Tuesday 5 August 2014

What You Must Know About Heroin Treatment

Heroin is one of the commonly used and addictive drugs. It can be smoked, snorted, or injected. Most abusers may use heroin up to four times daily; overdosing can be fatal and may lead to death. Treatment for heroin abuse is most effective when started early. There are various behavioural and medical treatments used for treating heroin addiction.

Treatment for heroin addiction must be tailored to your needs. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all treatment programme, so a reputable treatment centre performs an assessment of your condition prior to your admission. For the treatment to be effective, it must include a detoxification period where you completely stop taking heroin. Detoxing from heroin can be unbearable because the withdrawal symptoms can be severe. During detox, it may be best for you to stay in a treatment centre where you can be monitored and assisted by medical professionals when the withdrawal symptoms set in.

Upon completion of the detox period, you may be asked to undergo pharmacological treatment and behavioural therapy. An example of pharmacological treatment is the use of a synthetic opiate such as methadone, which blocks heroin's effects and minimises withdrawal symptoms. Another example is buprenorphine, which can help treat heroin addiction and addiction to other opiates.

Many types of behavioural therapies that can be used for treating heroin addiction, and they can be provided in either an inpatient or an outpatient setting. Cognitive behavioural therapy is one of them, and it teaches you better ways to cope with stress and situations that can trigger drug use. The therapy seeks to help you modify your behaviour towards drugs, too. Cognitive behavioural therapy has been found to be effective when combined with pharmacological treatment.

Some of the best treatment centres offer specialised treatment programmes, too, such as music therapy and equine assisted therapy. These methods of treatment may help you learn more about yourself, understand why you behave the way you do, and face life without drugs.

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