The Key to Heroin Addiction Help
If you, or someone you know, are addicted to heroin you may find it hard to find information about heroin addiction help. Many people are feeling the same fear and frustration that you may be feeling. Below are some different techniques used to help people who are addicted to heroin:
Detoxification is a technique that allows the patient to become drug-free while not feeling the symptoms of withdrawal. Although detoxification is not a treatment it can help the patient enter into treatment without having to also cope with the side effects of withdrawal.
Methadone treatment works by having the patient take medication so they will not crave heroin for about 24 hours. Because methadone does not make a person feel high or sedated people taking methadone are able to conduct activities like working and driving. Methadone can also be used for long periods of time which allows the patient to seek counseling and support. They can take Methadone instead of resorting to drug rehab recovery programs.
LAAM is a medication that can last up to 72 hours. The patient has to only take the drug three times a week as opposed to daily with methadone. LAAM was approved by the FDA in 1993 and is becoming more popular in clinics that already distribute methadone.
Cognitive-behavioral intervention and contingency management therapy are types of help which do not involve using. Cognitive-behavioral intervention teaches the patients how to better cope with the stress of life and also helps to modify the patient’s behavior and thinking. Contingency management therapy rewards patients when they have negative drug tests by giving them points which can be exchanged for items that will help them lead healthier lifestyles.
It has been shown that behavioral therapies should really go hand-in-hand with any of the above medications because studies show that the success rate is much higher for patients that receive both therapies.
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