Preventing Heroin Relapse

Street heroin laced with dangerous additives like fentanyl has increased the number of overdoses. The risk of overdosing is magnified when you relapse because your tolerance diminishes during abstinence. Preventing heroin relapse is an important part of treatment during sober living in Jacksonville FL because nearly half of all people in recovery experience at least one relapse.

The severity of the opiate epidemic in the United States has led to President Trump declaring a public health emergency in 2017. Dangerous street heroin laced with fentanyl has had a particularly devastating effect, playing a leading role in why overdoses have become the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. The opiate epidemic has significantly impacted young Americans, as opiate abuse has nearly doubled among Americans ages 18 to 25 in the past decade.

Heroin Addiction

Heroin is an illicit Schedule 1 opiate in the United States, meaning that it has no medical benefit and is illegal to prescribe, sell, possess and manufacture. It is derived from the opium plant and is a central nervous system depressant. Heroin is sold in a powder or solid form. Solid form heroin, such as black tar heroin, is usually smoked. Powdered heroin is inhaled, injected or smoked.

Heroin causes intense feelings of relaxation, commonly causing users to experience a warm sensation throughout their body. Inhaling heroin leads to a moderate high that lasts 2-3 hours. Smoking creates a short-lived, intense high. Injecting heroin causes an intense rush and strong, prolonged high.

Taking too much heroin can cause a fatal overdose and depress your breathing and heart rate. Since heroin is illegal, dangerous additives can cause lethal consequences. Heroin is also physically addicting. Once you develop a heroin addiction, you can experience withdrawal symptoms within 24 hours of your last use. Signs of heroin withdrawal can cause:

• Aches, pains, and cramps
• Seizures, dehydration, and disorientation
• Restless legs, insomnia, and exhaustion
• Malaise
• Sweats and chills

Withdrawal symptoms and cravings can make it difficult to quit without help, making heroin relapse prevention an important part of successful treatment.

Preventing Heroin Relapse

Preventing heroin relapse is an essential part of inpatient and outpatient treatment. Early recovery poses a significant risk of relapsing. As your brain and body recover from addiction, you can deal with depleted moods and post-acute withdrawal. These symptoms and changes are sometimes difficult to manage during the initial stages of recovery.

Inpatient and outpatient programs can offer evidence-based and holistic treatments, as well as medically supervised detox services at a heroin detox center in Florida. Sober living Jacksonville FL offers provides you with safe and supportive housing during recovery. Aftercare programs can offer individual, family and marital counseling, as well as relapse prevention support.

Reaching Out for Help Today

If you or a loved one is struggling with a heroin addiction, treatment is the best way to begin the recovery process. Learning coping skills like meditation can help you learn how preventing heroin relapse can be accomplished in a healthy manner. Treatment also provides you with the understanding and guidance necessary to navigate recovery. Contact our treatment center today at 866.605.0532 to learn more about how to begin your recovery journey.