How long can a heroin addict stay away from heroin?

Question

My husband was a heroin addict for about 10 years. When we met I had finally helped and convinced him it was time to put a stop to it. He did make the decision to stop and get clean. So we moved away from it and he has been clean for almost 2 years. The problem is he wants to move back because of family but I am not all for it just yet. And this is why, Just the few times we have visited there he has relapsed once and 2 other times I had to talk him out of not doing it. Its like a fight everytime we go back to were he use to use. Will he ever be able to move there and not want to use heroin? Is it possible just to not ever want to use it again? He has always told me.. Once a heroin addict always one... is this true? Advice on this terrible drug please!

Answer 1

The answer to this question is "As long as he wants to"... There is a saying in recovery called "People, places & things". I think it states the obvious. You should distance yourself from the people, places and things that make you want to use. It also comes down to how he got clean in the first place. If he did it on his own, than he probably does not have the proper tools to help him abstain from the drug. He needs to learn how to live clean and or sober, if alcohol is also a problem. This process can take years in a controled invironment like a program. Some people are successful on their own, but it takes a lot of will power and personal choice. Try to encourage him to seek an NA program on an out-patient basis. If this is not helpful, he should check into a long term in-patient facility. And PLEASE, stay away from people, places and things. And, yes, it is possible to live without the drug but the urge may never go away, so, it is important to want to stay clean. I have for more than 12 years .
Hope this helps!

Answer 2

I would say yes once a drug addict always a drug addict. Your main thing is to keep him away from where you would think he could get it.I know this will probally bother you but you want to, keep him clean don't you?Even though they stay sober for so many years just one taste can set them off again.I had the same problem with my x husband on cocaine so I ,know where you are coming from.I will definetly say donot repeat donot move back there and make sure that he dosen't have enough money to get it and don't ever let him go back where you lived by himself.I know you have to be the baby sitter but I rather see you the baby sitter than to find your husband in an alley somewhere.Also no matter where he goes you go with him except for work.I know how hard and rough it is but I hope that you can keep him away from it.Also you should give him a ultamatium it is either you and your marriage or he has to go and really mean it that he knows you aren't kidding.My x husband thought I would never leave that is why is now my x.You can't live your life and his.I wish you the very best of luck. I will also say a prayer for your husband.One more thing habve you ever haeard of an alcoholic never drinking the last beer.

Answer 3

I personally have never used heroin (used crack for 10 years though), but what your hubby says is true...once an addict ALWAYS an addict!! Some day he might be able to go back to the area that he used, but I don't think it will be for some time yet. There are too many reminders of the feelings he had while using, and the people and places he used in/with will still be there, some still using and offering it to him (reason why he used the last time perhaps?) I understand the desire to move closer to the family, but I don't believe he should move back to the same town, perhaps a couple hours away might help both situations here. Good luck!!

Answer 4

An addiction of any kind is a hard thing to move passed. It is true that once an addict, always an addict. I am one too. I never did Heroine, but I really loved Meth. When he returns to his old "playground" and gets around those same people with whom he used to get high, he will feel the urge calling him to use again. It is something he needs to work on to avoid using again and you can't fix this for him. I'm glad he is now clean, but in order to stay that way, he needs to build up a support system. For me, I found Narcotics Anonymous to be of great help. Maybe you can get him to check out NA in your area and if you do move back to the other place, he can continue to attend meetings there as well. Nobody can help him stay clean except for those who have been where he has been. Stick by him, but know that you can't fix his addiction for him. You really should hook up with your local Al Anon for some help in dealing with the situation all of this puts you in. They provide support to those who love addicts and want to help.

Answer 5

I have known several heroin addicts and either they stay addicted for life or go to methadone and have to stay on that for life. Nobody should ever touch this horrible drug. Speed, cocaine, pot, nothing has the effects like this. You can't help the person either. It's prevention or nothing. That is my belief. I might be wrong but it's been my experience with people. Lost a lot of friends growing up.

Answer 6

Oh my, he sure is right about once an addict always an addict.Your husband can NEVER go back to the place he always got high in. Exspecially herion.That is just an escuse for him to get high, to go back because of family. He wants to go back and get high. Trust me hon. I to am recovering off of opiats. and it is pure hell. I can give him credit, he is doing it on his own. I had to get on methadone. I have been clean now for 5yrs.But I need a crutch.If hes been clean for two yrs and has only slipped 3 times he's doing good. Was all 3 of those times he relapesed at home??Your just going to have to stand by him and hope he does'nt but if he does, just be there for him. He's going to need help getting back up on his feet.Take care hon, you both are in my prayers.