According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, an estimated 23 percent of people who use heroin become dependent on it. Heroin is a highly addictive drug that can cause severe dependence and intense withdrawal symptoms. This severe dependence and fear of painful withdrawal symptoms can lead many addicts to avoid heroin addiction treatment, but without treatment and safe detox, many heroin addicts will never fully recover and may even face death.
If you or someone you love is caught in the grip of a heroin addiction, a heroin rehab center can help break the addiction’s powerful hold and return your life back to you. Here’s what you can expect from a California heroin rehab center.
California Heroin Rehab: Detox
The first step of heroin rehab is to enter a detoxification program. During the detox process, the individual will be safely monitored and treated for withdrawal symptoms that can include extreme fatigue, flu-like symptoms, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, depression, anxiety and severe drug craving. These symptoms can begin within a few hours and peak between 48 and 72 hours after the last dose. They will often subside after about a week, but some individuals will experience persistent symptoms for months. Severely dependent users who are in poor health can be at risk for death if sudden withdrawal occurs; however, it is normally less dangerous to withdraw from heroin than alcohol or barbiturates. That’s why the detox period will be supervised by trained medical personnel who will monitor your withdrawal and make sure you are safe and as comfortable as possible.
During heroin detox, certain medications may be used to help minimize withdrawal symptoms. The most common medications used during heroin detox and after to help prevent relapse are methadone, chlondine, buprenorphine and suboxone.
California Heroin Rehab: Treatment
After detox, successful treatment can begin. Treating heroin addiction involves a variety of treatments, including medications and behavioral therapies. Heroin addiction treatment often begins with medically assisted detox in order to help the patient safely withdraw from the drug; however, detox alone is not a treatment and is not effective in preventing relapse.
The most effective treatment for heroin addiction is a comprehensive approach that addresses not only the physical effects of the heroin addiction, but the psychological effects as well. A comprehensive approach that combines behavioral therapy, individual counseling, 12-Step support, drug testing, dual diagnosis and positive reinforcement has been shown to be the most effective way to reduce heroin abuse. Some California heroin rehab centers will also introduce holistic therapies such as yoga and equine therapies to help you reconnect your body, mind and spirit — all areas that are damaged by addiction.
California Heroin Rehab: Residential and Sober Living
When seeking treatment for heroin addiction, it is often best to receive care at a residential treatment center and continue your first few months of recovery at a California sober living facility.
There are many benefits of residential treatment, but perhaps the biggest benefit is that it provides a structured environment that’s free of temptations and distractions. Residential treatment for heroin addiction provides round-the-clock care and support to help you focus on your recovery and teach you the skills needed to live a drug-free life. It also provides a temporary escape from the daily stresses and responsibilities of home, work, family and other relationships so you can solely focus on recovery.
Sober living is often a good follow-up to any effective California heroin rehab center. It allows you to live in a clean, sober environment so that you can re-learn how to live a life without drugs and alcohol during the delicate first months of recovery. Sober living is often recommended for people who have just completed residential treatment and are at risk for relapsing if they return home.
If heroin addiction has a hold of your life or the life of a loved one, a California heroin rehab center can finally set you free. Call one today and start the healing process.
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