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Heroin is one of the most highly addictive drugs in use today. It is very easy to find, easy to become addicted to and very difficult to quit. Heroin is used primarily in one of three ways: injecting, snorting or smoking. Heroin addicts generally use heroin several times per day and since tolerance is built up quickly, they are always searching for more and better heroin to satisfy their “need”. The peak effect of heroin is usually felt after 10 to 20 minutes (depending on the method of use) and its effects generally last for several hours.

Overcoming heroin addiction on your own can be especially difficult. The withdrawal symptoms from quitting heroin use are severe and include severe muscle aches, intense cravings, diarrhea, vomiting, insomnia and restlessness. Quitting “cold turkey”, meaning stopping suddenly, can be dangerous with risks including heart attack. Quitting without help leaves the person on their own to figure out why they used drugs and how to avoid their use in the future. A person who quits without any medical help or support is quite susceptible to relapse and usually will not even last through the detox process due to the severe pain.

Getting help from a qualified heroin rehab is a heroin addict’s best chance at recovery and survival. There are several medications available that can ease the transition off of heroin and actually block the effects of heroin should the addict attempt to use it during the detox period. The use of these medications under the supervision of a qualified physician can dramatically increase the addict’s chances for recovery. The medications available include methadone, which is basically a synthetic heroin which can be given in measured doses and tapered off over time. Other medications include LAAM (levo-alpha-acetyl-methadol) and buprenorphine which are the types that block the effects of heroin while helping to minimize the symptoms of withdrawal.

Along with the supervised use of medications, counseling and behavioral therapies are very effective in the treatment of heroin addiction. It is important for the addict to discover any emotional or mental problems that he or she may have that might be the root of the drug addiction problem. Often a person begins using drugs to “escape” from their problems or in an attempt to mask or self medicate the symptoms of mental illness. The occasional use leads to abuse, tolerance and addiction. A good heroin addiction treatment program will address these issues and help the addict learn appropriate behaviors to deal with stress and medications or behavioral therapies to deal with the mental illness.

Kicking the heroin habit is a difficult process. Quitting alone is next to impossible. A good heroin rehab center is the best option for achieving success in overcoming the heroin habit. The combination of medical intervention, psychological counseling and education and support available at a heroin rehab make all the difference and each is necessary for true success. Recognizing that there is a problem is the first step; getting to a qualified heroin rehab center should be the second.

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