There are a variety of heroin treatment options, including behavioral and medication assisted treatment (MAT). These two treatments combined are the bedt way to help the brain to function normally and reduce addict behaviors that lead to many negative consequences, such as:
- Decreased employment rates
- Increased criminal behaviors
- HIV and Hepatitis infections
Behavioral and medicated assisted treatment could work alone, but when both are combined it increases the success for long term recovery and abstinence.
What is Heroin?
Heroin is a potent mind altering drug and is highly addictive. Heroin is a powder that is white, brown or black. Black tar heroin is a sticky substance that is injected by users. Heroin is from the class of drugs called opioids. Heroin is the leading cause of drug overdoses in South Africa and has increased over the years as the drug becomes more prevalent on the streets. Heroin addiction does not discriminate and affects people of all races, ages and social status.
Supervised Medical Detox
Inpatient rehab doctors monitor patients during a medical detox and help alleviate uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. They are on standby for complications that may arise during detox from heroin. Medication is given to assist with withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings. Detox last 3 days and then only can an inpatient therapy commence.
Suboxone
Suboxone is a slow-acting, low-strength opiate that is used to taper patients off of heroin.
Buprenorphine
One of the most commonly prescribed mediaction for heroin withdrawal. Cravings and uncomfortable physical symptoms are reduced.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone blocks the receptors in the brain that reacts to opioids such as heroin. It has no sedative affects and it is non-addictive. The longer a patient stays on Naltrexone the less cravings they will have for heroin.
For more information about heroin treatment options get into contact with ARCA Jhb or Durban today.