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.
The therapeutic options used for this problem are broadly divided into two: pharmaceutical agents and behavioral therapy. Although each method is fairly effective, the greatest benefits are realized when the two are used in combination. The general approach is to use the drugs in the acute phase of rehabilitation and to bring in behavioral modification strategies as a long term intervention. There a number of stages that are involved during treatment and rehabilitation.
The first step is referred to as detoxification. It has been described as the most intense of the stages as it entails a sudden cessation of drug use. Experts advise that this stage should be carried out within a facility with qualified medical personnel. The most striking feature is the onset of withdrawal symptoms such as a flu-like illness that is associated with chills, joint pains, nausea, nervousness, shaking, nervousness and even depression.
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 be prescribed in some cases, behavioral therapy is the main form of management during the maintenance stage. The therapist will use various strategies to discourage relapse. Both negative and positive reinforcement are used. Negative reinforcement is where undesirable behavioral patterns are rebuked while positive reinforcement refers to the promotion of desirable behavioral patterns.
The therapeutic options used for this problem are broadly divided into two: pharmaceutical agents and behavioral therapy. Although each method is fairly effective, the greatest benefits are realized when the two are used in combination. The general approach is to use the drugs in the acute phase of rehabilitation and to bring in behavioral modification strategies as a long term intervention. There a number of stages that are involved during treatment and rehabilitation.
The first step is referred to as detoxification. It has been described as the most intense of the stages as it entails a sudden cessation of drug use. Experts advise that this stage should be carried out within a facility with qualified medical personnel. The most striking feature is the onset of withdrawal symptoms such as a flu-like illness that is associated with chills, joint pains, nausea, nervousness, shaking, nervousness and even depression.
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 be prescribed in some cases, behavioral therapy is the main form of management during the maintenance stage. The therapist will use various strategies to discourage relapse. Both negative and positive reinforcement are used. Negative reinforcement is where undesirable behavioral patterns are rebuked while positive reinforcement refers to the promotion of desirable behavioral patterns.
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To recover from your drug addiction, consider seeking heroin treatment Richmond doctors offer. To know more about these medical specialists, go to http://foundationmedicalgroup.org.
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