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Basics Concerning Heroin Treatment Utah County Clients Need To Know

By Daniel Gray


Heroin is an illegal substance in most countries if not all. The drug itself is very addictive and is associated with a significant number of relapses among recovering addicts. This notwithstanding, it is indeed possible to break free from this problem and lead a clean life. All that is needed is a strong desire to overcome, self-discipline and the presence of a strong social support structure. As the look for the appropriate heroin treatment Utah county clients need to know a number of things.

The therapies that are used in managing heroin addiction fall under two major categories: drugs and behavioral therapy. It is common for the two different treatments to be combined so as to maximize the benefits. The first step of the treatment process is called chemical withdrawal (or detoxification). It involves cessation of drug use and management of associated withdrawal symptoms. Such may include fever, chills, nausea, muscle pains and vomiting among others.

Since the recovering addicts are still dependent on heroine, they will be given drugs that have an effect similar to the substance of abuse. Methadone is among the most important treatments in this regard. Other options include naltrexone and buprenorphine. The drugs are usually started immediately after the therapy is initiated and tapered slowly over time when the patient begins to recover. Rapid stoppage is likely to cause withdrawal symptoms.

The therapy stage follows the chemical withdrawal stage. The main activity undertaken at this point is counseling. Patients are enrolled into various classes where they are taught various coping skills. Such classes may be organized as individual or group therapy sessions. Both individual and group therapy have benefits and should be offered to all patients. Whereas individualized therapy accords privacy, group therapy is a forum to share ideas.

Therapist are increasingly adopting a therapeutic arrangement where the rehabilitation is done in a residential set up. In such a setting, several recovering addicts are housed together and taken through both the withdrawal and therapy stages as a group. They will be provided with a number of recreational activities that are aimed at shortening their recovery time. Such may include swimming, biking, competitive running, hiking and so on.

The third step of treatment is called the maintenance stage. It is the longest running and is begun as soon as the recovering addicts rejoin their families. The client will be seen on an outpatient basis through scheduled clinic visits. Their recovery is assessed every time they make the trip to the doctor and adjustments to medications made if need be.

Behavioral therapy is a form of treatment in which behavioral patterns leading to or aggravating the problem are identified and modified. Any behaviors that increase the use of heroin should be dropped. Such may include visiting areas where the drug is plenty in supply. A sub-type of this therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy, CBT. CBT modifies both behavioral and thought patterns.

Heroin addiction is one of the most difficult addictions to break away from. Research has shown that a multi-pronged approach involving the use of drugs and behavior modification is effective in sorting the problem in a majority of the addicts. There is a need to ensure that the affected individuals attend regular family and group therapy sessions as these will serve to strengthen the much needed social support.




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