There still seems to be some confusion about harm reduction, so let me clarify a few things.
First, whoever thinks they can practice harm reduction while living in a rehab residential program or sober living, is just wrong. Sober living is specifically a time for abstinence. Perhaps you are court ordered to sober living, or need to log more clean time in a structured setting, but for whatever reason, I do NOT recommend trying to ‘use’ less harmfully, while in sober living- the consequences are too grave and you will more than likely end up homeless or living somewhere you don’t want to be or maybe in jail. Back to ‘start’ again- lost respect and lost ground, or maybe worse. Residential programs and sober living homes are designed for people who want sobriety. If you are living soberly, yet wish to practice harm reduction and still ‘use’, then you are at the wrong place! Be honest with yourself.
Some folks struggle more than others, regardless of what philosophy they follow. There is a world of healing energy out there, for all to use and benefit from, and for those who desire change in mind and body. For anyone who suffers from heroin addiction or any addiction, I have told you this before and will tell you this again, look into some of this, PLEASE…it is but a drop in the bucket of what is available to you;
Homeopathic remedies– choose from the characteristics of the following (this is but a fraction of dozens of appropriate remedies);
Lac humanum– made from the milk of 9 women, it is a nurture remedy and almost all addicts can benefit from it, but like any other remedy, you must determine dose and frequency.
Nux vomica for upset stomach during or after withdrawing
Avena sativa a nerve tonic and for craving reduction
Tabacum for cravings of all kinds, including tobacco products
Daily prayer, chanting, or Kaballah study– thinking about ‘The Source” puts you in another state and also compels you to check your behavior.
Work– work is therapy, accountability, gratification, money at the end of the day, and a time filler for those of you who have far too much idle time on hand.
Pick up some healthy new habits- like juicing, jogging, biking, vegetarian cooking, gardening. You will find yourself in a new environment around folks who do these things, engaging in new dialogues.
Gratitude sharing– focus on the gifts of life and gain a sense of well being.
Wear your gemstone– if you are a Capricorn like me, wear garnets or emeralds, or just keep some small loose stones in your purse or pocket. Gemstones focus and amplify the body’s innate energies to uplift our health. To find out what gemstone will benefit you, check your astrology chart, which will give you your birth stone.
never announce to a group that you are an addict- as you say you are, is as you will be.