4 Tips for Relapse Prevention
Opiates are powerful drugs which are either derived from the naturally occurring opium found in the poppy plant or synthetically engineered.
Opiates are mostly used to relieve severe chronic pain. Unfortunately, opiates are highly addictive and often become abused. Opiates come in liquids, pills, or suckers and are taken by mouth, shot, skin patch or in suppository form.
Opiates work by suppressing your perception of pain, they also calm your emotional responses to pain by lowering the number of pain signals sent by your nervous system and your brain’s reaction to those pain signals. Opioids are used to minimize moderate to severe chronic pain and are quite effective; however if given in a high dose, they can cause side effects, and if abused can lead to dependence and addiction.
Overcoming Opioid Addiction With Suboxone
Don’t lose hope if you become addicted, there are proven and effective ways to get off of an opioid addiction. Suboxone is a strong and highly effective drug and curbing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, opioid addiction can be overcome with the right help and tools.
It is important to note; all medicines have side effects; however, most people don’t feel the side effects or they feel they can handle them.
Relapse Prevention Tips
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Stay busy to keep your mind off of opioids or other drugs
Keeping busy is a great way to keep your mind on other things in your life and off of drugs. When you stay busy, you can better suppress cravings by having full focus on other items in life. Keeping busy by taking up hobbies that you love, or spending extra time with family and friends can help drastically, while continued use of suboxone will assist in preventing a relapse.
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Get enough sleep and rest, allow your body to recover
Getting adequate rest and sleep can also help, when not getting enough sleep you may are more likely to slip into a relapse.
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Don’t be afraid to say no to opioids and drugs
You can’t be afraid to say no. If something or someone is stressing you out and you feel the need to use opiates to get through the event or situation, just say no. It may not always be so easy to say no, think ahead and separate yourself from and a situation where you might be pushed to have to say no.
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Stay healthy and focus on yourself
Most importantly, stay healthy. Eat healthy foods and stay away from sweets and high calories snacks like chips and alcohol. A balanced diet will give your body nourishment not only for your physical self but also your mental self. Attending group meetings can also help.
We’re here to help…
Whether treatment is for you, a family member or a friend, we are happy to speak with you about our outpatient drug treatment program, and how AOC can help patients with their opioid addiction recovery. Since 2007, AOC has helped thousands of patients on their path to recovery.
Please read more about AOC, or call us at 330-259-4849, or email to schedule an appointment – it’s fast, easy and confidential.
One of my cousins has problems with drugs, so she will need some help recovering. I like how you mentioend that she should get plenty of rest and sleep, as it will help keep her from relapsing. Thanks for all these tips on recovering from drug abuse.
I like that you mentioned how spending time with loved ones can help you stay busy so that you can avoid becoming distracted by cravings. Ever since my brother moved to another state, he has mentioned that he has lost his job due to his opioid addiction and worries that he may be unable to stop since his friends and family live too far away to help him. He should consider seeking professional help in order to handle his addiction.
Thank you for your comment. Your brother is fortunate to have such a loving and caring brother. Best wishes to you both!