Nobody can deny that, since Heroin’s synthetization in 1874, that millions of sufferers have fatally overdosed on the drug, and millions more of people are addicted to it. Initially synthesized as a non-addictive form of Morphine, an opioid used to treat pain and cure coughs.
The number of heroin-related deaths (caused by overdose) spikes each year. and only seems to be increasing in spades as each year passes. With the number of people in trouble, it’s only a matter of shedding a light on the number of addiction treatment resources available. With your permission, I’d like to share several of those resources with you.
-
The Successful Mindset
Treatment for addiction—no matter the drug or substance—can be successfully done and managed. However, you may know that addiction itself is a chronic disease. I’m sure you’re aware, albeit painfully, that “being cured” requires more effort and grace than simply quitting cold turkey. Recovery from addiction requires an almost super-human strength and a mind as unbendable as Superman. (It also helps building discipline as dedicated as Buddhist monks.)
Understanding the mentality needed to obliterate drug addiction is the first step towards seeking active, fully-functional (and long-lasting) recovery. It is essential for those receiving treatment to completely believe that they can—and will—break the clutches from drugs.
Looking at themselves in the mirror, and verbally telling themselves that they will do this is a vital step for recovery treatment. Staying in control of your mind, and subduing your cravings, refusing to use is no small feat – it is a Herculean task that turns boys into men, and transforms girls into women. (And is extremely worth being proud of.)
-
Methods of Treatment
Sadly, many illegal substances have claimed the lives of countless people. Whether these people received treatment or not is unclear, but the fact is that there are a number of options for treatment from drug use. The success of these options depends entirely on the sufferer/patient, and how far are they willing to go to regain control of their lives. These options often help people do just that as they move through the world of conquering drug use. These treatment opportunities include:
- Behavioral counseling (through therapy that treats self-destructive and potentially unhealthy behaviors)
- Medication (more about those later)
- Treatment for mental issues (depression and/or anxiety)
-
Detox
There is no getting around the fact that the detoxification process is difficult. You have undoubtedly heard the numerous horror stories—or have gone through them yourself—about the pains of the detox process used in drug addiction treatment. There is no sugar-coating the fact that treatment is brutal, as it involves purging the harmful chemicals from the body which it is used to getting. Buprenorphine and methadone are two medicines used to help during Heroin addiction treatment. Heroin works by binding opioid receptors; these two medicines do, as well, however the effects are much more miniscule – withdrawal symptoms are therefore a lot less dramatic.
Conclusion
One of the most important things for swimming through the storm of withdrawal that you can do for yourself, is not to swim alone. This is why it is important to ask your closest friend, or a truly-trustworthy loved one to be with you during this time. As you may know, depression is just one of the symptoms of withdrawal, and could lead you further down dangerous roads. Withdrawal is completely within your power. I believe in you.