Heroin Detox Clinics Explains Information for Those Struggling With Heroin Addiction

Hope is not lost for those struggling with heroin addiction Heroin Detox Clinics explains. Heroin addicts can free themselves from the devastating grip of drug dependence through treatment. Many individuals have been able to stop their use of heroin completely and live healthy and productive lives. Recovery can be had through three factors involved in a heroin treatment center: detoxification, medications and behavioral therapies.

The purpose of going to a heroin rehab is to prepare the person physically for heroin addiction treatment. Rehab is the process which allows the recovering addict to adjust to a drug-free state safely. People who suddenly stop the use of heroin experience withdrawal symptoms about 12 hours after the last dose. In medically assisted detox, medications like clonidine and buprenorphine are administered to help ease the symptoms. It is important to note that detox alone is not treatment. It is merely the first step to treatment.

Medications are not only used to relieve symptoms of heroin withdrawal. In heroin addiction treatment, medications may be necessary to minimize cravings. The use of anti-addiction drugs is most helpful in preventing recovering addicts from relapsing. Two medications commonly used in treating opioid addiction are methadone and buprenorphine. Both of these are effective as replacement therapy; since they are synthetic opiates, they produce the same effects as heroin, but they are safer. Since the patient is not completely without opiates, he or she will not suffer from withdrawal symptoms.

Naltrexone is another medication used to help heroin addicts recover. This drug does not serve as an opioid replacement, but it is effective in curbing cravings. It enables patients to stop their heroin abuse by blocking the opioids from attaching to the receptors, preventing them from experiencing the effects of the drug.

The use of medications works best when combined with behavioral therapies. According to the National Institute on Drug Addiction (NIDA), the combination of behavioral treatments and medication therapies (which use the drugs above) in a treatment plan is most recommended.

Heroin addiction affects the brain, and thus, causes changes in attitude and behavior. Behavioral therapies enable recovering addicts to modify heroin-related behaviors. The specific treatment recommended for heroin addiction treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps patients identify the cause of the addiction and teaches them strategies to cope with temptations.

If you or someone you know is battling heroin addiction, seek help immediately. We are a helpline that helps explicitly heroin abusers. Call or chat with our addiction counselors and get the help you need.

If you would like to speak with one of our treatment counselors to find out about our rehabilitation options, call 888-325-2454 we are available 24 hours a day.