Addiction affects every aspect of your health and well-being. That’s why Liberty Wellness’s approach to heroin addiction treatment is holistic and personalized, providing care for the mind and body. Here at Liberty Wellness in Berlin, NJ, we specialize in finding the addiction treatment programs that work best with you and your individual needs.
Our addiction treatment programs are developed by professionals to ensure the most effective care possible for you.
Heroin Addiction Treatment
There are a variety of different treatments for individuals suffering from heroin addiction, including both behavioral and pharmacological (medication). Research has shown that implementing each of them on their own is sufficient in helping addiction, but the combination of them both is the most effective approach.
Pharmacological Treatment (Medication)
Research shows that medical treatment of opioid use disorder increases the individuals retention in treatment programs and decreases drug abuse. There are many types of heroin withdrawal symptoms, and they can often be severe. Some of them include:
- Muscle or abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting and feelings of nausea
- Restlessness or tremors
- Sweating
- Increased Heart Rate
The severity of these symptoms make it hard for those addicted to quit, and they can be extremely hard to deal with alone. Medication can help suppress cravings and other physical symptoms that can often cause someone to relapse. The FDA has approved a drug called Lofexidine, a non-opioid medicine that’s designed to help manage opioid withdrawal symptoms. It is not a treatment for addiction itself, but when paired with an evidence based treatment it is extremely helpful.
Types of Medication Treatment (FDA Approved)
- Methadone: Methadone is an opiate used for moderate to severe addictions. Methadone binds the same receptors in the brain as heroin does, but it doesn’t get the user high. This will help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms, but it is used with caution. Methadone helps clients remain in treatment and makes withdrawal symptoms less uncomfortable.
- Buprenorphine (Suboxone): Buprenorphine works in the same manner as methadone, but it is less intense and not as closely monitored because the addiction risk is lower. It contains naloxone and buprenorphine which are both used to block any euphoric feelings caused from taking opioids. Any uncomfortable symptoms that are typically experienced during opioid withdrawal are prevented.Typically users can take this drug home with them instead of going to the clinic to get it.
- Naltrexone: Naltrexone works the same for opioid addiction as it does for alcohol addiction. It stops the urge to use drugs. Since alcohol and drugs can activate the same receptors in the brain, it can be helpful in fighting addiction as well.
How Medications Help With Addiction Treatment
Medications can make it easier for recovering addicts to stay sober. Many times people that are trying to give up drugs or alcohol relapse because they aren’t able to cope with the withdrawals. Medications can be prescribed as part of an inpatient or outpatient rehab program. Doctors are able to adjust the dosages during the course of the treatment to make sure that the addict has the best chance of achieving sobriety and ending the cycle of substance abuse.
While Liberty Wellness is not an MAT program, we do accept clients on Medication Assisted Treatments (MAT), including clients on medications such as suboxone.
Is It Dangerous to Take Medication for Addiction Treatment?
Many people have a misconception that taking medication for addiction treatment is simply replacing one drug for another. This is not the case. When used as directed by a doctor, medication is a healthy and effective way to treat addiction for opioids, alcohol, and other substances. At Liberty Wellness, our clinical team of medical professionals can prescribe the appropriate medications for your addiction, and perform medication monitoring to ensure that it is being taken safely.
Behavioral Therapies
There are many effective behavioral therapies that can be delivered in outpatient and residential settings. Behavioral therapies can be extremely effective, especially when combined with medical treatment. These include:
- Contingency Management Interventions: Research has proven the effectiveness of treatment approaches using contingency management principles. This method involves giving individuals tangible rewards to reinforce positive behaviors, such as staying clean. Studies have shown that incentive based interventions are highly effective in increasing treatment retention and maintaining sobriety.
- Community Reinforcement Approach Plus Vouchers: This type of therapy is a 24 week intensive outpatient therapy and it treats individuals who are addicted to opioids, alcohol, and cocaine. Clients will attend a few counseling sessions a week, and they will focus on improving family relations, learning new skills to minimize drug use, and developing new recreational activities and social settings.
How to Know if You Need Heroin Addiction Treatment
You may be able to recognize some of the symptoms people experience when they are addicted to drugs. Some of them include cravings to use, failing to manage use, continuing to use despite the consequences, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop or slow down. While some people may need intensive care, others might be able to be more flexible due to work or personal responsibilities/obligations. If you are experiencing any of these common symptoms, it may be best to contact us today so that we can help determine the level of care needed to overcome addiction.
Signs of Heroin Abuse
Individuals suffering from heroin abuse will show some clear symptoms and signs due to their abuse. Signs can be physical, emotional, and behavioral, and some of the effects of heroin abuse can result in:
- Small “pinpoint” pupils
- Intermittent sleepiness
- Track marks, scabs, or sores on skin
- Nosebleeds (if snorting heroin)
- Cough (if smoking heroin)
- Extreme weight loss or malnutrition
Our New Jersey Medical Addiction Treatment Professionals Can Help You on Your Road to Addiction Recovery
At Liberty Wellness in Berlin, NJ, we are dedicated to providing our clients with the right medical treatment options for heroin addiction to fit their needs. We have dedicated addiction professionals that assess each individual to ensure they are provided with the best medical treatment for them. Don’t wait to take the first steps towards a more fulfilling life, call or contact us now to schedule a confidential, personal tour and consultation. Start your road to recovery today.
