. Relapse is almost probable unless you enroll in an addiction treatment program that tackles the root causes of your drug or alcohol abuse and teaches you healthy coping strategies. Relapse can be avoided and long-term recovery supported through inpatient drug abuse treatment followed by outpatient therapy and a robust aftercare plan.
A Word from Skyward
If you’re afraid that your loved one is on the verge of relapse, call our Houston drug treatment clinic at to speak with an addiction counselor. At Skyward Treatment Center, our health experts are sure that they can help you or loved one regain control of their lives.