Heroin addiction is a chronic condition characterized by uncontrollable drug use and drug-seeking behaviors in spite of the harmful consequences. Addiction can cause long-lasting changes in the brain that often lead to risky behaviors. When a person does commit to heroin recovery, relapse is common. Addiction usually begins with the voluntary choice to use the drug, however, the person’s ability to choose not to use decreases over time. Soon, seeking and using the drug becomes compulsive.
The good news is heroin addiction is treatable–but treatment is not quick or straightforward. Addiction is a chronic disease, and as such, there’s more to effective treatment than just stopping the use of the drug. Most patients require long-term care to recover, and many people need repeated treatment. Effective treatment involves a multi-faceted approach that helps the addicted person stop using the drug, remain drug-free over time, and be productive in their personal and professional lives.
Understanding Effective Treatment
An effective treatment program addresses multiple issues. Addiction is a treatable, albeit complex condition that negatively affects health. People respond differently to treatment, and no single-sided approach works for everyone.
An excellent treatment program addresses all of the person’s needs–not just their drug use. Many treatment programs include counseling, behavioral therapies, and medication. These types of treatments are vital to overcoming an addiction, mainly because there is a higher risk of relapse early on.
Steps to Recovery
- Medically-assisted detoxification: Heroin withdrawal can be complicated, and medically-assisted detox makes it much more tolerable.
- Behavioral counseling: Patients learn how to recognize situations that trigger their cravings and how to respond in healthy ways to prevent relapse.
- Evaluation for co-occurring mental health issues: Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues can put the person at higher risk for substance abuse and relapse, so identifying and treating these issues is crucial.
- Medication: Many medications exist to help minimize withdrawal symptoms and curb cravings. Also, a psychiatrist can prescribe medication to help treat mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
- Relapse prevention plan and long-term follow-up: Relapse is common, but a good support system and long-term relapse prevention plan can minimize the chances that a person will use again.
Treatment for addiction should always include both mental health and medical services as needed.
Discover Heroin Recovery at Harmony Grove Recovery
At Harmony Grove Recovery, we offer drug addiction therapy as part of a full range of treatment services. We are a residential inpatient treatment center providing group and individual counseling sessions, family sessions, educational sessions, equine therapy, fitness programs, and more to help people struggling with addiction regain their lives.
We provide clients with a 30, 60, or 90-day program depending on their current state. Our trained personnel can help create a program designed specifically to help overcome the hardships of addiction. We take the time to focus on the physical and mental health of each patient. If you or someone you love needs heroin recovery services, contact us today.