The addiction to heroin is one of the strongest known. Even after successful enrolment in rehabilitation programs, many former addicts find themselves relapsing very easily. However, there are those who break free and never look back. The driving factors for such people include a great sense of self discipline, a sincere desire to remain clean and self motivation. A number of modalities of treatment for heroin addiction exist.
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 next step is termed the therapy step. The patient is made to attend a number of classes and therapeutic sessions all meant to increase their ability to cope. They get an opportunity to meet their counselors as well as to interact with other recovering addicts. The patients act as a source of support for each other. The most ideal place of having this step is within an inpatient facility where the patient cannot access the heroin and is also away from most of the trigger factors.
One popular design of treatment centers is that of a residential home model. In this type of facility, the patient has access to recreational activities that include physical activities such as running, biking, hiking and swimming. These activities greatly help in stress relief and shorten the time that is require for recovery. Other coping techniques that may be adopted include drama, meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises and art among others.
The final step is known as the maintenance step. It comprises the follow up care that is provided on a long term basis once the patient leaves the inpatient facility. There is need for close follow up especially in the initial days so as to reduce the chances of relapsing. Patients should be enrolled in Narcotic Anonymous groups and any other support groups that exist. They should also have an opportunity for individual and family therapy.
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 next step is termed the therapy step. The patient is made to attend a number of classes and therapeutic sessions all meant to increase their ability to cope. They get an opportunity to meet their counselors as well as to interact with other recovering addicts. The patients act as a source of support for each other. The most ideal place of having this step is within an inpatient facility where the patient cannot access the heroin and is also away from most of the trigger factors.
One popular design of treatment centers is that of a residential home model. In this type of facility, the patient has access to recreational activities that include physical activities such as running, biking, hiking and swimming. These activities greatly help in stress relief and shorten the time that is require for recovery. Other coping techniques that may be adopted include drama, meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises and art among others.
The final step is known as the maintenance step. It comprises the follow up care that is provided on a long term basis once the patient leaves the inpatient facility. There is need for close follow up especially in the initial days so as to reduce the chances of relapsing. Patients should be enrolled in Narcotic Anonymous groups and any other support groups that exist. They should also have an opportunity for individual and family therapy.
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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