Heroin is one of the most addictive substances, and many people who attempt to quit end up relapsing. If you or a loved one faces heroin addiction, seek prompt treatment. Starting treatment early can help reverse addiction symptoms and side effects. The heroin addiction treatment you get will depend on individual needs. You can benefit from pharmacological (medicine) treatment and behavioral therapies.
Two Ways to Treat Heroin Addiction
Getting rid of heroin addiction can be overwhelming, especially after prolonged abuse. Heroin affects the brain and can produce deep cravings that make quitting difficult. The withdrawal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, pain, and nausea) can be severe. Your therapist may recommend medication during detox to relieve the withdrawal symptoms. Leading heroin addiction treatment centers offer two main remedies: medication and therapy.
1. Heroin Addiction Medication
Pharmacological treatment of heroin addiction can increase retention in rehab centers. Heroin addiction medications relieve withdrawal symptoms and curb the craving people experience after extended substance abuse. The FDA approves different drugs for treating heroin addiction. Some help with detox, while others are for maintenance.
Maintenance therapy involves switching from heroin to a substitute like methadone or buprenorphine. Methadone is a slow-acting opioid agonist that slowly dampens the high and reaches the brain. Buprenorphine is another opioid agonist that reduces heroin craving without side effects. Your therapist may also recommend Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of heroin.
Detox medications can help expedite the removal of toxins from your system. They also help to repair the damage caused by heroin overuse. Maintenance treatment involves taking a substitute with similar euphoric experiences but little to no side effects. Patients who go through maintenance eventually quit the substitute to become free from the addiction.
2. Heroin Addiction Therapy
Behavioral treatments and therapies are common in both outpatient and residential settings. Popular examples include contingency management and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). Such treatments can help address heroin use disorder, especially when coupled with pharmacological detox and maintenance.
Contingency management involves using vouchers and drug tests. Patients who test negative for heroin use will earn points they can exchange for healthy living items. Points are distributed based on various factors, including how long the patients remain sober. CBT is designed to help modify behavior, impulses, and expectations.
Behavioral therapies target the root cause of addiction. People have different risk factors, and addressing the main problem is critical in preventing relapse. Once patients are past the withdrawal phase, the therapist can focus on modifying behaviors that leave them susceptible to addiction. The therapies seek to impart the skills required to cope with various life stressors.
Other Treatment Options for Heroin Addiction
Medications and behavioral therapies are the choice treatments for heroin addiction. Your therapist may also recommend support groups available in your community. Other centers offer support for affected family members and caregivers. You'll also receive professional insights and advice regarding healthy living. This could be anything from healthy eating to testing for infections and considering a workout schedule.
Talking therapies can help patients with anxiety during the withdrawal phase. Incentives like methadone doses can also be used to reward patients who stick to the program. Each person needs a customized treatment plan. Some patients will benefit more from a rehab residency program. Others can quit heroin through outpatient programs. Leading heroin addiction centers focus on the individual and root cause of the addiction.
Effective Heroin Addiction Treatment
You should seek heroin addiction treatment as soon as you realize you have a problem. Parents, relatives, and friends can also seek treatment for a loved one struggling with heroin addiction. Education is the first step in treating addiction. Find centers that focus on addressing the problem at the basic level. Leading treatment centers offer comprehensive resources to help patients recognize the problem and make the right changes toward sobriety.
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