Heroin Addiction Treatment
Considered by many experts to be the most dangerous drug in the world, heroin claims thousands of lives every year. Highly addictive and carrying a number of potential side effects, including a quickly built tolerance to the drug and other associated dangers, heroin is a scourge that cuts across almost every aspect of our society. The problem shows no signs of slowing down either – as according to statistics culled by the National Institute on Drug Abuse over 500,000 people over the age of 12 have reported using heroin at least once in their lives – a number that continues to rise steadily.
n order to break the cycle of heroin addiction, an individual must seek and obtain professional help. The lure of the drug is simply too strong to stop on one's own accord. Heroin addiction treatment programs help the individual overcome their psychological and physical dependence upon the drug – and prepare them for a life that is substance abuse-free.
What Happens During Heroin Addiction Treatment?
When an individual enters heroin addiction treatment, the first step is detox. Heroin detox is the process of removing the physical dependence on the drug by allowing the toxins associated with the drug to leave the system. There are two primary forms of heroin detox: natural and medical.
- Natural heroin detox. With natural heroin detox, the individual stops taking the drug "cold turkey" while under the supervision of medical and counseling professionals who are there to help lessen the impact of the withdrawal symptoms associated with the process.
- Medical detox. With medical heroin detox, the individual takes doses of a chemical substitute for heroin (most commonly methadone) and then is gradually taken off of the drug. This helps lessen the chance of relapse by easing the withdrawal symptoms.
When detox is complete, it is time for the individual to begin counseling. For the recovering heroin addict, individual and group counseling represent a chance to address the root causes of their addiction, and better understand the triggers that have led to heroin abuse in the past. Each type of counseling offers specific benefits to the individual.
- Individual counseling. Meeting one-on-one with a therapist is a chance for the individual to unburden themselves of the problems that led to heroin addiction. The counselor helps develop a new way of thinking for the individual so that they can cope with life's stressors in such a way that they will not turn to heroin as a form of self-medication.
- Group counseling. With group counseling the individual meets with other people in the program – many of whom are going through similar circumstances. This is an important process because many heroin addicts suffer in silence and isolation with their problem. Hearing from other people provides much needed support – and gives the individual strength to carry on with the remainder of their treatment.
Finally, there is aftercare. Aftercare in a heroin addiction treatment program is important because it helps the individual cope with life-after-drug rehab. Aftercare programs such as Narcotics Anonymous, or sober living homes, give the individual a chance to make a smoother transition into their "new life" without heroin. When temptation or life stressors occur, the individual can turn to what they learned during aftercare to help see them through.
Michael's House offers outstanding care and treatment for those individuals who are addicted to heroin or other opiates. Located in the world-famous desert city of Palm Springs, California, Michael's House provides luxury residential drug rehab that enriches the mind, body and soul of the individual. Contact Michael's House today at for more information.
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