How to Help a Heroin Addict
An opioid synthesized from morphine, heroin is an incredibly addictive substance that has solidified itself as the drug of choice for millions of individuals across the country. A heroin epidemic has persisted for years in the United States, and the problem has made its way into homes in big cities and small towns alike. If someone with a heroin addiction, it may seem like there’s nothing you can do. Here are some things to consider when figuring out how to help a heroin addict.
How to Help a Heroin Addict: Medical Detox
Addiction to heroin often manifests itself mentally as well as physically. Many individuals become physically addicted to the substance, which means that heroin withdrawal symptoms are difficult and painful to handle. A supervised heroin detox program helps to mitigate the pain felt during withdrawal from heroin abuse. This can make the detox process easier and help individuals in recovery to transition more fluidly into rehab treatment.
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How to Help a Heroin Addict: Evidence-Based Therapy
For many individuals who abuse heroin, underlying factors often cause them to pursue abusive habits. Many individuals benefit from facing these issues in therapeutic sessions with mental health professionals.
After going through withdrawal during detox, the next step in how to help a heroin addict is therapy. Therapy follows up on detox and physical sobriety by helping patients strive for psychological sobriety.
One method of how to help a heroin addict is behavioral therapy, an evidence-based method centered on retraining the brain. Therapists guide clients towards overcoming their self-destructive behavioral patterns and addiction triggers. Another method is holistic healing, including massage, expressive arts, and meditation. As opposed to traditional psychotherapy, how to help a heroin addict using holistic methods involves participation in positive experiences. Creative activity allows for expressing repressed emotions and energy, while meditation helps calm the mind.
Group therapy
Addiction treatment therapies offered to people on heroin at Serenity Lodge include, but aren’t limited to:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT, a type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) calls for people to alter negative behaviors. ACT use at the heroin addiction treatment center maximizes their well-being by teaching them how to overcome negative thoughts and feelings.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. CBT therapists know how to help a heroin addict — by developing coping strategies to discourage negative behavior. A heroin addict also learns new, more highly productive ways to deal with life without having to rely upon substances like heroin.
- Relapse Prevention. Unfortunately, about 80% of individuals who enter opioid or opiate rehab will relapse. However, when relapse prevention methods are provided, a heroin addict is 10 times more likely to remain sober. Sobriety isn’t a destination but a lifelong mission. At Serenity Lodge, relapse prevention is crucial in how to help a heroin addict.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Experiential Therapy
- Family Support Program
- Group Therapy Program
How to Help a Heroin Addict: A Comprehensive Program
Ultimately, the best way you can help someone who is addicted to heroin is to bring the individual to a professional treatment facility. A professional rehab will have the tools necessary to ensure that an individual addicted to heroin can fully detox and begin to build the skills needed to fight back against addiction. It can be dangerous to attempt to detox on your own. Pursuing professional treatment is always the safest option.
Serenity Lodge is an amenity-rich treatment facility located in beautiful Lake Arrowhead, California. With a movie theater, racquetball court, and fitness therapy area including a 1,500-square foot gym, our facility has everything you need to feel comfortable while you pursue sobriety. This center also offers addiction treatment services, including:
- Residential Inpatient Treatment
- Partial Hospitalization (PHP)
- Intensive Outpatient (IOP)
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment
There’s no better time to begin helping yourself or a loved one than right now. Call Serenity Lodge today at [Direct] and start your recovery journey.
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