How To Treat Heroin Addiction

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Our heroin addiction treatment program is uniquely advantaged to treat heroin use disorder. We combine world-class facilities, caring, experienced staff, and research-driven treatment methods to set you on the path to recovery. Our private, comfortable rooms will help you feel secure. Meanwhile, our gym with yoga, group fitness, and exercise rooms keeps your body healthy. Finally, our chef creates delicious, nutrient-rich meals to nourish you as you work towards your recovery goals.

If you are ready to get your life back, reach out to Fort Behavioral Health in Texas today. Contact us at , or contact us online to speak to one of our staff members. Let us help you break the dangerous cycle of heroin addiction.

Is Naloxone Safe To Use For Treating A Heroin Overdose

Its completely safe to use. Research has found no indication that naloxone produces any significant adverse reactions or risks.

There may be withdrawal symptoms after using naloxone for someone who is opioid dependent, but the risk of experiencing a fatal overdose without quick overdose treatment is much higher.

Testing Is A Key Component To Recovery

Heroin and other opiate drug testing is an important component of treatment and should be performed as medically indicated at all levels of care.

Medication assisted treatment can be considered by all individuals seeking treatment for heroin addiction. Drugs such as Suboxone, Zubsolv and Vivitrol may aid a heroin addict in their recovery.

If you or a loved one suffers from heroin addiction or a heroin abuse disorder, NorthStar Transitions can help! Please to verify your insurance and an admission representative will contact you within 24 hours to counsel you on the available treatment options and insurance coverage.

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How Does Naloxone Work

Naloxone belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid antagonists. This means that it binds to opioid receptors in the brain and prevents them from being activated. By contrast, heroin and prescription opioid drugs are opioid agonists, meaning that they activate the brains opioid receptors to produce a pleasurable, euphoric sensation.

Think of opioid receptors as tiny lights in the brain that get switched on by agonists. An opioid antagonist like naloxone binds to the receptor but does not activate itor turn the light on. Antagonists effectively cut the power, preventing receptors from lighting up and producing physical effects.

In fact, naloxone has such a high affinity for the receptors that it kicks off any opioid molecules that are already thereswitching a light from on to off, and keeping it off. Once naloxone is bound to a receptor, it physically prevents any other molecule from coming along and turning the switch back on. This is how it reverses the effects of opioid overdose.2

What Is Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is a chronic disease characterized by compulsive, or uncontrollable, drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences and changes in the brain, which can be long-lasting. These changes in the brain can lead to the harmful behaviors seen in people who use drugs. Drug addiction is also a relapsing disease. Relapse is the return to drug use after an attempt to stop.

The path to drug addiction begins with the voluntary act of taking drugs. But over time, a person’s ability to choose not to do so becomes compromised. Seeking and taking the drug becomes compulsive. This is mostly due to the effects of long-term drug exposure on brain function. Addiction affects parts of the brain involved in reward and motivation, learning and memory, and control over behavior.

Addiction is a disease that affects both the brain and behavior.

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Methadone Treatment For Heroin Addiction: Pros And Cons To Consider

Methadone treatment is a common strategy for dealing with heroin addiction, but it has its pros and cons. Heres what you need to know.

As much damage as any illegal drug can do to your life, some seem to get a tighter grip on their victims than others. One thats particularly notorious is heroin.

There are around 9.3 million people around the world today struggling with heroin addiction. Most of these people have tried to quit in the past but havent been successful. The cravings and withdrawals are too much for many people to endure.

One way some addiction treatment centers are helping is with methadone treatment. If youre considering methadone to treat your own addiction or a loved ones addiction, heres what you need to know.

Managing Withdrawal With Buprenorphine

When patients enter addiction treatment, doctors frequently prescribe drugs like buprenorphine to manage withdrawal symptoms, alleviate pain, and help make the detox and withdrawal process as comfortable as possible.9 As discussed above, buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, so it stimulates the brains opioid receptors enough to lessen the severity of withdrawal symptoms, without the euphoric high and addictive properties of a full agonist.

Patients can slowly wean themselves off opioids by taking increasingly smaller doses of the maintenance drug.

There isnt just one detox protocol for all buprenorphine patientsthe stabilizing dose and tapering timeline will differ depending on each patients individual needs and their doctors recommendations.

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What Are Treatments For Drug Addiction

There are many options that have been successful in treating drug addiction, including:

• behavioral counseling
• medical devices and applications used to treat withdrawal symptoms or deliver skills training
• evaluation and treatment for co-occurring mental health issues such as depression and anxiety
• long-term follow-up to prevent relapse

A range of care with a tailored treatment program and follow-up options can be crucial to success. Treatment should include both medical and mental health services as needed. Follow-up care may include community- or family-based recovery support systems.

Heroin Detox With Lighter Symptoms

When seeking treatment for heroin addiction, its important to choose a drug and alcohol treatment center that has a medical doctor on staff and has a certified opioid treatment program that allows them to provide medication-assisted treatment . Many people prefer an inpatient detox environment where youll have medical as well as psychological and emotional support throughout the detox process. Medication-assisted treatment can help minimize the harsh effects of withdrawal symptoms. Under medical supervision, your care providers will also ensure your safety as the drug leaves your body during the first days and weeks of detox.

Because of the severity of heroin addiction, you may experience symptoms such as:

• Bone pain
• Muscle cramping
• Vomiting

Nausea, restlessness, sneezing and general weakness are also common withdrawal symptoms from heroin as are depression and insomnia .

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Who Can Administer Buprenorphine

The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 classifies drugs under schedules based on the degree of their potential for addiction and abuse, which determines the level of restriction and regulation governing the substances approved for medicinal use. Methadone is classified as a Schedule II drug, which means it needs to be administered in a specialized methadone clinic. Buprenorphine, however, is listed as a Schedule III drug and therefore can be dispensed by any qualified physician who has completed the necessary requirements.13

Physicians qualified to administer buprenorphine can work in a variety of opioid dependency treatment settings, including hospitals, addiction centers, or even certain primary care offices. Call Who Answers? to speak with a treatment adviser who can help you locate a treatment center that is authorized to administer buprenorphine.

Signs And Symptoms Of Heroin Use

The signs of heroin use vary based on how much a person uses and how long theyve been using it. A person who uses heroin may exhibit strange behaviors, spend a lot of time alone, have unexplainable financial issues and become defensive when asked about their drug use. Signs of heroin use may include the presence of drug paraphernalia such as hypodermic needles, and spoons, aluminum foil or bottle caps, which are used to cook the drug.

The symptoms of heroin use may also depend on how much a person uses. When an individual uses heroin, they experience an almost immediate euphoria, which is commonly followed by drowsiness, slowed breathing and slowed reaction time. Heroin affects each person differently but understanding the symptoms of heroin use can help determine if a loved one needs treatment.

The short-term effects of heroin may include:

• flushed skin
• the warm and calming feeling
• heavy arms and legs

• irregular menstrual cycle for women
• withdrawal symptoms
• overdose

Heroin use is risky and has a very high chance of leading to addiction, overdose, and other health problems. Injecting heroin, also known as shooting up, may increase the risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis from sharing needles.

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Naltrexone And Adrenergic Agents To Reduce Heroin Use In Heroin Addicts

• Study Details

Heroin addiction is a serious health problem with no available medical treatment for preventing relapse. Naltrexone is a medication that is currently used to treat substance addiction. It acts by blocking the “high” feeling produced by drugs and alcohol. Guanfacine, an antihypertensive medication, is currently used to manage the withdrawal symptoms in individuals undergoing opioid detoxification. While each of these medications is useful in the treatment of heroin addiction, a combination of the two drugs may be more effective than either medication alone. The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of naltrexone, guanfacine, and a combination of naltrexone and guanfacine at reducing drug relapse in heroin addicts.

How To Know If You Need Heroin Addiction Treatment

Substance use disorders are treatable and can be managed successfully with the proper attention and treatment.8 You may already recognize certain signs and symptoms in yourself that suggest that you might be struggling with an opioid use disorder, such as cravings to use heroin, failing to manage use, continuing to use despite adverse consequences, and experiencing unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when use slows or stops however, it may be best for you to consult with a doctor or other treatment professional when determining what level of heroin addiction care would benefit you the most.

Heroin addiction treatment at American Addiction Centers can be customized to fit a variety of populations in need of substance abuse treatment. Indeed, treatment tailored to individual needs can be crucial to success in recovery.9 While some people may need more intensive care, others may demand more flexibility for their treatment duration due to work responsibilities or other obligations.

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Treatment Approaches For Drug Addiction Drugfacts

NOTE: This fact sheet discusses research findings on effective treatment approaches for drug abuse and addiction. If youre seeking treatment, you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP or go to for information on hotlines, counseling services, or treatment options in your state.

What Is Heroin Addiction Treatment

Many people wishing to benefit from professional substance abuse rehabilitation. Treatment for heroin abuse can help a person stop using heroin so that they may resume a healthier, productive life in the longer-term.

Despite heroins highly addictive nature, many have undergone successful treatment for opioid use disorders. Through a combination of behavioral therapies that promote positive thought patterns and behaviors, and medication to manage withdrawal, people can begin long-term recovery.9

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Treatment For Heroin Addiction

• Specialties

Treatment for opioid and heroin addiction are similar in that medication-assisted treatment is often used for both to help minimize withdrawal symptoms and curb the urge to use drugs. In the past, the only medication used for heroin addiction was methadonea highly addictive substance itselfwhereas now there are several medications available depending on a persons health history as well as their individual drug experience and patterns of behavior.

Not ready to make the call? Contact us online.

Treatment For Opioid Use Disorder: Detoxification And Mat

Several medical treatment options exist for heroin addiction and opioid use disorder : the general term for this process is Medication-Assisted Treatment . A medically supervised withdrawal prior to MAT is known as detoxification .

Relapse, which is the continued use of opioids after opioid withdrawal, is a serious event. Relapse can occur in up to 90% of patients within the first 2 months unless treated with medications for maintenance, like MAT. Medically-supervised treatment can help you stay off of opiates by blocking the euphoria that is experienced.

Drug treatments for detoxification and long-term maintenance are most effective when combined with a medication compliance program and behavioral or “talk” therapy. These medications can relieve opioid cravings without producing the “high” or dangerous side effects of other opioids. While either one can be used individually, the risk for relapse is high when used alone.

These treatments work by binding fully or partially to opiate receptors in the brain and work as agonists, antagonists or a combination of the two.

There is an additional safety factor by undergoing MAT: those who lose their tolerance to opioids are at risk of a fatal overdose if they return to opioid use, so supervision by a healthcare professional can save lives.

Medicines Used in the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder

If youre seeking treatment for opioid use, you can:

To learn more about Opioid Use Disorder, treatments, dosing and side effects:

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Is Treatment Different For Criminal Justice Populations

Scientific research since the mid-1970s shows that drug abuse treatment can help many drug-using offenders change their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors towards drug abuse avoid relapse and successfully remove themselves from a life of substance abuse and crime. Many of the principles of treating drug addiction are similar for people within the criminal justice system as for those in the general population. However, many offenders dont have access to the types of services they need. Treatment that is of poor quality or is not well suited to the needs of offenders may not be effective at reducing drug use and criminal behavior.

In addition to the general principles of treatment, some considerations specific to offenders include the following:

• Treatment should include development of specific cognitive skills to help the offender adjust attitudes and beliefs that lead to drug abuse and crime, such as feeling entitled to have things ones own way or not understanding the consequences of ones behavior. This includes skills related to thinking, understanding, learning, and remembering.
• Treatment planning should include tailored services within the correctional facility as well as transition to community-based treatment after release.
• Ongoing coordination between treatment providers and courts or parole and probation officers is important in addressing the complex needs of offenders re-entering society.

Getting On The Right Track

Here at Recovery Unplugged, music shapes everything we do. From one-one-one sessions to groups therapies and more, music is central to our program. If youre battling heroin addiction and cant seem to stop, we want to help you with the power of music. We at Recovery Unplugged truly believe that music is a catalyst for recovery. Thats why we use what we like to call music-assisted treatment. Music can help you bypass the excuses youve made to yourself and get to the real emotions behind your abuse. With the help of music, we want you to understand what triggers you and how to cope with cravings.

Youre not just another statistic to us. We want you to be a member of our community. If youre struggling with heroin addiction, we want to help you write your song of recovery. At Recovery Unplugged, music is our medicine. Let us share our medicine with you.

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How Does Medication

In addition to behavioral therapies that can be provided by a psychotherapist, there are several excellent medications that are used in long-term treatment of heroin and opioid addiction. Medications such as methadone and Suboxone can allow a person to live a normal life, without the sickness and obsessions that go with active addiction. Naltrexone is another medication that is used to treat opioid addiction. To varying degrees, these treatment drugs block opioid receptors and, with the exception of naltrexone, activate the receptors as well. These medications can be used safely long-term.

How Is Heroin Used

Heroin can be injected, snorted or smoked. Some people mix heroin with crack cocaine, which is known as speedballing. Some people start using heroin by snorting the drug into their nose and may graduate to injecting it into their veins.

Any way a person uses heroin is considered use. Heroin is categorized, by the Drug Enforcement Administration, as a Schedule I controlled substance, which means that it serves no medical purpose and has a very high potential for use. There is no safe way to use heroin.

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Key Benefits Of Inpatient Treatment

The sense of protection of inpatient therapy comes from giving clients a place that is free of the stresses and temptations of the outside world. Here, they have distance from the problems that may have lured them to heroin in the first place, and they can focus all their time and energy on healing and restoring themselves. The freedoms offered by outpatient therapy are very attractive, but they are not for everyone and generally, they are not for those suffering from this serious addiction.

A network of relationships and support can be created in inpatient treatment. Psych Central refers to this as a therapeutic community, whereby the participants in an inpatient program form a bond of encouragement and understanding that lasts far beyond the last day of formal treatment. Some of the friendships made in these programs can help those struggling to stay on the wagon when their sobriety is threatened.

Additionally, health insurance plans may offer coverage for inpatient treatment , as long as the treatment costs for inpatient therapy do not exceed the costs that would be incurred by surgical or medical treatment. Rehabilitation centers usually offer a range of payment options, such as sliding scale or monthly payment plans, to help individuals pay for their treatment.