Overcoming addiction can be extremely difficult. Prolonged use of an addictive substance irreversibly alters the brain, resulting in frequent cravings for an individual’s drug of choice. As a highly potent opioid, heroin addiction is no exception. In fact, this fiercely addictive substance is a main contributor to the ongoing opioid crisis. According to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 15,000 people died from a drug overdose involving heroin in the United States in 2018, a rate of almost 5 deaths for every 100,000 Americans.
Heroin abuse causes deterioration of personal relationships, financial hardship, heart infection, kidney disease, mental disorders, and even death when left untreated. Whether an individual is in recovery, self-treating, or has not yet begun practicing abstinence, applying the following coping skills can help you or a loved one combat alcohol cravings and start living a healthy, drug-free life.
Coping Skills to Combat Heroin Cravings
Therapy
Therapy sessions are highly beneficial towards maintaining sobriety. Therapists can provide understanding as to the root cause of an individual’s addiction and reinforce an individual’s motivation to stay sober. With this professional help, coping strategies are developed and strengthened so that potential triggers are minimized.
Avoid Triggers
Once an individual begins practicing abstinence, it is important to actively avoid triggers as much as possible. Although triggers are unique to every individual, common ones include places where heroin is commonly found, individuals who enable addiction or incite negative emotions, and areas where past traumas took place. By avoiding these triggers, heroin cravings are less likely to appear.
Find a New Hobby
Once heroin use no longer consumes time and energy, an individual may find themselves having ample free-time. In order to evade cravings in these moments, starting a new hobby can be a very effective abstinence tool. Whether it’s painting, reading, cooking, or building a garden gnome collection, let new interests replace the old.
Join a 12-Step Community
It is often recommended that individuals in the recovery phase join a 12-step community. These groups offer support, accountability, and a sense of solidarity for those who are struggling to control their cravings.
Heroin Addiction Treatment Center
Heroin is highly addictive and life-threatening when abused; therefore, it is extremely important to seek help immediately if you or a loved one is struggling with this addiction. At Asheville Recovery Center, treatment specialists utilize a 12-step program and practice holistic rehabilitation.
Services at the center include:
Partial Hospitalization Program – At Asheville Recovery Center we offer a partial hospitalization program for clients who need post-residential treatment as well as for clients who need primary treatment but are unable to enroll in inpatient programs. Our PHP track offers a variety of therapeutic services and benefits to individuals in early recovery from substance addiction. Our day program is full-time, offering all of the clinical hours provided in residential treatment (from 9 am to 5 pm) with the benefit of allowing clients to return home to a structured sober living environment at night. This gives individuals the opportunity to build a community of peers and practice life skills, such as cooking, cleaning, and self-care, while still participating in immersive and intensive clinical addiction and trauma treatment.
Outpatient Rehabilitation – During intensive outpatient treatment, clients live at home or in a sober living residence which can help keep them accountable for their recovery commitment. Our staff coordinates with local, reputable sober living homes to ensure that our clients are living in a safe place and that their needs are being met, even when they are not at clinical sessions. During this time, clients are also encouraged to become involved in local twelve-step fellowships, to find sponsors, and to begin working the steps of recovery through participation in these groups. IOP is a place where clients can process their experiences in twelve-step fellowships and support one another in those individual journeys.
Addiction is difficult to overcome alone. If you feel that you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol abuse, our specialists are on standby and ready to help. Call (828)383-0784 and speak with an addiction expert today.
