Heroin Addiction Treatment
Heroin addiction can be overcome. A multitude of high quality heroin addiction treatment programs are available, offering a variety of therapeutic elements to choose from with a wide range in costs.
Heroin Detox
After arriving at the important decision to get help for a heroin addiction, the first step to take is the heroin detox phase of treatment. Heroin detoxification involves ridding the body of the drug, a process that takes about a week. Because the withdrawal symptoms of heroin detox are quite unpleasant, and in some cases may be dangerous, it is recommended that detox take place in a medically supervised facility. With 24 hour monitoring, medical personnel will provide necessary medications to assist with the withdrawal symptoms, such as for nausea, diarrhea, muscle and joint aches, and insomnia. Anti-craving medications are often prescribed to reduce intense cravings and the potential for relapse.
Rapid heroin detox and Rapid Opiate Detox is also available, a process that speeds up the withdrawal process by a few days. In rapid detox the patient, while sedated, receives a mixture of medicines administered intravenously that help bypass heroin withdrawal symptoms. When the patient wakes up the body is completely free of the drug.
Heroin Addiction Treatment
Treatment programs for heroin addiction last from one month up to 6 months; the longer the stay the better the long-term recovery success rate. During treatment for opiate addiction a combination of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or contingency management (CM) are utilized. Therapy helps the client identify underlying issues that may have contributed to the addiction as well as drug-seeking behavioral responses to stressors or triggers. While in therapy, the client will learn new coping skills, relaxation techniques, and positive new behavioral responses to the triggers.
In some cases, medications may be utilized in tandem with the psychotherapy for an effective integrated treatment approach. These FDA-approved drugs affect the brain’s opioid receptors in various ways: as an agonist, such as methadone, that activates the receptors, partial agonist, such as buprenorphine, that partially activate the opioid receptor, or as an antagonist, such as naltrexone, that block the receptors. Which type of medication being prescribed is determined by the specific needs of each client.
Some heroin recovery programs are holistic and experiential in nature. These programs avoid the use of medications and instead focus on therapies that help heal the spirit in addition to the mind and body. Some examples of holistic therapies include yoga and meditation, mindfulness exercises, massage, acupuncture, music and art therapy, and amino acid therapy.
Additional Support
Individuals in recovery may benefit from the various support groups available, such as Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, SMART Recovery, or a faith-based recovery group. In addition, sober living residences offer those new in recovery a safe, drug and alcohol free environment that helps reinforce new healthy habits before returning to regular life.
Get Help Now!
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction to heroin, you are here because you need help! Treatment Specialists are standing by to answer your call to discuss the heroin detox treatment options available to you. Most insurance is accepted for treatment, please have you information ready for us to review. Call to speak to a treatment center at 866-644-7911
