Heroin is a highly addictive drug in the classification of opiate. It is effective as a painkiller, but is addictive, according to almost every study. One study in 2011 showed that 4.2 million Americans aged 12 or older had tried heroin at least one time. Of those who have tried the drug, nearly a quarter become dependent on using it.
Recreational users use heroin for relaxation and to be engulfed in a euphoric, detached mindset. Heroin can be snorted but is usually dissolved in water and injected into a vein. Occasionally it is smoked. Regardless of how it is ingested, heroin or horse or smack or Texas T as it is called is a growing epidemic in the United States. Using heroin on a regular basis alters brain function that results in more tolerance. Additional amounts of the drug are needed to reach the same euphoric high which leads to more dependency.
But there is hope for the thousands of addicts who use heroin on a recreational basis.
Treatments to handling heroin addiction vary greatly from treating with methadone to holistic approaches, which will combine traditional methods with holistic approaches. The holistic approach can be tailor-made to treat a specific addiction such as heroin for a unique individual. These types of holistic treatments might combine different types of therapies such as detoxification and round-the-clock medical observation and care with more natural therapies.
Some of these natural treatments include :
- Nutritional therapy
- Massage therapy
- Acupuncture
- Meditation
The goal is to achieve a natural balance in treating addiction.
Recent research indicates that when holistic methods are introduced to treating heroin addiction, success rates increase. The holistic approach to treating heroin addiction not only examines the physical side of addiction but also looks to heal the person’s spirit and body, as well as the mind. Essential to this type of treatment is eliminating dangerous toxins from the person’s body, toxins that feed the heroin addiction. Holistic treatments help identify triggers that cause heroin addiction and helps find alternatives to eliminated or stifle those triggers. Formulating a long-term recovery plan is essential.
Nature plays an integral role in holistic approaches to helping addicts overcome their reliance on heroin. Combined with the spirituality aspect of recovery, addicts seem to take the heart of their issues and problems when feeling they are in a safe and serene environment. Many holistic centers, therefore, are located in remote areas away from urban centers.
As with every health condition, decreasing stress and boosting one’s immunity and psychological resilience can help the body cope better, heal more quickly, and maintain health. The holistic approach encourages the patient to include healing strategies that support the whole person.