Considering the addictive effects of heroin, it looks incurable, but the combination of medication and therapy can help addicts break free from it. For instance, you can even sign up at heroin detox richmond for quality care.
Many addicts hardly have the consciousness to think of quitting because of the impact of heroin on their brains.
The decision to quit heroin is the first step to your healing. Yes, you can break away from heroin addiction. Want to know how? Read on.
What Are The Effects Of Heroin Addiction
Before going into the treatment process of heroin addiction, it’s important to know the negative impact on its users.
Here are a few of them;
- Vomiting and nauseating feeling
Dry mouth
- Lack of self-control
- Contraction of HIV and hepatitis
- Slow heartbeat
- Severe itching
- Slow and unclear speech
- Kidney and liver diseases
- Brain damage
- Shallow breathing
- Collapsed veins
- Inability to use arms and legs
- Coma
- Premature death
These are both short and long-term effects of heroin addiction.
How To Break Heroin Addiction
First, the effects of heroin addiction require more than one tool for treatment. This is something that cannot be done by an individual alone.
At your first meeting with a doctor, you’ll be asked questions to ascertain the level of damage the drug has caused and also to know the best treatment for you.
Also, a pee sample will be required to prove that you use heroin.
Afterward, the following medications can take place.
- Withdrawal Treatment
When a patient stops consuming heroin, there are a lot of side effects that will play out. Ranging from vomiting to inability to walk or use the arm, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
The doctor administers drugs like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone to reduce the withdrawal effects.
- Staying in Treatment and Avoiding Relapse
Patients are given substitute drugs to help them lose the urge for heroin. This helps the brain work properly without the influence of heroin.
Detoxification can be applied for quick recovery. A patient can be given a heroin substitute before the gradual withdrawal.
Relapse can be prevented when patients are kept in a separate room during treatment. It is believed that stress stimulants and contact with heroin can lead to relapse.
Behavioral treatment includes;
- Cognitive Therapy
Patients going through anxiety and depression are encouraged to meet a therapist who helps them cope and recognize the effect of taking drugs.
Therapy also helps patients control the urge to consume heroin, the therapist helps them channel their desire to something meaningful.
- Use of Incentives
Patients are rewarded at some point for abiding by prescriptions, participating in counseling sessions, and staying drug-free.
This method works fine after detoxification.
- Family Support and Group Therapy
Patients can join support groups where they share their experiences and get motivated.
The patient’s family is also given support which will help reduce the consumption of hard drugs among family members. Alongside, family members serve as caregivers when a patient is restricted from the public.
Bottom Line
Heroin addiction can be treated despite its critical impact on an individual. The treatment process also has side effects on the patient, resulting in dysfunctional behavior at home or work. These side effects will die down in the long run.
Counselors can also help an addict by treating every aspect of their social and psychological life because heroin addiction affects every part of its victim.
