Heroin addiction treatment has its challenges because substance abuse brings about financial struggles, employment issues, and relationship disputes. Each patient has varying needs, which also applies to their recovery treatment programs. The National Institute on Drug Abuse stipulates that the most efficient heroin addiction treatment program incorporates medication and behavioral therapy. It also involves lifestyle changes and support group meetings. All these programs are offered in outpatient and inpatient treatment facilities.
If the patient has medically-managed support during detoxification, it increases their chances for safety as heroin withdrawal symptoms include restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, pain, and nausea. Addiction treatment for heroin use usually starts with detox. It is advisable to go through this process with qualified medical professionals who can observe and supervise the whole process. Heroin withdrawal is uncomfortable and painful, and for some people, it can go on for weeks. However, medical professionals can prescribe medicine to reduce your discomfort as the body slowly gets used to not having the drug.
Behavioral treatment is also part of the recovery, and it involves counselors and therapists who can help the user learn about their heroin use triggers. Therapy is one of the essential elements of dealing with the hidden behaviors leading to the user’s heroin use while also handling co-occurring health disorders such as depression.
Heroin Rehab Options
There are multiple rehabilitation facilities providing Heroin addiction treatment, but they are not all similar. It is crucial to consider the treatment facility suited to your needs like poly-drug abuse while ensuring it is well equipped to meet your requirements.
Inpatient Rehabilitation
Most recovering heroin users have found inpatient rehab to be efficient for a successful recovery. Inpatient programs eliminate the social and environmental factors that make it difficult for users to attain sobriety.
The program involves a structured routine for the residents that includes daily activities, support groups, and therapy. Each inpatient rehab facility provides different activities for the patients, with some focusing on mental and physical health through daily exercise. Others have more exciting activities such as rock climbing and hiking excursions.
Inpatient rehab for heroin addiction treatment typically goes for 30 to 90 days, but it can last longer in some cases. Detox is a crucial part of this program; heroin withdrawal symptoms are usually intense, and many recovering users use the drug to ease their symptoms regardless of how serious they are about stopping.
Medically managed detox helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms through the use of medication. After patients get through inpatient programs, they are advised to go on with treatment by engaging in a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). That is followed by Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP) and standard outpatient treatment (OP). Usually, patients can combine aftercare with alumni support groups and outpatient treatment.
Medication for Heroin Addiction Treatment
Medical management is efficient in helping individuals taper off Heroin by preventing future use and decreasing cravings. Commonly prescribed medications used during Heroin addiction treatment include:
Buprenorphine
This drug is a partial opiate agonist used to stimulate the opioid receptors in the brain that are also affected by heroin. Buprenorphine reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms significantly while also helping people with chronic pain. However, using heroin when you are on Buprenorphine is dangerous and puts the user at risk of acute withdrawal and a possible overdose. This medication is typically used during acute withdrawal to ease withdrawal symptoms but is also utilized during medication-assisted therapy (MAT).
Methadone
This drug is more potent than Buprenorphine and works similarly. On the other hand, since Methadone is an opioid, it can also build up in the body if the user takes it too frequently, increasing the chances of an overdose. Its addictive potential is also relatively high Methadone is also used for short-term detox sometimes but is better purposed for long-term MAT. Using Methadone for maintenance treatment allows the user to better maintain their abstinence long-term while helping to reduce cravings. Thus, it is better to use it as prescribed and with caution to avoid becoming dependent or addicted.
Naltrexone
This drug helps prevent Heroin activity in the body by keeping it from binding to the opioid receptors. Naltrexone prevents the user from experiencing Heroin’s effects as they do not get the expected euphoric effects.
Suboxone
This drug is made from Naloxone and Buprenorphine and is used to inhibit Heroin’s effects while easing withdrawal pain. It is dangerous to take Heroin while you are on Suboxone because you may take more Heroin than you’re used to and increase the chances of overdosing.
Relapse Prevention and Continued Treatment
Other users may opt for outpatient programs for Heroin addiction treatment. Outpatient programs are usually advisable for users who have a mild Heroin addiction. This program enables people in recovery to get medication and therapy as they keep on with their personal lives and work or school obligations. Anyone looking for addiction treatment should talk to a Substance Abuse Professional first for an assessment to ascertain the degree of care that meets their requirements.
After going through Heroin rehabilitation, it is essential to engage in outpatient treatment to maintain sobriety. Regular visits with a therapist can help recovering users concentrate on their sobriety. These qualified professionals help recovering addicts learn how to get through their weaknesses and triggers while showing them how to deal with their heroin cravings.
When looking for Heroin addiction treatment, you have to determine your needs first. This could involve diagnosing co-occurring mental or physical disorders and counseling. Your physician will personalize your ideal Heroin addiction treatment program according to your needs.
