According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 948,000 people reported using heroin in 2016. Heroin addiction has shown to be very destructive to people’s health, social, home, and financial life; long-term use changes the physical structure and physiology of the brain, with several studies showing that heroin can deteriorate some of the brain’s white matter. If you’re seeking treatment for heroin addiction, you’ve made the best choice you possibly can. Seeking help, whether early on or later in addiction, may prevent further damage from being done and could potentially help your body to reverse some of the damages it has undergone. You’ve made a great decision.
If you’ve attempted to recover several times but have not been successful, you are not alone. A study published in the Journal of Addictive Diseases found that after following an analysis of 242 heroin users (2 groups of people: one group who recovered and one group who didn’t) after 30 years, non-recovered individuals were more likely to utilize substances to cope with stressful situations, to have spouses that abused drugs, to lack proper social support, and to have a lack of self-efficacy. Without the right treatment program, heroin addiction can be challenging to overcome. Previous research has shown that addiction recovery must include community support, a structured program, and negative consequences of substance use; perhaps in previous programs you were not provided with these crucial components to success, or you attempted to recover at home.
There are many successful interventions that can be used for heroin addiction, including both behavioral and pharmacological options; integrating both treatment options have been shown to be the most effective. Medications may be used to aid in withdrawal symptoms of heroin addiction, including: 1) agonists (activates opioid receptors), 2) partial agonists (activates receptors but produces a smaller response), or 3) antagonists (blocks opioid receptors, interfering with reward responses). Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are the most common medications currently used to treat this addiction.
Behavioral therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management are most likely to be used in a treatment program. These programs will help you to release negative, unproductive patterns of thought and replace them more positive, productive ways of thinking. Contingency management is based on providing vouchers and other healthy rewards for actively working towards your recovery. Reach out to a representative at a reputable treatment center today to begin your journey towards recovery.
Avalon Malibu is a world-renowned, California state-licensed mental health and substance abuse recovery center. If you are ready to seek treatment to develop the tools you need to overcome life’s obstacles and be on the road towards happiness, health, and well-being, call us today at 888-958-7511 for a consultation. It’s never too late, and there are people here ready to help you.
