Treatment and Recovery From Heroin Addiction

Heroin addiction affects the lives of more than 9.2 million people across the globe, an estimated half million live in the United States. CDC resources show that there are 150,000 new users each year and nearly 20 percent of people in treatment report the drug as the reason. Sadly approximately 50 percent of drug overdoses are contributed to heroin (and morphine).

With overwhelming statistics such as these, it is difficult to understand why heroin addiction is still such a problem and why there is not more education regarding the devastating effects of this drug.

Why Heroin?

The vast majority of heroin addicts report that their abuse initially began with prescription drugs. They may have started taking opiate painkillers, but the prescription was no longer available to them and so they began buying the drug online or off the street. In most cases they transition to heroin because it is easier to get and less expensive.

Treatments Available

There are a number of treatment options available for individuals struggling with heroin addiction such as detox, Methadone programs and behavioral education therapy, including cognitive behavioral education.

Pharmaceutical Methods

Pharmaceutical approaches to treating heroin addiction include methadone and buprenorphine, among others. Both of these drugs work as an opioid blocker. Although methadone has been around for more than 30 years, since buprenorphine was introduced in 2004, it has been quite successful in treating heroin addiction. Currently more than 4,000 physicians in the U.S. are authorized to prescribe buprenorphine.

Behavioral Therapies

Behavioral therapies have become popular and when integrated in traditional treatment solutions can be very effective in helping heroin addicts achieve continued sobriety. As patients are different, therapists have discovered that finding the right approach is critical in long-term success. Therapies may include contingency management, cognitive behavioral education or a combination of both.

Detoxification

Medical detox, especially IV therapy, is the safest method for quitting a heroin addiction. An individual withdrawing from the drug may experience a variety of symptoms which can be extremely painful. Stopping “cold turkey” is not only strongly discouraged, but it can be dangerous for the individual.

Medically supervised detox will flush the toxins that have accumulated in the body from drug use, while keeping the patient as comfortable as possible. Once detox has been successfully completed, most people follow-up with a rehab program.

In Recovery…An Ongoing Process

Entering a rehab treatment or community program after detox can offer the person in recovery the added support they need to rebuild their life and stay sober. Many of these programs offer educational opportunities, assistance with living arrangements and even job placement assistance for getting back on your feet.