Quitting heroin is
nearly impossible, but for those with motivation or sincere desire to quit,
there are certain treatments available and recovery is possible. The treatment
options include pharmacological treatments, detox programs, and behavioral
therapies. These approaches to treatment can be effective individually, but
studies show that integrating all of them is ideal for people suffering from
heroin use disorder.
Comprehensive
treatment programs offered at Rehab HC are considered effective as they help an
addict to recover and restore normalcy in the behavior and function. In
addition, they lower the risk of STDs, reduce criminal behavior, and increase
employment rates.
Detoxification
Heroin users will
undergo a detoxification program before starting their prescribed
treatment program. In this case, patients are provided with medications that
help reduce withdrawal symptoms. Some of these withdrawal symptoms include
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and pain. You should note that the detoxification
program is not a treatment for addiction, but a vital step followed by
pharmacological treatment or behavioral therapy. The following are the heroin
detox methods.
Rapid
Detoxification
In this case, opiate
blockers are injected as the patient is under anesthesia. This process takes a
few hours.
Outpatient
Detoxification
Opiate blockers are
injected in small doses. The process takes several weeks to conclude.
Medical supervision is
recommended for heroin detoxification. This is because side effects are common
and painful. Thus, there is a need for medical intervention to help manage the
process.
Inpatient
Treatment
Inpatient treatment is the most effective for heroin addicts, and it makes sense. It ought to be carried out by a skilled staff.
This is because an addict will get continual supervision, pharmacological
treatments, and one-on-one support. The good thing about a residential facility
is that you are free from distractions of your family, friends, work,
colleagues, and everyday life. Thus, you can leave the outside world and focus
on your recovery.
During the stay, you
will get treatment to help manage unpleasant psychological effects, withdrawal
symptoms, and physical addiction. The medications can ease your cravings and
block your ability to get high. Over time, you can be weaned off the medical
treatment.
Various medications
have been approved for heroin addiction treatment. Most of these medications
work on the opioid receptors in the brain but are safer. These are the
medications that have been proven to be useful for treating heroin addiction.
Methadone
This opioid agonist is
also known as Methadose or Dolophine, it is slow-acting and taken orally. It
reduces your ability to get high and manages withdrawal symptoms. It is
dispensed to patients daily. In fact, it is the oldest treatment for heroin
addiction but still an effective option.
Buprenorphine
It is also known as
Subutex. It helps relieve cravings without the harmful side effects of heroin.
This medication contains naloxone and buprenorphine. It is taken sublingually
or orally. It helps prevent patients from getting high. It is a good idea to take
it orally to avoid possible withdrawal symptoms.
Naltrexone
This medication is
also known as Revia or Depade. It blocks the action of heroin in the brain. The
good thing about this medication is that it is not sedating and addictive. For
it to be effective, a patient has to use it as prescribed.
Behavioral Therapies
Various behavioral
therapies can be used for heroin addiction treatment. The main approaches are
cognitive-behavior and contingency management therapy. The main aim of
behavioral therapies is to encourage a healthy lifestyle. Thus, patients will
learn how to cope with stress and how they can deal with cravings. These
approaches are effective when they are combined with the pharmacological
treatment.
Seeking
Help
There are various health
risks associated with the use of heroin. Fatal overdose and risk of infections
like STDs are some of them. Continued use of heroin can cause collapsed veins,
cellulitis, overdose, pulmonary complications, liver disease, abscesses, and
infection of the heart. Using it during pregnancy has severe consequences like
low birth weight.
If you or your friend
or loved one needs heroin addiction treatment do not feel ashamed or alone as
heroin abuse has taken a grip on people across the country. Time for recovery
is now. Give us a call on 0330 113 2627 now.
Our experts will take you through the available treatment options. The truth is
that recovery from heroin use disorder is possible and we are here to help you.
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