There are as many triggers to relapse during opiate detox as there are people undergoing opiate withdrawal treatment. It can be as simple as the mention of a certain drug or the description of using it or what it’s like under the influence. For others visual triggers like seeing someone use in a movie is enough where others only find themselves fade under pressure when someone is using in front of them. Being offered something to drink can trigger the desire to use, even if alcoholism isn’t a problem. That’s why so many find that abstinence from all mind altering substances is the best way to stay off their addictive drug of choice. So how do you avoid relapse when you’re faced with a trigger?

Get. Out.

There is only one way to avoid relapse during opiate detox: take yourself out of the situation. If you feel vulnerable or unsafe in any way no matter what the situation, get out. It’s easy enough if it’s a movie you’re watching: just turn the channel. But what about when it’s a more difficult situation, like roommates who use or have guests who get loaded in front of you or a negative work situation?

Though not easy to deal with, the answer is the same: If you live with people who are using around you or who often have people over who use despite your sensitivity to the situation, find a new place to live. If you work with people who are using around you, find a new job as soon as you can.

In the Meantime…

Getting out may not be as simple as walking away. It may take time for you to find a new job, a new home, new places to hang out. What do you do in the meantime? Though you may not be able to squash the trigger permanently—and really, that will never happen—you can always remove yourself from the situation for the moment. If you can’t leave the building for whatever reason, go to another room or step outside, put on headphones to drown out the conversation, go online. If you can leave the physical presence of the people or situation that is causing you stress, just take a walk or head out to a coffee shop, window shopping, anything to put some space between you and anything that could interfere with your opiate detox.
What are your triggers? What tempts you to use during opiate detox and recovery? How do you avoid temptation?

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"Avoiding Opiate Detox Relapse Triggers" posted in Addiction Recovery, Outpatient Rehabilitation, opiate-detox.
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