Heroin is arguably the most addictive hard drug that exists. A significant number of former addicts will find themselves slipping back into the problem in spite of a strong desire to stay clean. What struggling addicts need to do even as they seek to deal with this problem once and for all is to identify a qualified institution to help them through. There are many things involved in heroin treatment Richmond residents need to be conversant with.
The available treatment modalities are of two main types: chemical (drugs) and behavioral therapy. Although the two are at times used singly, it has been established that outcomes are better when they are combined. Generally, drugs are used to manage the acute phase while behavioral modification is designed to be used as a long term measure that mainly focuses on preventing relapse. The treatment and rehabilitation process comprises several steps.
The first step is known as detoxification (or chemical withdrawal). It is the most uncomfortable of all the stages since it represents the period during which drug use is stopped. Experts highly recommend that this step occurs within an enclosed facility where medical personnel are available to respond to emergencies. Withdrawal symptoms are very common and varied. They may include chills, nervousness, shaking, depression, nausea and muscle pains among others.
Heroin use is associated with a great deal of dependence among long term users. What this means is that it becomes almost impossible to do anything without using the drug. In view of this fact, the strategy should be to introduce another substance that confers the same feeling as heroin as part of the initial therapy. Methadone is among the drugs that have been approved for this use. Others include naltrexone and buprenorphine.
The next step of therapy is the treatment proper. It entails counseling at individual and group level. Individual therapy has the advantage of providing an opportunity for the addict to open up about the problem. The therapist will take the opportunity to advise them on mitigative measures that can be undertaken at individual level. In group therapy, addicts with the same problem get to share their experiences and coping skills with each other.
One of the emerging trends in the management of this condition involves the use of a home setting for the treatment process. Patients that are managed in such homes have access to various recreational activities. These may be sporting activities such as running, playing soccer, swimming or cycling or relaxation activities (such as meditation and yoga). All these activities stimulate the brain and increase the chances of recovery.
The third step of the treatment process is the maintenance step. This step lasts for a long period of time (months to years depending on patient response). It is started once the recovering addict rejoins their family. The treatment during the maintenance stage is mainly done on an outpatient basis. The therapists conducts periodic assessments during the scheduled visits to establish whether or not progress is being made.
The main treatment option during the third step is behavioral therapy. The main objective is to reduce the likelihood of relapse. This is achieved by positive reinforcement of desirable behaviors and negative reinforcement of undesirable behaviors. What this means is that the patient is encouraged to take part in activities that will reduce the desire for drug use and discouraged from those that will increase it.
The available treatment modalities are of two main types: chemical (drugs) and behavioral therapy. Although the two are at times used singly, it has been established that outcomes are better when they are combined. Generally, drugs are used to manage the acute phase while behavioral modification is designed to be used as a long term measure that mainly focuses on preventing relapse. The treatment and rehabilitation process comprises several steps.
The first step is known as detoxification (or chemical withdrawal). It is the most uncomfortable of all the stages since it represents the period during which drug use is stopped. Experts highly recommend that this step occurs within an enclosed facility where medical personnel are available to respond to emergencies. Withdrawal symptoms are very common and varied. They may include chills, nervousness, shaking, depression, nausea and muscle pains among others.
Heroin use is associated with a great deal of dependence among long term users. What this means is that it becomes almost impossible to do anything without using the drug. In view of this fact, the strategy should be to introduce another substance that confers the same feeling as heroin as part of the initial therapy. Methadone is among the drugs that have been approved for this use. Others include naltrexone and buprenorphine.
The next step of therapy is the treatment proper. It entails counseling at individual and group level. Individual therapy has the advantage of providing an opportunity for the addict to open up about the problem. The therapist will take the opportunity to advise them on mitigative measures that can be undertaken at individual level. In group therapy, addicts with the same problem get to share their experiences and coping skills with each other.
One of the emerging trends in the management of this condition involves the use of a home setting for the treatment process. Patients that are managed in such homes have access to various recreational activities. These may be sporting activities such as running, playing soccer, swimming or cycling or relaxation activities (such as meditation and yoga). All these activities stimulate the brain and increase the chances of recovery.
The third step of the treatment process is the maintenance step. This step lasts for a long period of time (months to years depending on patient response). It is started once the recovering addict rejoins their family. The treatment during the maintenance stage is mainly done on an outpatient basis. The therapists conducts periodic assessments during the scheduled visits to establish whether or not progress is being made.
The main treatment option during the third step is behavioral therapy. The main objective is to reduce the likelihood of relapse. This is achieved by positive reinforcement of desirable behaviors and negative reinforcement of undesirable behaviors. What this means is that the patient is encouraged to take part in activities that will reduce the desire for drug use and discouraged from those that will increase it.
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To recover from your drug addiction, consider seeking heroin treatment Richmond doctors offer. To know more about these medical specialists, go to http://foundationmedicalgroup.org.
