One of the main problems that hounds substance abuse treatment centers is the possibility of their patients returning to the addiction once the treatment is done with. In fact, you can never say that a substance abuse addiction treatment is ever over, because there is always the possibility of the person returning back to the addiction, and the treatment center has to do all they can to avoid this possibility.

With a strong substance addiction like a heroin addiction, there might be as many as ten to twelve relapses even after the treatment is completely dispensed with each time.Addiction treatment centers know of this great problem and therefore they take all possible steps they can to prevent a relapse. Firstly, even during the primary treatment, they provide medication that can create a dislike for the addicting substance in the mind of the person. This plays a significant role in de-addicting the person.

When the addiction treatment is complete, the treatment center will want the person to check in for continuing treatment. They will want the person to come in for counseling sessions during which they will assess how well the person is keeping away from the addicting substance, and look for any signs that a relapse might occur.

One of the most significant things they do is to enlist the support of family and friends during counseling because these are the people who are actually with the patient most of the time. They spell out the danger of relapse to these close people, and equip them on how to deal with such a situation if it arises.