How is Heroin Addiction Treated?

If you are seeking heroin addiction treatment for a loved one, you are not alone. More than 948,000 Americans used heroin last year, with numbers of first-time heroin users reaching almost record-highs.

Heroin is one of the most addictive and dangerous illegal substances in the world, one that is responsible for countless thousands of deaths across the country every single year.

That is why seeking treatment for heroin addiction as soon as possible is absolutely vital. But what are the treatment options available to addicts, and how can you approach a loved one who is addicted to heroin? Read on to find out what you need to know about heroin addiction and treatment. 

1. How to Approach Someone Suffering From Heroin Addiction

Before discussing heroin addiction treatment programs, the first thing you need to do is approach your loved one in a careful and considered way. This first approach, which is often described as an intervention, is crucial to get right if you want to ensure your loved one gets the treatment they need.

When approaching a loved one to discuss their addiction, some steps are vital to get right. You should prepare concrete treatment options to present to your loved one and ensure that you present them in a safe space.

Offer comfort to your loved ones and ensure that they know you are doing this out of love for them and concern for their safety and wellbeing. With the right approach, you can convince them to seek treatment. 

2. Heroin Addiction Treatment Options 

When it comes to the best treatment for heroin addiction, there is no silver bullet. All treatment should involve some time in a dedicated facility, where a heroin addict can receive the care and support they need. Some of the most commonly used treatments for heroin addiction include: 

Psychological Treatment

Psychological treatment for heroin addiction usually involves behavioral therapies. This can include therapy to help a patient get to the root of their addiction and psychologically wean them off heroin.

It can involve incentives for staying clean, as well as dedicated, 24/7 support for when they are feeling vulnerable or tempted. 

Pharmacological Treatment

Heroin is an incredibly powerful and dangerous drug. That is why various prescription drugs are often necessary to combat physical cravings and pave the way to recovery.

Methadone treatment for heroin addiction is usually the most common approach. Methadone reduces cravings and allows users to focus on their recovery. 

Detoxification 

Most heroin treatment programs will involve a detoxification course at the outset. This is when the user is weaned off of heroin and placed in a controlled environment until the drugs have safely left their system.

To prevent severe withdrawal, this must be done gradually and with the help of prescription drugs that can reduce withdrawal symptoms and prevent the body from going into shock. 

Your Essential Health Questions, Answered

Understanding the heroin addiction treatment options that are available can help your loved ones return to a safe and healthy lifestyle in 2021. If you want to learn more about the latest trends and developments in the world of health, we have you covered.

Make sure to consult our expertly-curated Health section to learn more about the health trends that are allowing people to live better lives in 2021 and beyond.