If you are able to answer “yes” to most of these questions, it might be easier for you to withdraw from substitution treatment and less of a chance that you return to opioid use.
Just remember that those who stay on the treatment for at least a year, have a higher chance being able to live an opioid free life.
Here are some questions to ask yourself when considering stopping:
- Have you been able to stay away from using other opioids and illegal drugs?
- If you’re still using street drugs while on substitution medication, this will increase your chances of overdose. So maybe substitution treatment is not the right option for you at the moment.
- Do you feel that you have a supportive home life?
- Having a supportive home environment will help you stay on track.
- Have you been staying away from your drug triggers such as friends who use or been able to get rid of your drug equipment?
- Sometimes it’s hard to get away from drug triggers because that has been your life for so long. But staying away from those triggers will help you stay on track with your new way of life.
- Do you have a good professional support, such as counsellor?
- See the counselling section about the importance of having professional support
- Do you have meaningful employment?
- Having a job that you enjoy doing and has value for you will help you stay on track
- Do you have other meaningful activities/hobbies?
- Having other activities/hobbies that don’t involve drugs will help you stay busy and on track.
If you are able to answer “yes” to most of these questions, it might be easier for you to withdraw from substitution treatment and less of a chance that you return to opioid use.
Just remember that those who stay on the treatment for at least a year, have a higher chance being able to live an opioid free life.
