What Are Common Struggles in Early Recovery From Heroin Addiction?

Question by missy: what are common struggles in early recovery from heroin addiction?
i’m close to someone who’s been in & out of rehab for the past 16 years. clean for 8 after the 1st time, then used heroin. since then he’s had 6 months or so clean at a time & then relapses. 6 months ago he went into a long term treatment program & was released after 4. but he’s still lying & hiding. he cheated on the girl who stood by him almost right after he left the treatment center & she’s devastated. moved out of the original sober house he went to & into another one but hasn’t been back there since he moved in. the girl he cheated with didn’t know he was in a relationship. he’s not living with her so not sure where he stays. he’s already creating another web of lies. however, he goes to meetings every day & speaks at them frequently. works all the time. sounds like he’s doing okay, but is it just a cover up? lies cause guilt, shame which is what he needs to avoid. are these signs he may relapse soon? is this typical (lying, infidelity, etc ..) in early recovery?

Best answer:

Answer by steltch
you may be right. Some personalities always return to the habit, some dont. let him know your concerned. Beyond that, you have to decide if you want to go along for that persons ride or walk away. Hopefully this persons weaknesses will not drag the people around him around in a bunch of drama. Dont feed that drama.

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