Is a Methadone Center My Only Option for Heroin Addiction Treatment?

Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) at a professional facility is a beneficial option for recovery for many addicts. However, it is not the only choice for heroin addiction treatment.

If you or someone you love is suffering from a heroin addiction, now is the time to seek help. Call 800-994-1867Who Answers? now to find safe, effective addiction rehab.

Are There Other Heroin Addiction Treatment Options Aside from MMT?

According to the National Institutes of Health, heroin addiction treatment has changed drastically over the years, and there are now a number of recovery options for individuals addicted to this dangerous and illicit drug. These options go beyond MMT, which, while still one of the most sought-out programs for heroin rehab, is no longer the only professional treatment choice for individuals suffering from heroin addiction.

Other Treatment Options for Heroin Addiction

You can choose between several different treatment programs for heroin addiction recovery that don’t require you to attend care at a methadone center, including

Buprenorphine

Many recovering heroin addicts benefit from methadone treatment.

• According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Buprenorphine (Subutex) is a partial opioid agonist.” It was approved for the treatment of opioid drug addictions, including heroin, in 2002, and patients can receive the medication from a doctor’s office instead of only from a specialized clinic.
• Buprenorphine is actually much safer from abuse and overdose than methadone itself, as it has a ceiling effect and is usually marketed with naloxone, which causes it to precipitate withdrawal in those who abuse it.

Naloxone

• Naloxone is another pharmacological option for heroin addiction treatment other than methadone. It is an opioid antagonist, so those who take it must have completely finished detox and ended their dependence on opioids.
• As stated by Harvard Medical School, many patients do not tolerate naloxone because of its harsh side effects, but those who are highly motivated to put a stop to their opioid abuse can benefit from it.
• A long-acting, injectable version of the drug called Vivitrol was recently approved for opioid addiction treatment, which might help with patient compliance.

Behavioral therapy

• Though you can receive access to therapy in a methadone maintenance center, you can also find these in many other types of rehab facilities and treatment programs. Behavioral therapy is usually a part of any professional rehab option for addiction, and some of the most often used programs include:
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Contingency management
  • Family and couples therapy
  • Group therapy
  • 12-step facilitation therapy
  • Motivational enhancement therapy
• Behavioral therapy can help patients learn to change the way they view their substance abuse as well as their actions and coping mechanisms. And you do not need to attend treatment at a methadone maintenance facility to receive this kind of training.

Support groups

• Though not considered professional treatment programs, support groups like Narcotics Anonymous and SMART Recovery can be an effective option for heroin addiction recovery as well, usually as a supplement to treatment or an aftercare program.
• These groups allow members to create a stronger social support system that helps them avoid relapse. They also provide philosophies or steps that those looking for a guided recovery can follow.

In addition, there are many types of rehab centers that provide these treatment options rather than methadone maintenance. Some facilities utilize buprenorphine or naloxone instead, and almost every rehab center offers behavioral therapy as a type of treatment for addiction. It is important to remember that there are many options for heroin addiction recovery and that you must choose the one that best suits your needs.

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Why Do People Still Choose Methadone Centers?

Methadone maintenance is still an incredibly effective option for addiction treatment, and as such, many individuals still seek it out. According to the National Institute of Justice, methadone centers provide well-rounded treatment to individuals suffering from opioid addiction, especially heroin addicts. In addition, this treatment option has also existed for over forty years, which shows that many individuals have benefited from it.

Let Us Help You Find the Care You Deserve

Whether you choose a methadone center or not, it is important to seek help for heroin addiction in a professional treatment program. We can assist you in finding the right option for your needs; call 800-994-1867Who Answers? today and let us match you with the best program for your current situation.