There are a wide variety of treatment options available for individuals who suffer from an addiction to heroin or another opiate drug. Medications are popular for helping the individual overcome the effects of detox, which can be very difficult and painful for a heroin addict. The medications that are available are methadone, Naltroxene, Suboxone, and LAAM.
However, addiction professionals stress that the medications are not a quick fix. They should never be used as the sole method of addiction treatment for someone with a heroin problem. Other services like counseling are essential to deal with the psychological effects of heroin and learn how to live a new drug-free lifestyle.
The most effective way to prevent relapse is to use a variety of effective addiction treatment methods that are tailored to the individual’s needs. Residential rehab centers and outpatient treatment programs offer many different types of services, including therapy, support groups, addiction education, and life skills training. Using a combination of these things has been shown to provide the best opportunity for long-term addiction recovery.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is frequently used to treat heroin addiction. The theory behind this method is that because thoughts lead to behaviors, teaching the individual to change their thought patterns and emotions will create healthier behaviors and habits. Patients are taught how to avoid risky situations that are likely to lead to relapse and how to deal with stress in everyday life.
One of the newer behavioral treatment methods offered for people with a heroin addiction is called contingency management therapy. In this treatment, patients get points for having negative drug tests. They are able to trade in the points for products that promote a healthy lifestyle.
By using a variety of effective methods in a quality addiction treatment program, someone suffering from a heroin addiction can begin to turn their life around.