Heroin is a strongly addictive substance of abuse. Even in the presence of a strong will to stop addiction, many people find themselves relapsing. If you are an individual that is dealing with this problem, the first step towards setting yourself free should be to seek professional help. As they plan to seek this help, there are a number of things on heroin treatment Richmond residents need to know.
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 very first step in the process is chemical withdrawal (detoxification. It is highly recommended that this step be carried out in a facility with medical personnel. This is because of the potential emergencies that may arise during the process. Withdrawal symptoms are very common at this time and vary in pattern and severity from one individual to another. Common symptoms include nervousness, depression, nausea, shaking and muscular 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 final step of treatment is called the maintenance stage. It is initiated as soon as one leaves the treatment facility and may last for months or years depending on response. The therapist gives periodic appointments during which they can conduct assessments with the aim of establishing whether or not progress is being made. Treatments may or may not be modified depending on the findings.
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 very first step in the process is chemical withdrawal (detoxification. It is highly recommended that this step be carried out in a facility with medical personnel. This is because of the potential emergencies that may arise during the process. Withdrawal symptoms are very common at this time and vary in pattern and severity from one individual to another. Common symptoms include nervousness, depression, nausea, shaking and muscular 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 final step of treatment is called the maintenance stage. It is initiated as soon as one leaves the treatment facility and may last for months or years depending on response. The therapist gives periodic appointments during which they can conduct assessments with the aim of establishing whether or not progress is being made. Treatments may or may not be modified depending on the findings.
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.
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