Why Rehab is Necessary for Heroin Addicts
Cold turkey is the method some heroin addicts will choose when quitting the drug, not realizing the intense withdrawal ahead. Others will switch to methadone thinking it is the way out only to become addicted to the medication. Then there are those who enlist the help and support of a heroin detox and rehab center. While the aforementioned two options could work for some addicts, they are not recommended. Moreover, coming off of heroin without being monitored can be risky. A heroin rehab program is the safest and most effective way to attain and maintain sobriety.
A Heroin Addiction Carries Risks
As a person uses more and more heroin, they will become addicted to the drug. Quickly, the natural process of neurotransmitters in the brain begins to shut down. When the abuser does not get their fix from heroin, the body begins to go through a withdrawal. This is far from a mild headache or irritability, but rather can include extreme sweating, grinding of the teeth, shaking, trembling and an overwhelming cocktail of emotions. These symptoms of withdrawal are the complete opposite of the heroin high. To escape or avoid them all together, an addict will use more of the drug to feel “normal”. Motivation for anything but using is nonexistent.
As the physical structure and physiology of the brain is altered, a person’s ability to make logical or reasonable decisions could become impaired. In addition to this, the addict’s behavior may significantly fluctuate from happiness to sadness, anger to loneliness. In between these emotions, the ability to intuitively handle stressful situations may seem difficult.
With continued use, the risks of a heroin addiction start to mount. The immune system is significantly lowered and the body is in a great desperation for help. The addicts risk for a heroin overdose becomes more prevalent with each passing day. Financial responsibilities are tossed aside, family is neglected and work or school is forgotten. Moral decisions could be skewered or faded; drug dealing, crime, prostitution or other risky behavior could begin to take place. A rehab for heroin is vital.
Opiates are anything directly derived from opium. These include heroin, morphine, codeine and opium. Some people, including addicts, prefer opiates to opioids because they are considered to be natural.
Opioids are pain reliving medications which are synthetic or semi-synthetic. This means the active molecules have been manufactured in a lab and are considered chemically man-made. Due to the molecular make up, opioids act just like opiates in the human body. Name brand examples of opioids prescribed by a doctor, but heavily abused include Demerol, Oxycodone, Fentanyl, Methadone, Percodan and Percocet.
The most notable physical differences in each of the opiates and opioids are the strengths of the drugs. Codeine would be the least potent, after which Percocet, morphine, Oxycodone and Fentanyl would follow (not all listed). It’s important to note that when a person takes more than the recommended dosage, the strength and effects of the drug becomes intensified. This is when overdoses and/or death can occur.
Only recently has the ability to travel abroad for an addiction become possible. For many addicts and their families this has been life saving. Now more than ever, the options of getting help for an addiction are vaster than ever. Low cost flights, easy access to international countries like Thailand and free or affordable visas means foreign rehabs are something everyone should consider.
Included in a Heroin Treatment Program
Hopefully, things won’t get this bad. Rehab centers are always just a phone call away and are readily prepared to handle each individual case of an addiction to heroin. Treatment programs vary from rehab to rehab and even country to country. For the purpose of this article, we will briefly discuss the average treatment program for heroin and then touch base on what Serenity Koh Samui Rehab offers.
First and foremost, heroin treatment programs’ effectiveness will often depend on whether or not it is private or public. Both are useful and both can be effective, but in general private rehabs have more advantages. Primarily because they are small, individualized and offer low staff to client ratios.
Heroin treatment programs will also include:
A detox (detoxification) – This is the first step in heroin treatment and will begin immediately after the cessation of the drug. Withdrawal symptoms will be at their peak; to help ease them, medication may be given. Medical staff will be on hand throughout a heroin detox to ensure the addict is safe.
Counselling and therapy – These sessions will take place in a variety of different forms and include group counselling, one to one therapy, art therapy, CBT and holistic or alternative therapies.
Aftercare – This occurs after rehab and well into an addict’s sobriety. Aftercare may include sober living homes, counselling, meetings, support groups and continual addiction education.
Serenity Koh Samui Drug and Alcohol Rehab accept people with an addiction to heroin and other opiates or opioids. We offer complete customized programs which are tailored to specific needs and adjusted throughout a person’s stay. A heroin detox is carried out at, or under the supervision of, the reputable Bangkok Hospital Koh Samui. If hospitalization was necessary, once this is complete, the patient will move to the onsite private rehab facility to begin the recovery process. This involves daily counselling sessions, support groups, meetings, fitness activities and integrative therapies. These take place at our rehab which hosts no more than 12 people at any one time. Our 1-1 staff to patient ratio and philosophy in treating the whole person and not just the addiction has allowed us to become one of the leading rehabs in Thailand.
Antagonists are drugs that block cell receptor sites in the brain. These are often used in rehab treatment programs and opiate detoxification for their ability to aid in the withdrawal process. Naloxone and Naltrexone block these areas and keep other opiates and opioids from accessing and turning on the brains’ receptors. These drugs may also be used in an emergency when a person is overdosing on the substances listed above.
There are two primary types of depression: endogenous depression and situational depression. Endogenous depression occurs when there is a biological or genetic connection to the disorder. Typically, close relatives will also suffer from depression and episodes can intensify with stress or anxiety. Most people with endogenous depression will suffer episodes throughout their life and will require long term treatment and medication. Often, this depression causes addiction rather than vice versa.
Situational depression, also known as readjustment disorder, occurs when a person is unable to healthily cope with specific stressors, environmental factors or major life events. Situational depression often occurs after the loss of a loved one, job woes, financial issues, divorce/breakups or reoccurring stress. Addiction to drugs or alcohol can be a result of this depression or alternatively, lead to depression.
Signs of Depression
- Feeling down or low for most of the day, nearly every day
- Losing pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Feeling tired even after a restful night
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or insecurity
- Inability to concentrate or think straight
- Difficulty speaking or moving
- In extreme cases, thoughts of self harm or suicide
Our rehab in Thailand values the recovery of each and every person and so we have a 1 to 1 staff to patient ratio to ensure every person receives adequate care and support.
Contacting a Heroin Rehab in Thailand
An addiction to heroin is a serious matter which should not be taken lightly. Our rehab in Thailand is a luxury facility for heroin and drug addicts for a fraction of the cost. Private care does not get much better and could mean the difference between a fulfilled sober life and a life which could lead to illness or death.
If you or someone you know has an addiction to heroin and is ready to seek the support and guidance of a Thailand drug rehab, contact us today to find out how we can help. There is no better time than now.
