Heroin and Opiate Addiction intervention Programs
Heroin and Opiate Addiction intervention Programs
Heroin and opiate addiction are growing problems in America. These addictions ruin many lives and often result in death for many users. In addition, treating a heroin or opiate addict is often difficult and recovery is a long slow process.
One of the things that make heroin and opiates so addictive is the feeling of euphoria that these drugs initiate in the brain. Everyone wants to feel good and these drugs are a quick way to get these feelings.
The feelings of euphoria that these drugs give a person is so strong that addicts are able to ignore the more negative effects that follows the initial euphoric feelings. These effect include:
- Severe itching
- Drowsiness
- Slowing of the persons breathing and heartbeat
- Clouded mental functions
- Possible hypothermia, coma and death
Other effects of Heroin and/or opiate addiction may be:
- Vein collapse and infections
- weakened immune system
- Infection of the heart
- Increase risk of tuberculous, hepatitis C, and Aids
- Increase in risky or criminal behavior in order to score the heroine or opiates
Why A Professional Heroin and Opiate Addiction Intervention Program is Needed
It is simply impossible for a heroin or opiate addict to quit using these drugs on their own. Not only does the cravings for these drugs make it difficult for an addict to quit cold turkey, but the withdrawal symptoms from these drugs can be serious and even dangerous.
What A Heroin and Opiate Addiction Intervention Program Entails
A heroin and opiate addiction intervention program may start with a professionally counseled intervention for the addict staged by the addict’s family and friends. It is essential to have the aid of a professional counselor who has experience in staging interventions to guide the family through the intervention process.
Once the intervention takes place, if it is successful, it is essential that the addict is admitted immediately into a professional heroin and opiate treatment program. Here is what is included in a professional heroin and opiate treatment program.
- Medical Detoxification- Before an addict can receive treatment to deal with their addiction they first need to detoxify from the drug. This detoxification needs to be done under the strict supervision of medical and mental health professionals. Cold sweats, diarrhea, muscle cramps, depression and anxiety, mood swings, vomiting, and seizures may occur and the addict may need medical help from medications to help them deal with these withdrawal symptoms. In addition, mental health professions can help addicts deal with their feelings of depression and anxiety in order to give the addict the best chance of becoming healthier after the detoxification process.
- Addiction Treatment– Once the patient has completed the detoxification process they then can begin the actual addiction treatment phrase. During this phase, treatment may include individual and group therapy, helping the addict understand and avoid the triggers that have caused them to use, and tools and coping skills for them to use to remain drug-free.
- After Treatment Support Programs- A good treatment program includes after treatment and support programs to help the drug addict start living a more normal life. This may include a stay in a half-way house, help in finding employment, and continued counseling on an outpatient basis.
Keep in mind that the sooner you get a Heroin or opiate addict the help that they need, the better the chance is that their recovery will be successful.