Heroin is known for its highly addictive nature and the destruction it is seen to cause in the lives of its users.

In 2011, it was reported that over 4 million Americans over the age of 12 had used heroin at least once in their life. Sadly, an estimated 23% of those who use heroin even just one time become addicted to the drug. This amounts to millions of Americans who have developed a dependency to one of the most deadly substances available. Without comprehensive treatment and recovery, these individuals risk their lives each time they take a hit.

Treating Opiate Addiction

The mechanics of opiate addiction are numerous. The various different aspects of this severe type of dependency require expert and individualized care. The following tips from Narconon of heroin abuse recovery each refer to basic elements of the Narconon treatment philosophy.

Addiction Can Be Cured

Many addicts or loved ones to those struggling, arrive at the opportunity of treatment with the idea, “once an addict, always an addict.” This frame of mind is at odds with the thousands of Americans who enter treatment for heroin abuse annually and successfully rebuild their lives. Further, lending a supportive and positive attitude is more conducive to settimg and achieving recovery milestones.

Work From the Ground Up

Heroin abuse wreaks havoc on a user’s body, mind and emotional state. In a multi-faceted approach, Narconon heroin abuse recovery works to rebuild physical health through nutritional therapy and detox and then gradually works toward uncovering the underlying issues and restoring vital life skills required to succeed drug free.

Responsibility and Accountability are Key

Heroin addiction can drive individuals to do highly immoral, treacherous and heartless things. A heroin user’s closest family, friends and loved one’s are often the victims of theft and violence due to their overpowering opiate habit. Granting a drug abuser the opportunity make amends for these wrongdoings is a vital step in restoring an individual’s personal responsibility in life.

Don’t Underestimate Biophysical Addiction

Especially in the case of opiate addiction, drug cravings on a physical and cellular level can be overpowering. In many cases, heroin addicts remain stuck in the cycle of abuse, withdrawal and relapse simply because the withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings are too intense. Biophysical addiction is addressed with proper detox, nutritional restructuring and careful medical supervision.

My Loved One is Using Heroin… Now What?

Immediately upon learning of your loved one’s struggle with heroin, act quickly to get help. This cannot be stressed enough. The dangers of heroin abuse are such that, with each hit, one puts his/her life at risk.

Your role in getting this individual to treatment will likely be crucial and life saving, although you may not receive any “thank yous” right away.

Depending the specific situation of the opiate user, you may consider any of the following as initial steps towards heroin abuse recovery:

• If the individual is unwilling to get help, organize a family intervention
• Find 3 options of treatment programs which fit the individual needs of the addict
• Consult a medical doctor to ensure the addict isn’t in life-threatening physical danger caused by severe opiate withdrawal

To learn more about Narconon heroin abuse recovery strategies or to learn more about opiate addiction, call Narconon today at 800-468-6933.

Source: http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/heroin