Once you are addicted to heroin, quitting can be extremely difficult. As a matter of fact, even for those that are initiated into rehabilitation programs, relapses are very common. A lot of motivation, sincere desire to quit and self-discipline are key. There are a number of options of treatment for heroin addiction available. These treatments may be administered singly or alongside each other. In general, they include pharmacological and behavioral therapies.
Detoxification (or withdrawal is the first) step in the process. It is at this stage that the addict stops using the drug and sets on the path to recovery. It has been described as an extremely intense and uncomfortable period. Due to the withdrawal symptoms that follow the cessation, most patients have to be managed within an inpatient facility. This makes it easy for interventions to take place as soon as the symptoms begin to be manifested.
A drug known as methadone (or an alternative) will be prescribed to manage these symptoms as soon as they set in. Methadone will then be gradually tapered off as treatment continues. The other alternatives that can be used in place of methadone include buprenorphine and naltrexone. The severity of the withdrawal symptoms greatly vary from one person to another depending on their level of drug use.
The second step is known as the therapy stage. Here, the patient is taken through therapy sessions where they get to meet their counselors and also have an opportunity to be part of support groups. They are taught how to deal with factors that may trigger a relapse such as stressful situations and peers. It is recommended that this too take place within an inpatient facility where the environment of the patient is well controlled.
Adopting a residential home model has been touted as one of the most successful strategies a rehabilitation centers should consider. In this arrangement, the patients live within a home but have medical care available to them all round the clock. They are allowed to participate in physical activities such as hiking, swimming and running. This helps to relieve their stress.
The third stage of treatment is the maintenance step. This step commences once the client returns home. It consists of follow up care that is offered on an outpatient basis. Important components of maintenance include attending regular Narcotic Anonymous as well as individual therapy. Family therapy helps to integrate the former addict back into the unit and builds understanding among all the players involved. The duration of maintenance varies from one individual to another.
The commonest form of behavioral treatments currently being offered is cognitive-behavior therapy, CBT. In this form of therapy the patient helps to identify the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their addiction. They help in creating solution geared towards thought and behavior change. Since the patient is directly involved in their own treatment, they are more likely to cooperate with the medical team.
Heroin addiction can only be overcome by a multi-pronged approach. Relying on drugs alone may not yield the desired results. Every case should be individualized depending on the specific circumstances. The family needs to feature prominently and should be a source of hope, financial and even spiritual support. The patient should be evaluated regularly to determine whether progress is being made.
Detoxification (or withdrawal is the first) step in the process. It is at this stage that the addict stops using the drug and sets on the path to recovery. It has been described as an extremely intense and uncomfortable period. Due to the withdrawal symptoms that follow the cessation, most patients have to be managed within an inpatient facility. This makes it easy for interventions to take place as soon as the symptoms begin to be manifested.
A drug known as methadone (or an alternative) will be prescribed to manage these symptoms as soon as they set in. Methadone will then be gradually tapered off as treatment continues. The other alternatives that can be used in place of methadone include buprenorphine and naltrexone. The severity of the withdrawal symptoms greatly vary from one person to another depending on their level of drug use.
The second step is known as the therapy stage. Here, the patient is taken through therapy sessions where they get to meet their counselors and also have an opportunity to be part of support groups. They are taught how to deal with factors that may trigger a relapse such as stressful situations and peers. It is recommended that this too take place within an inpatient facility where the environment of the patient is well controlled.
Adopting a residential home model has been touted as one of the most successful strategies a rehabilitation centers should consider. In this arrangement, the patients live within a home but have medical care available to them all round the clock. They are allowed to participate in physical activities such as hiking, swimming and running. This helps to relieve their stress.
The third stage of treatment is the maintenance step. This step commences once the client returns home. It consists of follow up care that is offered on an outpatient basis. Important components of maintenance include attending regular Narcotic Anonymous as well as individual therapy. Family therapy helps to integrate the former addict back into the unit and builds understanding among all the players involved. The duration of maintenance varies from one individual to another.
The commonest form of behavioral treatments currently being offered is cognitive-behavior therapy, CBT. In this form of therapy the patient helps to identify the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their addiction. They help in creating solution geared towards thought and behavior change. Since the patient is directly involved in their own treatment, they are more likely to cooperate with the medical team.
Heroin addiction can only be overcome by a multi-pronged approach. Relying on drugs alone may not yield the desired results. Every case should be individualized depending on the specific circumstances. The family needs to feature prominently and should be a source of hope, financial and even spiritual support. The patient should be evaluated regularly to determine whether progress is being made.
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You can find a detailed overview of the advantages of receiving treatment for heroin addiction and more info about a well-respected therapist at http://foundationmedicalgroup.org right now.
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