The world is a troubled place. Well, this may sound like a pessimistic view; but just look at the alarming numbers of drug addicts around the world! The US, alone, has millions of drug addicts. Why are people turning to drugs to find happiness and escape reality?
Heroin is one of the most sought-after drugs. Its ability to render a surge of pleasure makes it a preferred thing to snort, inject, or smoke.
Why heroin is not a good choice
Heroin would have made a fine thing to consume to become happy if it didn’t produce horrifying mental and physical effects.
Besides, it can make you completely dependent on it. Addict is the right word here. You can’t get out of the addiction unless you take a proper rehabilitation program at places like Michigan drug rehab centers and others.
You cannot stop using heroin at your will once you become habitual of using it. You must undergo a thorough rehabilitation process to come out of the addiction and recover from the repercussions of heroin use.
Treating heroin addicts
When an addict joins a rehabilitation program the team of doctors analyzes the severity of his/her condition. They use medically assisted therapy to help the patient wean off heroin and cope with symptoms of withdrawal.
Heroin treatment usually comprises medication and behavioral therapies. Every addict has different treatment needs. Also, their emotional problems are different. So, a treatment plan must suit the patient.
That’s why it is important to enroll in reputable centers that are particular about patients’ treatment needs.
Medication for treatment
The FDA has approved the use of Iofexidine to alleviate symptoms of withdrawal from heroin. The medicine is non-opioid in nature.
Other medications include methadone and buprenorphine. They bind with the brain’s same opioid receptors that heroin binds to. However, the medicines bind mildly. So, you do not become habitual with the medicines, yet they are powerful enough to mitigate your heroin cravings and symptoms of withdrawal.
Naltrexone is another medication that doctors use to treat heroin addicts. It works by blocking opioid receptors, so heroin has no effect on them.
A study done by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) reveals that once the treatment begins, a combination of naloxone or buprenorphine and an extended-release form of naltrexone is quite effective in de-addicting the person.
Complete drug detox is a must for the full recovery of a heroin addict. However, this cannot be possible when the treatment is initiated on active users. However, once they are completely off the drug, the detoxification can be done fully and the medications work well.
Behavioral therapies
Along with medications, the patient is subject to behavioral therapies. Two commonest and most effective therapies are:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Contingency Management (CM)
CBT helps to alter the person’s addictive behavior, thinking pattern, and overall outlook on life. It also helps to address emotional issues.
CM is all about motivation incentives. The patient is given small rewards, such as cash or vouchers or others, for their positive behavior and for staying sober.
Centers like Daylight Detox addiction treatment center are known to help heroin addicts recover completely.
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