Guide to Heroin Addiction Treatment
Heroin, an opiate derived from opium is rapid-acting and extremely addictive. Its most common form is as a white powder which is snorted, smoked or injected. But in a less refined form it comes as a black tarry substance.
Most users start by snorting or smoking, secure in a misguided belief that in so doing the drug is not addictive. But this is not the case, and once the body becomes addicted they graduate to injecting themselves.
Soon after injection or inhalation, heroin enters the bloodstream and crosses the blood-brain threshold. Users typically relate experiencing a surge of pleasurable sensation, a “rush”, the intensity of which depends on the quantity taken and the speed at which it reaches the brain. Other sensations are a warm skin flushing, dry mouth, and a lethargic sensation in the extremities. Nausea, vomiting, and severe itching are possible side effects. Heroin is so easily addictive because of the speed at which it affects the brain. The strength is frequently unknown which causes an addict to overdose and risk possible death.
With regular use intolerance sets in which requires greater or more frequent doses to satisfy the addiction.
Heroin treatments include medication and behavioral therapies. The first step in treatment is generally detoxification under medical supervision to ensure a safe passage through the withdrawal period. Certain medicines are administered to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Detoxification is only the first step and is followed by medication to prevent a relapse.
There are several approaches to behavioral therapy which can be delivered in outpatient or residential settings.
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Pauline Go is an online leading expert in medical industry. She also offers top quality articles like:
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