Different Treatment Options for Addiction to Heroin

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Different Treatment Options for Addiction to Heroin

Do you or a loved one have a heroin addiction? If so, it is important to know that you aren’t alone. There are many others who have struggled with this type of addiction and gotten the help they need to overcome it. You can get the support and treatment you need, as well. There are actually many different treatment options for an addiction to heroin. Your treatment plan here at Harmony Stuart Treatment and Wellness could include a range of these treatments.

Heroin Detox Program

If you have a heroin addiction, it would be a good idea to start your recovery in a heroin detox center. During this program, the nurses and doctors will help to make you more comfortable during the withdrawal process. The symptoms of withdrawal are different for everyone. However, some of the symptoms they can help to manage and reduce include:

  • Nausea
  • Stomach pains and cramping
  • Heart racing
  • Anxiety
  • Restlessness
  • Cold and hot flashes
  • Vomiting
  • Insomnia
  • Depression

It is highly recommended that every heroin user attend a professional detox program. The program will greatly reduce the chances of relapsing.

Medication-Assisted Treatment Programs

One of the heroin addiction treatment options is medication-assisted treatment. It is a program that helps to manage symptoms with medications. Many heroin users will experience moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms make it very difficult to get and stay clean. However, if you attend a medication-assisted treatment program you can get prescriptions to help manage and reduce the withdrawal symptoms. Over time, the doctors can wean you off these prescriptions, so you can be completely substance-free.

 

Some of the many medications that can be used during medication-assisted treatment programs include:

  • Suboxone (naloxone and buprenorphine) – helps to reverse opioid overdose
  • Buprenorphine (subutex) – helps reduce heroin cravings
  • Naltrexone – takes away pleasure from using heroin
  • Methadone – helps to wean people off from heroin

The exact medications that are used in your treatment program may vary from what other clients receive.

 

If you want to know more about any specific medication, you can reach out today to ask questions or to get more information.

Different of Therapy for Heroin Addiction

If you do have a heroin addiction, it would be a good idea to attend an inpatient treatment program. However, if there are reasons why you can’t stay in a treatment center for an extended period of time, there are also partial hospitalization and outpatient treatment programs, as well.

 

During all these treatment programs, there are various therapies offered to help manage emotions, overcome obstacles and work through other problems. Some of the many therapies you can attend include:

  • Individual therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Trauma therapy/EMDR
  • 12-step facilitation therapy
  • Adventure therapy
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Mindfulness meditation-based therapy

Each one of these therapies offers you the opportunity to talk about your past and present issues.You can discuss recovery-related goals, learn coping skills and discuss ways to prevent a relapse.

If you would like to learn more about any of these therapies, don’t hesitate to let a member of our team know.

Treatment Program Options

As noted above, there are various treatment center programs you can attend. Some of these options include:

  • Outpatient treatment (you generally will stay in a sober living house or at home while you attend different therapies at the treatment center a couple times each week)
  • Intensive outpatient (you will likely live in the sober living home while attending therapy a few hours a day, multiple days a week)
  • Partial hospitalization (you spend most of the day at the treatment center and then go to the sober living home for the evening and nighttime hours)
  • Inpatient treatment program (you stay in the treatment center for the length of your treatment)

The treatment program that is best for you will depend on various factors. For example, if you have tried to get clean in the past, but have had multiple relapses, it may be best for you to attend an inpatient treatment program this time. If you just recently started using heroin and realize that you have a drug use problem, you might be alright attending an intensive outpatient or even outpatient program.

 

If you want to discuss which option you should choose, talk to a member of our team about your drug use history today.

Get Treatment for a Heroin Addiction

Do you have an addiction to heroin? If so, don’t wait any longer to get into a treatment program. There are so many treatment options available to you – with everything from outpatient to inpatient programs.

 

Contact us today, here at Harmony Stuart Treatment and Wellness Center, to get treatment for a heroin addiction.

Telehealth for Addiction

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telehealth for addiction

Telehealth is one form of treatment that has resulted in promising results in addiction recovery management. There are many benefits that can be reaped from the different forms of telehealth for addiction. In this article, learn more about telehealth and how it can benefit the addiction treatment industry from a top Florida recovery center.

Telehealth for Addiction Benefits

Telehealth is the practice of using telecommunication, such as phone calls and video conferencing software, to provide care services. By using the internet, patients can access a variety of services without having to travel anywhere. This can include possible treatment options for their addiction or mental health disorder.

The use of technology has allowed doctors to treat patients that are not available to make it to the office for a face-to-face appointment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth became extremely useful because it allowed patients to remain isolated in their homes while still getting the care they needed. These are a few of the many benefits that telehealth has to offer patients dealing with addiction.

1. Quick Screening and Intervention

One of the more prominent benefits of telehealth is that it can be used to screen and help patients quickly. Patients can have an online assessment done, and the results are given quickly. This quick screening can then be followed up with a full treatment plan. Interventions can be done at any time or location that is best for the family.

2. Reduces Stigma

Studies have shown that the stigma associated with addiction has had some effect on whether people seek out treatment for it or not. Telehealth allows individuals to seek treatment in a less stigmatized environment, which can reduce the likelihood of them not seeking treatment.

3. Increased Accessibility

Telehealth has allowed for decreased costs for patients seeking treatment. With the expansion of telehealth treatment options, people can have a more accessible addiction recovery plan. This is especially beneficial to impoverished patients who may not have the financial means to afford an in-person care option or for those that cannot take time away from work or family commitments for a full-time, residential program.

4. Treatment from Anywhere

One of the most significant advantages of telehealth is that there is no need to be at a certain location in order to obtain treatment. Patients can become instantly connected with services that are thousands of miles away from them, allowing them to get help when they need it most. This is especially beneficial for those who have moved away or otherwise become geographically isolated.

5. Help Outside Office Hours

An age-old problem with addiction treatment is the inability to receive help at times when it is most needed. With telehealth, patients can have access to a doctor or therapist after hours in order to work through issues that are often present during those late evening hours. This is an especially beneficial option for those who have unsupportive families or live in unsafe environments.

6. No Travel Costs

One of the largest costs of receiving treatment is the amount of time and money patients must dedicate to travel for appointments or treatment centers. Telehealth has allowed patients to remain in the comfort of their homes, and with the assistance of telehealth providers, treatment can be accessed wherever they are. While many people travel out of state for residential care, telehealth is a great option for those that are not able to afford traveling.

7. It’s Less Expensive Overall

A general misconception is that all forms of treatment are expensive, which is not always the case. Telehealth can be used to provide patients with the care they need at a significantly lower cost than other treatment methods. This is great for those who may have a hard time affording even one in-person appointment, but can still benefit from the care available through telehealth.

8. Part of a Holistic Approach to Complement In-Person Treatment

Telehealth can be a part of an addiction recovery program. It does not have to be all in-person or all telehealth. This combination of treatment options allows for a more holistic approach to addiction recovery that can be tailored to the needs of the patient.

9. Beneficial to Aftercare Programs

Telehealth can be used to better facilitate aftercare programs. Patients can have an ongoing care plan with follow-up sessions that are monitored through a video conferencing program to provide ongoing care after treatment. Aftercare programs can make it easier for patients to maintain sobriety in the early stages of recovery.

As technology continues to develop, telehealth is expected to become more prevalent in the addiction recovery industry. As more people begin using telehealth and become aware of its usefulness, more clinics and treatment centers are likely to adopt these services in order to provide a greater range of options for their patients. As more people seek out treatment, there will be a greater need for these services.

Because of the nature of telehealth and the benefits it provides, it has created a new environment for addiction recovery. By using technology to connect patients with care options that are local and global, there is more access to treatment that much more convenient for individuals who need it most.

Telehealth for addiction can also help more people to access recovery from a Florida addiction and recovery center even if they live far away. If you have more questions about telehealth or about addiction recovery, contact Harmony Stuart to speak with one of our representatives today. We can help you to start the treatment process and to avoid the traps of early sobriety.

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder? 

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Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Nearly everyone will face anxiety in their life, it’s a normal part of being human. But what happens when it takes over your days? For people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, their experience can include debilitating mental and emotional effects and even physical symptoms.

The Difference Between Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Feeling Anxious

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) goes beyond feeling anxious. Many describe it as not only feeling worried but worrying about everything all the time. GAD can cause people to become so fixated on different worries and concerns that they are unable to focus on anything else. These feelings are so severe and excessive that they can impact the person’s day-to-day life and interfere with regular activities that most people do without thinking. 

GAD will demonstrate various symptoms that a person can watch out for. 

Symptoms of GAD can include: 
  • Fixating or obsessing over small or large concerns that are likely out of proportion to the event itself 
  • Inability to let go of a worry or concern
  • Excessive worrying
  • Inability to relax, feeling restless or on edge
  • Feeling distress over basic decision making for fear of making the wrong choice
  • Difficulty coping with uncertainty or indecisiveness
  • Mentally carrying every possible outcome of a decision or situation to its possible negative conclusion

People with GAD also often can experience physical symptoms associated with their disorder.

Physical symptoms can include: 
  • Fatigue
  • Trouble Sleeping
  • Being easily startled
  • Irritability
  • Muscle tension
  • Trembling or feeling twitchy
  • Nausea, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome
  • Memory problems
  • Headaches

It’s important to note that Generalized Anxiety Disorder is not the same as Panic Disorder, in which people experience recurring, unexpected and severe panic attacks.

Diagnosis

Only a doctor can properly address and diagnose Generalized Anxiety Disorder. If you feel you are experiencing anxiety symptoms, make an appointment with your General Practitioner. It is helpful to mention that your appointment is about mental health assessment so they are aware in advance. 

Your doctor will ask a variety of questions related to your anxiety. From here, he or she can gain a better understanding of the types of anxiety you are experiencing. Depending on your symptoms and situation, they may refer you to a psychiatrist in order to obtain a more accurate diagnosis. 

Treatment

If you suffer from Generalized Anxiety Disorder, know that there are great treatment options available to help mitigate your symptoms. There are a wide variety of medications available to help with GAD such as Zoloft, Prozac, Buspirone, and many others. If you prefer alternatives to medication, supportive therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help. This type of therapy can help a patient examine negative thought patterns and introduce coping skills to slow the anxiety spirals typically associated with GAD.

Furthermore, experts suggest lifestyle changes to support GAD symptom reduction. These include healthy eating, physical activity, meditation, reducing caffeine intake, as well as avoiding recreational drugs and alcohol. 

When Generalized Anxiety Disorder leads to Substance Abuse and Addiction

The debilitating symptoms associated with GAD often lead people to self-medicate in order to escape their constant feelings of worry and fear. As such, it is a common Co-occurring Disorder seen with substance abuse and addiction. However, it’s important to note that substances like alcohol and drugs do not address the root cause of the problem. Often people who self-medicate have not sought medical attention for their condition and self-medicating rarely achieves the effect sufferers desire. Not only that but it leads to a whole host of other problems in the form of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and addiction. 

Co-Occurring Disorders create a vicious cycle unless treated holistically. Treatment for only addiction means the underlying reason for using has not been addressed, and when the person still feels the perpetual anxiety after treatment, they are likely to relapse and go back to using. Similarly, if only the anxiety is treated, the person is still suffering from addiction. Addiction typically fuels mental health disorders and can exacerbate the underlying mental health issues. Thus, comprehensive mental health and addiction treatment, usually in an established treatment center, are necessary to address the root cause and ensure the best chance for long-term recovery. 

Getting Help 

If you are struggling with substance use or addiction of any kind and are in need of help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Harmony Recovery Group specialize in treating substance use disorder, addiction and co-occurring disorders to help you achieve the life you deserve to live. Contact us anytime, we are here to help. 

7 Don’ts for Discussing Someone’s Addiction With Them

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How to not to Talk about Addiction with a loved one

All loved ones of addicts reach the point where they need to discuss the problem with the person directly. In doing so, you have a chance to convince them to get them the help they need. But you also run the risk of pushing them away and further isolating them in their addiction. Learning to talk to your loved one about their addiction in a way that feels safe is the best way to get them the help they need. 

Avoiding saying or doing these important “Don’ts” will help you create a safe space and help get the best possible result for your loved one. 

 

 

1. Don’t Berate, Belittle or Blame

 

Accusatory tactics like these will likely result in your loved one feeling defensive, angry, and even storming out. Addicts are in a fragile state and are quick to emotionally spiral, which typically drives them to use in order to soothe their pain. Avoid these three B’s to maintain a safe and constructive environment. 

 

 

2. Don’t Make It All About You

 

Your experience of their addiction is part of this, of course, but right now the goal is to get your loved one the help they need. Try to make sure you’re focusing on them. Have you noticed they seem unhappy? Do they look different than they used to? Is their health declining? Rather than focusing on how you’ve been treated, focus on them. Your relationship to their addiction can be discussed later, once they are safely in treatment.  

 

 

3. Don’t Attempt to Know What They are Feeling or Experiencing

 

It is best not to talk to your loved one as if you know what it is like to have an addiction (unless of course you actually do). Every addict’s struggle is unique. Instead of trying to assume what they are going through, ask them. Opening the dialogue creates a space for honesty, transparency, vulnerability and ultimately, change. 

 

 

4. Don’t Pass Judgement

 

In creating a safe and open space, you may learn things you didn’t expect. If they are telling you things that make you  feel inclined to judge their behavior. Don’t. Whatever you do, do not judge them. Support them, listen to them, offer to help. Know that addiction is a disease that takes people away from their true selves. Their addict behaviors are not indicative of them as a person. 

 

 

5. Don’t Raise Your Voice

 

This is a surefire way to create a heated argument, which is very unlikely to end in a positive outcome. Sometimes a person in active addiction will feel accused by any discussion of their substance abuse. Keep your voice level, even if your loved one does not. Do not engage with any outbursts, stay calm, and maintain the safe space. 

 

 

6. Don’t use this as an opportunity to air all your grievances 

 

You might be angry or hurt over things that have happened during their active addiction. It’s understandable and ok to feel these things, but now is not the time to raise them. For now, do not criticize, express anger, or bring up the past in a negative way. The only things you should be talking about are your concerns for their safety and wellbeing. Again: safe space. 

 

 

7. Don’t Lose Sight of Your Goal

 

Keep reminding yourself of the purpose of this conversation: To get your loved one into treatment. Before speaking ask yourself, will what I’m about to say bring us closer to this goal? If the answer is uncertain, don’t say it. 

 

We hope this helped you learn how not to talk to a loved one about their addiction. However, if you feel you need more help or would like guidance on how best to get your loved one in to treatment, our expert team at Harmony Recovery Group can help. Call us today. We’re here to support you.

Am I Enabling? The Difference Between Helping and Hurting 

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Am I Enabling? Learning the difference between helping and hurting

When our loved ones are in trouble, all we want to do is help. It is one of our most beautiful human instincts but unfortunately when a loved one is in the throes of addiction, our well-intentioned help can really hurt. So, it’s important to ask ourselves, “Am I enabling?”

There is a fine line between offering support and enabling, and it is a difficult line to walk. Unfortunately, despite our best intentions, our help can inadvertently harm the addict by making it easier for them to continue using. On our end, we often feel guilt, hurt and betrayal because our help was used to fuel their addiction. 

Understanding what enabling is will ultimately support both you and the addict, as you will only be taking actions that push them towards treatment. However, be aware that this road can be a painful one. We cannot force anyone to change who does not want to change themselves. 

 

What is Enabling? 

Enabling is any action that makes it easier, more comfortable, or financially possible to continue an irresponsible, inappropriate or dangerous behavior. This can be unrelated to substance abuse or addiction, such as letting your child stay home from school because he didn’t finish his project in time. In this instance, you are not helping them, you are allowing them to shirk the consequences of their choices. This ultimately enables them to continue being irresponsible. 

When drug or alcohol addiction is involved, the matter becomes much more serious and can play out in a highly co-dependent manner. For example, a parent gives an addict money for groceries so they won’t “go hungry” but the addict spends the money to get their drug fix instead. The parent has not helped the child, just enabled them to fall deeper into addiction. 

 

Am I Enabling? 

Enabling can constitute more than financial support and occur in a myriad of ways. Ask yourself the questions below.

 

Do I make excuses for the addict’s behavior? 

“He’s just tired,” and “she’s just drinking because she had a bad day,” are examples of excuses we can make to ignore the deeper problem. But pretending the problem doesn’t exist, does not make it go away. Excusing behavior will only hurt both you and the addict in the long run. 

 

Have I ever lied to others in order to cover up their using? 

If you’ve ever found yourself covering for your addicted loved one, you are enabling. Maybe they have gone on a bender and you call their employer saying they are sick, or make an excuse as to why they didn’t make it to the friend’s birthday party. These are all actions which allow the addict to avoid consequences of their using and thus allow them to continue to do so. 

 

Am I afraid to express my feelings or concerns for fear they will react negatively (i.e. they may leave you or be angry with you)? 

Acting out of fear is the opposite of rational behavior. When we act out of fear, we sacrifice our own comfort and wellbeing in exchange for momentary peace and safety. 

The truth is, your fears can and may come true. The addict may leave, they may get into trouble, they could wind up in jail, or they could get angry when you address their addiction. But not addressing what is going just means that the addiction continues in the dark, where it thrives. 

 

Do I constantly blame others for the addict’s problems or addiction to avoid placing responsibility on them? 

Blaming addictive behaviors on outside factors such as a stressful job or drinking buddies who are a bad influence is ignoring the root of the problem. Thinking that if those factors weren’t in the picture, your loved one wouldn’t abuse substances is likely to be inaccurate. It also denies that the person may be in a full-blown addiction which is a disease not a choice. 

 

Am I putting the needs of the addict above the needs of myself or my family? 

Because addicts are typically unable to care for their own basic needs, they often rely on an enabler to help them. This is textbook Codependent Behavior. The enabler feels a personal responsibility to “help” the addict and the addict relies on the enabler to fix their problems so their addiction can continue. Things like bailing the addict out of jail, buying them food, or skipping other responsibilities to go pick them up are all signs of enabling. It also means you are putting their needs first. Can you really afford to pay their rent or is it causing your hardship? Either way, you are helping them use. 

 

Stopping the Cycle

 

 

1. Face your Fears

You may be afraid that without your help they could wind up homeless, hungry, or in jail. Accept that these are possible outcomes of their addiction. Typically addicts must become uncomfortable in order to accept they have a problem and seek treatment. Sometimes they need to hit rock bottom, but not always. Unfortunately you have to be willing to find out. 

 

2. Create Boundaries (and stick to them)

Learn to detach with love. Stop protecting them from the consequences of their actions, do not offer financial support, and do not bail them out of trouble. Keep a schedule and stick to it, for example, they are welcome to 6pm family dinner but only if they come on time. 

 

3. Seek Education and Support

Learn all you can about addiction. Go to Al-Anon meetings. Find a counsellor and take care of your mental health. This is a difficult journey. Understanding the roots of addiction and speaking to others who understand can help with feeling powerless, lonely, or scared. 

 

4. Talk to Your Loved One About Treatment

Wait until they are sober to have a conversation with them about their using. Be honest with them: talk what you see when they are high, tell them how their addiction has affected you and others. Then suggest they get treatment. Be prepared for them to respond negatively or decline, we cannot make someone change until they are ready. 

 

Lastly, contact a professional if you need help or advice. At Harmony Recovery Group, we are here for you.

Reach out to us anytime. 

Rebuilding Foster Care Families in the Aftermath of Addiction

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Foster Care and Addiction

It’s no secret that addiction tears families apart, this is especially true in the case of foster care. Studies have shown one in three children in the program were admitted due to parental substance abuse. But what happens when parents are in recovery and their children are able to come home. How do you heal the trauma that tore the family apart? 

 

Communicate 

Talk about what has happened, apologize, listen to their feelings. Depending on their age, this may be the time to have an open discussion with them and communicate honestly. Make sure they know that their feelings are valid, that you hear them, and of course, that you love them. 

 

Create a “New Normal” 

Children and families thrive on consistency. Try to create routines in your everyday life, maybe every night you have dinner at 6pm together. Or every morning you listen to the radio. Small things can make a difference in creating a feeling of consistency. Consider creating new traditions. Maybe every Saturday morning you take a walk together as a family or every Sunday you make pancakes. Making traditions make ordinary days feel special and make memories that last. 

 

Be Patient and Don’t Play the Guilt Game

Just because you’re in a different place now doesn’t mean you can expect things to change overnight. You may feel closed out or be frustrated by how your relationship building is going, but remember to be patient. This process takes time, particularly with older children. Don’t guilt them for holding a grudge or not responding the way you want them to. With time and consistency you can rebuild, but don’t put your expectations onto them. 

 

Keep Showing Up

It might be hard to face the circumstances, and new requirements such as supervised visitation however no matter what, continue to be there for them. It might take weeks, months, or even years for them to recover, feel safe, and accept the “new normal.” Regardless of how distant they may be, even when they act out or misbehave, stay with them. They need you and are likely testing your limits to see if you are here to stay. Be truly there for them. Show up, every day, in whatever way you can. 

 

Every scenario looks different. The ultimate goal is to heal, and let go of resentments and the shame. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction and their children have been placed in foster care our case managers might be able to help. Contact us below or click here.

Telehealth: Addiction and Mental Health Conditions

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Telehealth visit for addiction and mental health conditions therapy

What is Telehealth? 

Telehealth is a healthcare service available through a virtual platform. Visits occur on a device such as a phone, tablet or computer.

Telehealth also referred to as Telemedicine or Teletherapy,  has reduced the barriers to receiving care. Often used for those who are unable to travel for treatment. Patients can receive quick, on-demand counseling for medical conditions that do not require an in-person assessment or in mental health support like therapy. 

Is Telehealth Right For Me? 

Telehealth offers quick, on-demand support when you need it most. Telemedicine is for a patient that would benefit from care that does not require travel or time off. However, for some, it can feel impersonal compared to an in-person mental health experience. It is always down to the individual.

Privacy and Telehealth:

The concerns with privacy risks involve a lack of control over the collection, use, and sharing of data. According to Hall and McGraw, “The primary security risk is that of unauthorized access to data during collection, transmission, or storage.”  This is why the software used to conduct telehealth visits is HIPPA compliant and has special end-to-end encryption.

“Currently, the Health Insurance Portability and Accounting Act (HIPAA) contains the primary set of regulations that guide the privacy and security of health information. HIPAA requires that identifiable health information be encrypted so that only those authorized to read it can do so.”

Thinking about telehealth for yourself or a loved one facing addiction and mental health conditions? Give us a call with any questions.