The addiction to heroin is one of the strongest known. Even after successful enrolment in rehabilitation programs, many former addicts find themselves relapsing very easily. However, there are those who break free and never look back. The driving factors for such people include a great sense of self discipline, a sincere desire to remain clean and self motivation. A number of modalities of treatment for heroin addiction exist.
The first step in the treatment process is known a withdrawal or detoxification. For many years this period has remained the most intensive and most uncomfortable for recovering addicts. During detox, the patient is managed within a rehabilitation center for few days. This is ensure that they get readily available help when they start exhibiting withdrawal symptoms. Such include a flu-like illnesses, chills, goose bumps, twitching of legs, generalized muscle and joint pains, nausea and diarrhea.
There are a number of drugs that are approved for use in heroin withdrawal. The most commonly used is methadone. The drug is usually administered as soon as the symptoms begin to be experienced and is tapered slowly over time. Other alternatives include naltrexone and buprenorphine. Note that the severity of symptoms varies from one person to another based on the level of drug use at the time of enrollment.
The next step is called the therapy stage. As the name suggests, the patient is taken through classes and participates in therapeutic sessions. They get to face the therapists as individuals and as a group. Being around other recovering addicts has been shown to immensely contribute to positive outcomes. This stage should occur within an inpatient facility since the client will be able to avoid most of the trigger factors found in the home environment.
Adopting a residential home model has been touted as one of the most successful strategies a rehabilitation centers should consider. In this arrangement, the patients live within a home but have medical care available to them all round the clock. They are allowed to participate in physical activities such as hiking, swimming and running. This helps to relieve their stress.
The final step is known as the maintenance step. It comprises the follow up care that is provided on a long term basis once the patient leaves the inpatient facility. There is need for close follow up especially in the initial days so as to reduce the chances of relapsing. Patients should be enrolled in Narcotic Anonymous groups and any other support groups that exist. They should also have an opportunity for individual and family therapy.
The most common form of therapy that is employed is cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT). In CBT the patient is at the center of problem identification and formulation of solutions to these problems. They help to establish the behaviors and thoughts that may have caused them to become addicts and then suggest how they are going to change all these so as to overcome the addiction.
A multi-prolonged approach is needed to effectively overcome heroin addiction. It is wrong to rely on drugs alone. Most importantly, therapy should be individualized for each patient depending on their prevailing circumstances. The family should be available to offer support, financially, spiritually, morally and psychologically. Regular evaluation will inform the team whether they are on the right track or if any adjustments are needed.
The first step in the treatment process is known a withdrawal or detoxification. For many years this period has remained the most intensive and most uncomfortable for recovering addicts. During detox, the patient is managed within a rehabilitation center for few days. This is ensure that they get readily available help when they start exhibiting withdrawal symptoms. Such include a flu-like illnesses, chills, goose bumps, twitching of legs, generalized muscle and joint pains, nausea and diarrhea.
There are a number of drugs that are approved for use in heroin withdrawal. The most commonly used is methadone. The drug is usually administered as soon as the symptoms begin to be experienced and is tapered slowly over time. Other alternatives include naltrexone and buprenorphine. Note that the severity of symptoms varies from one person to another based on the level of drug use at the time of enrollment.
The next step is called the therapy stage. As the name suggests, the patient is taken through classes and participates in therapeutic sessions. They get to face the therapists as individuals and as a group. Being around other recovering addicts has been shown to immensely contribute to positive outcomes. This stage should occur within an inpatient facility since the client will be able to avoid most of the trigger factors found in the home environment.
Adopting a residential home model has been touted as one of the most successful strategies a rehabilitation centers should consider. In this arrangement, the patients live within a home but have medical care available to them all round the clock. They are allowed to participate in physical activities such as hiking, swimming and running. This helps to relieve their stress.
The final step is known as the maintenance step. It comprises the follow up care that is provided on a long term basis once the patient leaves the inpatient facility. There is need for close follow up especially in the initial days so as to reduce the chances of relapsing. Patients should be enrolled in Narcotic Anonymous groups and any other support groups that exist. They should also have an opportunity for individual and family therapy.
The most common form of therapy that is employed is cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT). In CBT the patient is at the center of problem identification and formulation of solutions to these problems. They help to establish the behaviors and thoughts that may have caused them to become addicts and then suggest how they are going to change all these so as to overcome the addiction.
A multi-prolonged approach is needed to effectively overcome heroin addiction. It is wrong to rely on drugs alone. Most importantly, therapy should be individualized for each patient depending on their prevailing circumstances. The family should be available to offer support, financially, spiritually, morally and psychologically. Regular evaluation will inform the team whether they are on the right track or if any adjustments are needed.
About the Author:
You can find a detailed overview of the advantages of receiving treatment for heroin addiction and more info about a well-respected therapist at http://foundationmedicalgroup.org right now.
No comments:
Post a Comment