Sunday 29 May 2016

Important Aspects Of Heroin Treatment American Fork Addicts Should Understand

By Donald Wallace


Bringing heroin addiction under control is one of the most difficult tasks that exist. It has been observed that a good number of persons that go through rehabilitation programs relapse within their first year. However, this should not be taken to mean that it is an impossible feat. With self-discipline, determination and a sincere desire, it can be done. When looking for heroin treatment American Fork residents need to understand a number of things beforehand.

The treatments that are used here are divided into two main groups: pharmacological treatments and behavioral therapies. The common practice is to combine the two. Therapy is started with what is known as detoxification or chemical withdrawal. Since the period is quite intense, it has to be managed within an inpatient facility. This is to provide an opportunity for intervention in the event of withdrawal symptoms such as flu-like illness, chills, joint pains and nausea among others.

Withdrawal symptoms are managed by drugs that either oppose or mimic the action of heroin. Methadone is among the most commonly used options. It is a drug that is prescribed immediately the diagnosis is made and is conditioned for some time before being tapered off over weeks or months. Sudden stoppage may lead to withdrawal symptoms that are similar to those that result from the withdrawal of heroin. Other drugs that are equally beneficial are naltrexone and buprenorphine.

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 behavioral therapy is the commonest (and most effective) form of behavioral therapy that is used to solve this problem. The reason as to why it is very successful is the fact that the patients is usually involved in many of the major decisions that are made. They help in the identification of factors that are contributing to the problem and make suggestions on how to deal with it.

Heroin addiction is a problem that requires a multi-pronged approach. Since the problem is usually different for each person, the treatment should be individualized. The family should be closely involved to provide a strong support structure if the process is to be successful. The client should be evaluated regularly to determine whether they are progressing or relapsing.




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