What Are Some Treatments for Heroin?

Overview

Heroin is a synthetic drug made from opium poppies. It is a white or brown powder that can be injected, snorted or smoked, and it primarily affects the brain. The drug is highly addicting and, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, leads to physical dependence and a slew of other health problems.

Medical Detox

There are a number of drugs used to medially detox heroin users, including methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone. They can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and block the opioid receptors in the brain.

Heroin Detox

The American Psychiatric Association reports that European and Canadian researchers have had success with a detoxification program that is called heroin-assisted treatment (HAT), which involves giving chronic heroin relapsers pharmaceutical doses of the drug in reduced amounts until they've been weaned.

Therapy

Once addict are through the physical withdrawals from heroin, behavioral therapy can be employed to help them find out what motivated them to turn to drugs and show them how to change. DrugRehab.com, a site that serves as a referral for substance abuse, reports that the most effective treatment involves both medical and therapeutic programs.

Behavior

Treatments that include behavioral components, such as contingency management therapy, which employs a reward system for negative drug tests, help addicts develop new patterns that increase their chances of staying clean, finding jobs and restoring brain functions.

Groups

Participation in 12-step recovery groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous, can help addicts learn from other heroin addicts how to avoid relapse and live without drugs. The 12-step program encourages spiritual development and personal responsibility.