Best Treatment Options for Heroin Addiction

1
Best Treatment Options for Heroin Addiction
2
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.
3
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.
4
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.
5
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.
The Original article Published at Rehabhc Blog -
https//rehabhc.co.uk/best-treatment-options-for-h
eroin-addiction/