Sunday, August 14, 2016

Important Information Regarding Heroin Treatment Richmond Clients Need To Have

By Donna Murray


Heroin is arguably the most addictive hard drug that exists. A significant number of former addicts will find themselves slipping back into the problem in spite of a strong desire to stay clean. What struggling addicts need to do even as they seek to deal with this problem once and for all is to identify a qualified institution to help them through. There are many things involved in heroin treatment Richmond residents need to be conversant with.

Treatment modalities for this condition are broadly divided into two: behavioral therapies and chemical drugs. Although these approaches may be used in isolation, it has been discovered that success rates are highest when they are combined. Drugs are most useful in the initial stages while the behavioral therapies have mainly been adopted for the long term management of the condition. Comprehensive rehabilitation is made up of several stages.

The first step is known as detoxification (or chemical withdrawal). It is the most uncomfortable of all the stages since it represents the period during which drug use is stopped. Experts highly recommend that this step occurs within an enclosed facility where medical personnel are available to respond to emergencies. Withdrawal symptoms are very common and varied. They may include chills, nervousness, shaking, depression, nausea and muscle pains among others.

Apart from withdrawal symptoms, another problem that has to be handled is dependence. This is a situation where users of substances such as heroin find it difficult to carry out their normal chores if they have not used the substance. This is what has resulted in the use of drugs that have a similar effect as heroin during the first step of therapy. Examples of these drugs include methadone, naltrexone and buprenorphine.

The second step in this process is what is popularly known as therapy proper. The main activity at this stage is counseling of the individual. This may be done at individual or group level. Individual therapy is aimed at providing an environment that will help the addict to open up about their problem. The therapists suggests how individual factors contributing to the problem can be handled. Group therapy, on the other hand, helps to impart coping skills.

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 third step of the treatment process is the maintenance step. This step lasts for a long period of time (months to years depending on patient response). It is started once the recovering addict rejoins their family. The treatment during the maintenance stage is mainly done on an outpatient basis. The therapists conducts periodic assessments during the scheduled visits to establish whether or not progress is being made.

Although drugs may also be needed, the primary therapy during the maintenance step is behavioral therapy. The aim of this treatment is to safeguard the gains made and to prevent relapse. Positive reinforcement of desirable behavioral patterns is done and negative reinforcement of behaviors likely to cause relapse also done.




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