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Monday, May 16, 2016

By Donald Wallace


Heroin is one of the most addictive substances that exist. A significant number of addicts that go through rehabilitation relapse within a few months. The most important attributes for a person that wishes to succeed are self-discipline, a strong will to succeed and a strong social support structure. If they wish to have heroin treatment American Fork addicts need to have some important information beforehand.

Treatment modalities are divided into two major categories: pharmacological and behavioral modification. These two types are often used alongside each other to increase the chances of success. Chemical withdrawal or detoxification is the first step of the treatment process. This stage is extremely intense and has to be managed in an inpatient facility. Withdrawal symptoms such as chills, nausea, muscular pains and a flu-like illness are common.

Withdrawal symptoms are usually managed by a drug known as methadone or other antagonists of heroin. The drug is started as soon as the symptoms are noticed and continued for some time. Since the drug may have withdrawal symptoms of its own, it is tapered off over weeks to months. Other alternatives that may be used include buprenorphine and naltrexone. The duration of administering the drugs depends on the severity of symptoms.

The next stage of treatment is the therapy stage. This is where the addict is enrolled into several classes and taught life skills that are relevant to their problem. The classes may be individual therapy sessions or group therapy sessions. Each has associated benefits. For instance, individual therapy provides an opportunity for the addict to open up without fear while group therapy provides encouragement and generates different solutions to the same problem.

The therapy stage may be carried out in a residential home as long as the environment is well controlled. Within the home, the recovering addict gets an opportunity to engage in various physical activities. Such may include medication, yoga, deep breathing, running, swimming and biking among others. All these activities are important in relieving stress which in turn helps in the recovery process.

The final stage of managing the addiction is termed the maintenance stage. The stage commences when the recovering addict goes back home. The rest of the treatment is to be carried out on an outpatient basis. The clients should have regular clinic visits where they participate in both group therapy (narcotic anonymous) and individual therapy. Family therapy may also be offered to expedite the process of integration.

Cognitive behavior therapy or CBT is the most useful form of behavioral therapy that is offered for this problem. In CBT, the client plays an active role in identifying thoughts and behaviors that may have caused or aggravated the addiction. They also participate in formulating solutions to the addiction problem. The therapy is usually more successful than other types because the client feels that they have been involved.

When it comes to treating heroin addiction, there is a need to adopt a multi-pronged approach. Drugs should be started at the same time as behavioral therapy. The magnitude of the problem varies from one person to another hence the treatment should always be individualized. Family support is one of the most important components and should be provided from the very beginning.




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