Across the nation approximately 1 million people abuse the heroin drug. Even more staggering, 9.2 million people are abusing heroin around the world, according to the Foundation for a Drug-Free World. Time Magazine reports only 373,000 people were using heroin in 2007, compared to 669,000 in 2012, today the numbers could be closer to 1,000,000. Just imagine that Montana, Rhode Island, or Delaware only consisting of heroin addicts. The populations of these entire states separate, equal the number of current addicts struggling with the heroin drug in America.
Did you know that heroin takes the lives of more than 8,000 people a year, which averages out to 23 people a day, 1 person an hour? With the current heroin epidemic taking America by storm everyone is looking for an answer to solve the problem. Heroin addiction treatment is on the rise in most states. One of the struggles many addicts face is the heroin withdrawal. With strong commitments and promises not to use heroin, the user can still find himself relapses after attempting to get clean. Medical heroin detox uses Buprenorphine to eases the symptoms of withdrawal.
For almost 40 years, methadone was the primary option for people seeking medicated assisted treatment for heroin. Methadone is an opiate agonist that is prescribed under controlled circumstances to treat the symptoms of heroin withdrawal. America started to noticed people getting hooked on methadone, which has more severe withdrawal symptoms then most drugs.
More recently a newer drug is being used for heroin addiction treatment. Buprenorphine contains chemicals that connect with the opioid receptors in the brain to reduce pain and produce a comfort feeling. When mixed with Naloxone, a drug called Suboxone is formed.
Only around 40 percent of opioid receptors in the brain are activated by Suboxone and this aids in keeping the patient safe from abuse potential. Patients are placed on a controlled dose of Suboxone that is lowered over time to gradually wean their body off opiates. This process is used in medical heroin detox program or medicated assisted treatment programs.
When combined with the proper drug treatment rehabilitation programs and counseling, Suboxone heroin detox can be a start for those seeking recovery. While many heroin addicts can face pain during the withdrawal period Suboxone can help manage your cravings and help the physical discomfort that withdrawal symptoms may cause you. The FDA has recently approved an implant that will last 6 months, to administer a daily dose of the drug.
Suboxone remains the most effective and widely used method of heroin addiction treatment, and addicts can stand to benefit a great deal from heroin detox treatment with it. To learn more about how Suboxone can help start your recovery, contact us today to learn more.