Cutting ties from a dangerously addictive drug is always a painful and seemingly impossible feat, and, on that note, some of the most difficult substances to quit are opioids, especially heroin. As a result of short-term or long-term use, this dangerous painkiller can start to dominate every aspect of your social life and (most tragically) destroy your emotional and physical well-being. However, if you have an overwhelming urge to quit and an unwavering desire to beat your sickness, heroin is just another annoying bump on the long and lengthy road to recovery. Still, you might ask, what are my treatment options? What is the best way to purge this drug for good? Thankfully, we have three suggestions for you. Here are three essential treatment methods for heroin addicts.
Detoxification Programs
Typically, prior to seeking out treatment options, heroin addicts will take part in detoxification programs to purge the drug from their system and stay safe. During this process, medical professionals will sometimes administer medication to alleviate nausea, diarrhea, pain, and additional unpleasantries of heroin withdrawal. While this might not be considered legitimate “addiction treatment,” but detoxification is still considered a first step towards future treatment plans (based on a report from the National Institute on Drug Abuse).
Medication Therapy
Ultimately, medications that are used to treat heroin addiction affect opioid receptors in the same manner as the dangerous drugs, only the pharmacological components are much safer. Typically, these drugs are divided into the following categories:
- Agonists: designed to activate opioid receptors
- Partial agonists: designed to activate opioid receptors and stimulate a minor response
- Antagonists: designed to block opioid receptors and halt rewarding stimulations
Common medications that are used to treat heroin addiction include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone (throughout limited use).
Forms of Behavioral Treatment
Over the years, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has recognized several forms of behavioral treatment as effective means of therapy for heroin addicts. Offered in residential and outpatient setups, two of the most popular methods include:
- Contingency management: voucher-based system where patients earn rewards for successfully undergoing a negative drug test
- Cognitive-behavioral: program for patients to learn methods for coping with stress
Seeking Treatment for Heroin Addiction
Opioids are some of the most terrifying aspects of our society, despite the fact that many of them can actually help you. In the case of illegal drugs like heroin, though, counseling might not always be enough to help you recover from your affliction. If you are suffering from opioid abuse or addiction of any sort, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process detox and withdrawal and guide you through each step of the rehabilitation process to help you separate yourself from these substances.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can take the first steps toward beating this Opioid Crisis of America.
