According to Harvard Medical School, “Addiction is a chronic disease with no lasting inexpensive cure. Recovery, when it occurs, is precarious, and relapse is a constant danger.” This does not necessarily mean that an individual will definitely relapse after opium addiction treatment, but they will likely experience issues that will trigger them to relapse or make it difficult for them to avoid it. This is why seeking professional help and working hard to maintain one’s sobriety is so important.
Post-treatment Relapse
Relapse can happen at any time, from during withdrawal to afterwards and weeks into addiction treatment or even years after the individual has finished their treatment program. This is why it is important to always be vigilant about the possibility, to seek further help if you feel like you are struggling with your sobriety, and to be aware of your needs as an individual in recovery.
Having a strong support network greatly reduces one’s chance of relapse.
According to the National Library of Medicine, just after withdrawal or detox is the most dangerous time for relapse because the most overdose deaths happen then. “Because withdrawal reduces the person’s tolerance to the drug, those who have just gone through [it] can overdose on a much smaller dose than they used to take.” This is a very volatile time, and the individual should be aware of the dangerous possibility of relapse here. However, it is still important to remember that a person can relapse at any time during or after their opium addiction treatment, so the threat will always be there.
How Can I Avoid Relapsing After Treatment?
There are several ways in which you can make your addiction treatment stronger, your recovery more solidified, and your chance of relapse lower, especially over time.
- Always attend addiction treatment after withdrawal. If you do not attend one of these programs, it is much more likely you will experience cravings you cannot fight and eventually overdose as a result.
- Utilize the coping mechanisms you learn in addiction treatment to help you avoid abusing opium. These concepts will be important in your daily life even after you finish treatment.
- Do not hesitate to attend another rehab program after you have finished your initial one. When you begin to notice yourself struggling with your recovery, it is important to try another type of program, which could be beneficial to your current state.
- Avoid the use of any opioid prescriptions or other drugs that can be addictive. Make sure your doctor knows your history of addiction and opium abuse so they will not prescribe you any medication that could become habit-forming.
- Reach out to those around you. Whether it is your friend, a family member, an individual in Narcotics Anonymous or another mutual-help group, or someone else, talk to those who want to see you recover and ask them for guidance, help, or just to listen. It can lift an incredible weight off your shoulders to discuss your recovery with someone else.
Do You Need Treatment for Opium Abuse?
If you are an opium addict and are in need of professional rehab, call 877-743-0081 (Who Answers?). We can help you find a program that will fit your needs and allow you to make a change in your life for the better. Call today.
Convincing an Opiate Addict they Need Treatment -
Unfortunately, many you probably know someone who needs opiate addiction treatment. Convincing them that treatment is the best option for them is extremely difficult. Most addicts do not want to hear that they need addiction treatment and will resist your efforts. There are ways to help them find the treatment that they need. Find out ... 
Opiate Addiction Treatment Programs and Dual Diagnosis -
Dual diagnosis patients require a more intensive treatment approach in order to have all issues addressed and get the best chance at recovery. 
Ways to Get Relief from the Symptoms of Opium Withdrawal -
Opium is a naturally occurring highly addictive drug that claims 5% of the United States as its slaves. Slaves to opium addiction find that the cycle they have started seems nearly impossible to break due to tolerance build up and immediate withdrawal symptoms as soon as the effects of the “high” recede into the shadows. With ... 
Is My Opium Dependence Killing Me? -
Opium abuse takes a toll on your physical and psychological health, and often requires professional treatment. 
Tips for Getting Off Opiate Drugs -
The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that up to 36 million people worldwide abuse opiates in the form of heroin or prescription drugs. There are 2.1 million people abusing opiates in the United States alone. Of these 36 million, many want to get off opiates. Unfortunately detoxing from any drug including opiates is miserable. ...