Have you already been through detox and rehabilitation and are still experiencing heroin cravings? Know that you are not alone. Kicking an opioid habit is not a simple walk in the park if you will. Or, perhaps you are thinking about entering rehab, but you simply want to know what to expect down the road.
The answer is that you have the strength within you to overcome your addiction, including your heroin cravings when they pop up. We at Asheville Detox want to have an honest conversation with you about heroin cravings and what to do when you are experiencing them.
Dealing With Heroin Cravings
During your heroin withdrawal period, it is common to feel a strong urge to do heroin. Perhaps, you may be wondering how long these heroin cravings last once this initial withdrawal period is over. It would be nice to be able to tell you that your heroin cravings would completely disappear forever after a few weeks.
However, for many former heroin addicts, this is simply not the case. You may experience heroin cravings for months or even years after you have been completely sober. Unfortunately, for many people, these latent heroin cravings do lead to relapse, even after long periods of abstinence.
Preventing Heroin Cravings With Medication
Thankfully, science has provided us with several prescription medications that are useful in the fight against heroin addiction.
Methadone is one of these medications, which has been around for many years. It has been proven to lower the number of people who overdose, as well as those who get involved in drug-related crimes. It is particularly useful in helping former addicts get back in charge of their lives after addiction.
Buprenorphine also may be used, as it is less addictive than methadone. Naltrexone is another option, as it blocks the effects of heroin in the brain so the person can’t get high if they try and use it.
Alternate Ways to Deal With Heroin Cravings
If your heroin cravings don’t seem to be helped with medication, there are a few other techniques you can try.
The first thing you can try is to do whatever it takes to distract your attention away from your heroin cravings. For example, if you enjoy bike riding, jump on it and take a ride. Get busy and clean your house, or find a way to relax such as doing yoga. Making a list of things to do ahead of time may be helpful so when your craving hits you will be ready for action.
Another thing you can do is get in touch with your support group, friend or family member that you can trust. Being accountable to someone and letting them know that you are experiencing heroin cravings gets your feelings out into the open and makes you less likely to sneak around and relapse.
Another option is to prevent relapse therapeutically. Focus on participating in your contingency management program so that you can earn vouchers for staying drug-free and earn rewards that you might like to have.
Receive Support from Asheville Detox
At Asheville Detox, we understand that struggling with heroin cravings may sometimes feel like you are in a losing battle. However, know that you never have to go at it alone. Our team of friendly professionals is always available to help keep you on the right path and save you from falling backward into a relapse. If you are experiencing heroin cravings and you feel like you can’t resist, don’t wait any longer. Call us today to learn how we can help you move on from heroin addiction and enjoy a life of sobriety.
