One of the most difficult drugs of abuse to break free from is heroin. The drug is highly addictive and even persons that have been clean for months or years easily find themselves back where they started. A great deal of self-motivation, discipline and a sincere desire to quit are what help most people to remain clean. There are several modalities of treatment for heroin addiction that one may consider.
The first step is referred to as detoxification. It represents the chemical withdrawal from the drug. Addicts have described this as the most intense and extremely uncomfortable period. Patients are typically managed within a rehabilitation facility for a couple of days. This makes it easy for interventions to be instituted when the withdrawal symptoms set in. These symptoms include chills, a flu-like illness, leg twitching, nausea, diarrhea and generalized muscle and joint pain.
A number of drugs are available to relieve the symptoms that are associated with withdraw. Methadone is the oldest and still one of the most commonly used. It is administered on a daily basis from the time of admission but the dose is reduced progressively to taper it off. Equally effective alternatives include buprenorphine and naltrexone. It is important to understand that symptom severity is dependent on the level of drug use.
The second step is known as the therapy stage. Here, the patient is taken through therapy sessions where they get to meet their counselors and also have an opportunity to be part of support groups. They are taught how to deal with factors that may trigger a relapse such as stressful situations and peers. It is recommended that this too take place within an inpatient facility where the environment of the patient is well controlled.
Adopting a residential home model has been touted as one of the most successful strategies a rehabilitation centers should consider. In this arrangement, the patients live within a home but have medical care available to them all round the clock. They are allowed to participate in physical activities such as hiking, swimming and running. This helps to relieve their stress.
The third stage of treatment is the maintenance step. This step commences once the client returns home. It consists of follow up care that is offered on an outpatient basis. Important components of maintenance include attending regular Narcotic Anonymous as well as individual therapy. Family therapy helps to integrate the former addict back into the unit and builds understanding among all the players involved. The duration of maintenance varies from one individual to another.
The most common form of therapy that is employed is cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT). In CBT the patient is at the center of problem identification and formulation of solutions to these problems. They help to establish the behaviors and thoughts that may have caused them to become addicts and then suggest how they are going to change all these so as to overcome the addiction.
When it comes to dealing with heroin addiction, a multi-pronged approach is needed. Drugs alone are not adequate. The treatment offered should be individualized for each patient. The family plays a major role in providing financial, psychological and even spiritual support. Regular evaluation will help determine whether or not progress is being made and will help make timely changes in the management if needed.
The first step is referred to as detoxification. It represents the chemical withdrawal from the drug. Addicts have described this as the most intense and extremely uncomfortable period. Patients are typically managed within a rehabilitation facility for a couple of days. This makes it easy for interventions to be instituted when the withdrawal symptoms set in. These symptoms include chills, a flu-like illness, leg twitching, nausea, diarrhea and generalized muscle and joint pain.
A number of drugs are available to relieve the symptoms that are associated with withdraw. Methadone is the oldest and still one of the most commonly used. It is administered on a daily basis from the time of admission but the dose is reduced progressively to taper it off. Equally effective alternatives include buprenorphine and naltrexone. It is important to understand that symptom severity is dependent on the level of drug use.
The second step is known as the therapy stage. Here, the patient is taken through therapy sessions where they get to meet their counselors and also have an opportunity to be part of support groups. They are taught how to deal with factors that may trigger a relapse such as stressful situations and peers. It is recommended that this too take place within an inpatient facility where the environment of the patient is well controlled.
Adopting a residential home model has been touted as one of the most successful strategies a rehabilitation centers should consider. In this arrangement, the patients live within a home but have medical care available to them all round the clock. They are allowed to participate in physical activities such as hiking, swimming and running. This helps to relieve their stress.
The third stage of treatment is the maintenance step. This step commences once the client returns home. It consists of follow up care that is offered on an outpatient basis. Important components of maintenance include attending regular Narcotic Anonymous as well as individual therapy. Family therapy helps to integrate the former addict back into the unit and builds understanding among all the players involved. The duration of maintenance varies from one individual to another.
The most common form of therapy that is employed is cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT). In CBT the patient is at the center of problem identification and formulation of solutions to these problems. They help to establish the behaviors and thoughts that may have caused them to become addicts and then suggest how they are going to change all these so as to overcome the addiction.
When it comes to dealing with heroin addiction, a multi-pronged approach is needed. Drugs alone are not adequate. The treatment offered should be individualized for each patient. The family plays a major role in providing financial, psychological and even spiritual support. Regular evaluation will help determine whether or not progress is being made and will help make timely changes in the management if needed.
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You can find a detailed overview of the advantages of receiving treatment for heroin addiction and more info about a well-respected therapist at http://foundationmedicalgroup.org right now.
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