Basics Concerning Heroin Treatment Richmond Clients Need To Know
Heroin is a strongly addictive substance of abuse. Even in the presence of a strong will to stop addiction, many people find themselves relapsing. If you are an individual that is dealing with this problem, the first step towards setting yourself free should be to seek professional help. As they plan to seek this help, there are a number of things on heroin treatment Richmond residents need to know.
The available treatment modalities are of two main types: chemical (drugs) and behavioral therapy. Although the two are at times used singly, it has been established that outcomes are better when they are combined. Generally, drugs are used to manage the acute phase while behavioral modification is designed to be used as a long term measure that mainly focuses on preventing relapse. The treatment and rehabilitation process comprises several steps.
The very first step in the process is chemical withdrawal (detoxification. It is highly recommended that this step be carried out in a facility with medical personnel. This is because of the potential emergencies that may arise during the process. Withdrawal symptoms are very common at this time and vary in pattern and severity from one individual to another. Common symptoms include nervousness, depression, nausea, shaking and muscular 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 final step of treatment is called the maintenance stage. It is initiated as soon as one leaves the treatment facility and may last for months or years depending on response. The therapist gives periodic appointments during which they can conduct assessments with the aim of establishing whether or not progress is being made. Treatments may or may not be modified depending on the findings.
The main treatment option during the third step is behavioral therapy. The main objective is to reduce the likelihood of relapse. This is achieved by positive reinforcement of desirable behaviors and negative reinforcement of undesirable behaviors. What this means is that the patient is encouraged to take part in activities that will reduce the desire for drug use and discouraged from those that will increase it.
The available treatment modalities are of two main types: chemical (drugs) and behavioral therapy. Although the two are at times used singly, it has been established that outcomes are better when they are combined. Generally, drugs are used to manage the acute phase while behavioral modification is designed to be used as a long term measure that mainly focuses on preventing relapse. The treatment and rehabilitation process comprises several steps.
The very first step in the process is chemical withdrawal (detoxification. It is highly recommended that this step be carried out in a facility with medical personnel. This is because of the potential emergencies that may arise during the process. Withdrawal symptoms are very common at this time and vary in pattern and severity from one individual to another. Common symptoms include nervousness, depression, nausea, shaking and muscular 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 final step of treatment is called the maintenance stage. It is initiated as soon as one leaves the treatment facility and may last for months or years depending on response. The therapist gives periodic appointments during which they can conduct assessments with the aim of establishing whether or not progress is being made. Treatments may or may not be modified depending on the findings.
The main treatment option during the third step is behavioral therapy. The main objective is to reduce the likelihood of relapse. This is achieved by positive reinforcement of desirable behaviors and negative reinforcement of undesirable behaviors. What this means is that the patient is encouraged to take part in activities that will reduce the desire for drug use and discouraged from those that will increase it.
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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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