One of the most difficult drugs of abuse to break free from is heroin. The drug is highly addictive and even persons that have been clean for months or years easily find themselves back where they started. A great deal of self-motivation, discipline and a sincere desire to quit are what help most people to remain clean. There are several modalities of treatment for heroin addiction that one may consider.
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 number of drugs are available to relieve the symptoms that are associated with withdraw. Methadone is the oldest and still one of the most commonly used. It is administered on a daily basis from the time of admission but the dose is reduced progressively to taper it off. Equally effective alternatives include buprenorphine and naltrexone. It is important to understand that symptom severity is dependent on the 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.
One popular design of treatment centers is that of a residential home model. In this type of facility, the patient has access to recreational activities that include physical activities such as running, biking, hiking and swimming. These activities greatly help in stress relief and shorten the time that is require for recovery. Other coping techniques that may be adopted include drama, meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises and art among others.
The third step is the maintenance step. It is what follows after the patient has left the inpatient facility. Follow up care is as important as inpatient care because if it is not done well, the chances of relapsing increase. Patients should be made to attend support groups such as Narcotic Anonymous and should also have regular individual therapy. Involving the family through family therapies increases the chances of success.
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the commonest type of therapy that is given to these addicts and others who abuse different substances. It is a therapy in which the patient works with the therapist and helps identify thought processes and behavioral patterns that may be causing their addiction. Once they have done that, they help in the suggestion of behavior modifications that will make them better persons.
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 number of drugs are available to relieve the symptoms that are associated with withdraw. Methadone is the oldest and still one of the most commonly used. It is administered on a daily basis from the time of admission but the dose is reduced progressively to taper it off. Equally effective alternatives include buprenorphine and naltrexone. It is important to understand that symptom severity is dependent on the 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.
One popular design of treatment centers is that of a residential home model. In this type of facility, the patient has access to recreational activities that include physical activities such as running, biking, hiking and swimming. These activities greatly help in stress relief and shorten the time that is require for recovery. Other coping techniques that may be adopted include drama, meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises and art among others.
The third step is the maintenance step. It is what follows after the patient has left the inpatient facility. Follow up care is as important as inpatient care because if it is not done well, the chances of relapsing increase. Patients should be made to attend support groups such as Narcotic Anonymous and should also have regular individual therapy. Involving the family through family therapies increases the chances of success.
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the commonest type of therapy that is given to these addicts and others who abuse different substances. It is a therapy in which the patient works with the therapist and helps identify thought processes and behavioral patterns that may be causing their addiction. Once they have done that, they help in the suggestion of behavior modifications that will make them better persons.
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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