Heroin Withdrawal Treatment and Protocol

What to Expect with Heroin Withdrawal

Yes, the thought of suffering through the effects of heroin withdrawal is daunting. It is comforting, however, to know that a medically monitored detox can offer a great deal of relief through the detox and withdrawal process. Heroin withdrawal treatment includes various medications and therapies that can help the individual cope with this unpleasant phase of addiction treatment.

There are two schools of thought on heroin withdrawal treatment: One that advocates for using anti-craving drugs and one that focuses on a holistic, natural healing process along with over-the-counter medications. Additionally, some addiction treatment programs offer a blending of these two approaches. Finding the program that is best aligned with your beliefs, needs, and preferences is an important component to your overall response to treatment.

Types of Heroin Withdrawal Treatment and Protocol

One of the primary concerns a treatment provider will consider is the severity of the addiction, including how long the patient has been addicted to heroin, if there are other drugs used regularly, and the daily dosage of the drug(s). Someone with a lengthy history of heavy heroin use will most likely need to be prescribed medications that treat opiate withdrawal, while some with less established addiction history might benefit more from a holistic approach.

Medication-based Heroin Withdrawal Treatment

While over-the-counter medications are available to help mitigate the discomforts of detox for various symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and body aches, heroin withdrawal treatment may also involve the use of prescription medications. Use of these drugs may help alleviate the powerful cravings that can cause relapse back into active addiction. These drugs include:

• Buprenorphine. It is believed that buprenorphine is more effective as an anti-craving medication than is naltrexone. It works by slightly stimulating the opiate receptors.
• Suboxone. This is a combination of both buprenorphine and naloxone. Naloxone blocks the effects of opioids and can be used for maintenance therapy.
• Clondine. This is used to help reduce agitation, anxiety, cramping, muscle aches, and sweating. It does not reduce cravings.
• Methadone. Helps reduce drug cravings by blocking the effects of opiates. Commonly used in long-term maintenance drug therapy.

These drugs do come with risks. Some are habit forming themselves, as well as having serious side effects, including allergic reactions. The use of these medications is provided in tandem with psychological therapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Holistic Heroin Withdrawal Treatment and Remedies

The holistic approach to treating heroin withdrawal is gaining support in the recovery community. Instead of focusing solely on the withdrawals symptoms, it also offers mindfulness techniques and therapies that promote healing of the mind and spirit in addition to the body.

Holistic heroin addiction treatment provide the same over-the-counter medications to help relieve gastrointestinal distress and body aches, but it also emphasizes nutrition, herbal supplements, amino acid therapy, and exercise to promote healing of the whole person. Additionally, adjunct holistic treatment therapies, such as yoga, meditation, art and music therapy, garden therapy, equine therapy, and infrared sauna enhance the healing effects of psychological therapy (CBT) and healthy lifestyle treatment elements.

The Treatment Specialist Resources for Heroin Addiction

Call to connect with a treatment center to receive a medically supervised detox program your preferences and needs. Call today more information at (866) 644-7911.