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.