Recovering from drug addiction can be mentally, physically, and emotionally challenging. Heroin is a highly addictive opioid, and the longer a person uses heroin, the more dependent they become on the drug, and the more difficult it is to quit using it. However, the detrimental impacts of heroin addiction on a person’s life, as well as the high risk of fatal overdose, make it extremely important for those struggling with heroin addiction to seek help as soon as possible. 

According to the CDC, more than 14,000 people died from heroin overdoses in 2019. The statistics go on to show that the rate of overdose deaths involving heroin was more than seven times higher in 2019 than in 1999, and nearly a third of all opioid deaths involved heroin. 

Coping Skills to Fight Heroin Addiction

Join a 12-Step Recovery Community 

12-step recovery communities are often recommended to those struggling with addiction and seeking help. Peer-to-peer support from individuals who have experienced drug addiction and recovery themselves can be invaluable. Isolation is often a large part of active addiction, and having community support and a sense of solidarity is an important factor in recovery. 

Avoid High-Risk Situations and Triggers

When an individual is fighting heroin addiction, it is crucial to avoid situations that will trigger cravings or tempt the person to use. Triggers and high-risk situations vary for every individual but typically include places where a person has used heroin in the past, situations where heroin is likely to be available, and stressful situations that trigger a craving as a way to cope with difficult emotions. It is often important for an individual to change the people and environments they surround themselves with. 

Work with a Therapist

Psychotherapy with a trained professional provides a safe, supportive space to be honest and process the challenges of early recovery. Therapists have many tools and techniques to support an individual in an individualized setting, with the ability to take in all the factors of a person’s situation. 

Discover A New Hobby

When removing something as all-consuming as a heroin addiction from someone’s life, it is important that the individual replaces old, detrimental habits with new, constructive ones. A new hobby can provide a positive distraction and creative outlet in heroin addiction recovery. Whether the hobby is hiking, drawing, cooking, or playing an instrument, these activities can help a person restore their sense of joy and learn to have a fulfilling life without heroin. 

Heroin Addiction Treatment

If left untreated, heroin addiction is life-threatening. Fortunately, help is available for those battling this addiction. Depending on the stage of an individual’s addiction, they may require detox, an intensive treatment program, or both. Fortunately, Knoxville Recovery Center offers various services to those struggling with this addiction. 

Services offered: 

Detox – Our on-site detox clinic accommodates and supports clients as the body sheds all residual traces of heroin. Clients are under medical supervision during the detox process to ensure that they remain safe and comfortable. 

Addiction Treatment –  During our addiction treatment program, clients will engage in introductory therapies and exercises that work to prepare them for continued, more intensive treatment outside of our facility. The goal of our addiction treatment track is to stabilize clients so that they are treatment-ready. 

Mental Health Treatment – Our mental health treatment program introduces behavioral therapies rooted in self-expression and holistic exercise. Art therapy, music therapy, and yoga are just a few forms of therapy we offer at the center. Our goal is to help the client reclaim their voice and expose them to treatment within a professional facility. 

Aftercare Planning – Aftercare is designed for individuals who have benefitted from our introductory addiction services and are transitioning into a more intensive addiction treatment program. Once a client is stabilized, they will be encouraged to pursue continued addiction treatment. Our experienced case managers will then work with our clients to place them in a program that addresses their specific wants and needs. 

Addiction is difficult to overcome alone. If you feel that you or a loved one is struggling with heroin abuse, our specialists are on standby and ready to help. Call Knoxville Recovery Center and speak with an addiction expert today.