Heroin is a highly addictive drug in the opiate family. While heroin remains illegal and is not medically prescribed, many heroin addictions begin with other opiates. Many opioids are prescribed for things like pain and following invasive surgeries. Some common opioids are Oxycontin and Percocet.
If people become addicted to opioids through misuse or abuse, it can eventually lead them to heroin once they acquire physical dependence that milder opioids like oxycontin can no longer satisfy. The good news is that numerous addiction recovery programs specialize in treating heroin. Midwest Recovery Center is an example of a high-quality provider of heroin detox resources.
Discover more heroin addiction treatment resources.
Heroin Addiction Treatment
The first step to overcoming heroin addiction is detox. As a result, rehab centers provide comprehensive heroin detox resources to all of their clients. Heroin withdrawal symptoms can be severe. Detox should always be completed under medical supervision. Common heroin withdrawal symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Aches and pains
- Chills
In most cases, heroin detox and treatment are conducted with the assistance of medications like buprenorphine or methadone. Buprenorphine is a partial opiate that activates up the same brain regions as heroin. It is highly effective in reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Methadone is similar but stronger than buprenorphine. It is most effective when used for longer-term therapy.
Addiction treatment provides comprehensive heroin addiction resources that look to holistically address a person’s issues. Programs are designed to build patient motivation for healing; equip them with coping skills to deal with cravings and triggers; properly manage thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to maintain sobriety; and live a balanced life through exercise and nutrition.
Heroin Addiction Resources
Overcoming heroin addiction extends far beyond initial detox and rehab. Ongoing treatment and relapse prevention are two heroin addiction resources that are vital to staying sober. Once detox and a potential stay at an inpatient rehab are complete, most people enter a phase of outpatient treatment. People in outpatient addiction therapy continue to meet with a counselor, receive regular medication, and may also attend a support group.
Relapse prevention is central to this period of ongoing care. Here are four tips to keep in mind when navigating the growing independence that comes with outpatient treatment.
Continue Medication as Prescribed
If a medication like buprenorphine or methadone is part of your treatment plan, make sure you take it as prescribed. Missing doses or feeling like you can go without it may derail the recovery.
Attend Counseling and Support Groups
Heroin causes long-lasting changes to people’s bodies and brains. Completing detox is just the first step to letting your body recover. It can take months, if not years, before heroin’s physical and mental impact dissipates entirely. That means going to counseling and attending support groups are vital elements of remaining sober. The accountability and support they offer are not to be underestimated as heroin addiction resources.
Exercise Caution with New Prescriptions
Prescription opioids may be what catalyzed your addiction in the first place. It is important to be extremely careful with any new prescriptions a doctor may give you. Being honest with your doctor about addiction challenges is a great precautionary measure to make sure they don’t accidentally prescribe something that could cause a relapse.
Invest in Sober Relationships and Activities
Achieving sobriety often entails transforming multiple aspects of your life. Previous relationships and activities connected to addiction need to be cut off to promote healing. In their place, seek out sober relationships and activities. A life free from addiction may look different, but it need not be less fun.
Find Healing from Heroin Addiction
Heroin addiction resource providers like Midwest Recovery Center are ready to help you or a loved one transform their life. Recovery is possible. Find hope and healing by exploring heroin addiction treatment today.