Heroin and methadone addiction
Addiction Help & Advice
Slang terms for heroin
and methadone
- Brown
- Gravy
- Smack
- H
- Skag
- Chiva
- Golden Brown
- Gear
- China White
- Horse
- Mud
- Brown Sugar
- Junk
- Black Tar
- Big H
Find help in your area
We work with a number of different patients who are addicted to heroin or methadone. Patients frequently find that they have struggled to manage simply by using NHS services and often turn to us for other treatment and support options.
Signs and symptoms of heroin or methadone addiction:
- Reclusive behavior - long periods spent in self imposed isolation
- Long, unexplained absences
- Lying and stealing
- Involvement on the wrong side of the law
- Deteriorating family relationships
- Obvious intoxication, deliriousness, incoherency or unconsciousness
- Decrease in school performance
- Drug paraphernalia
If you think you or a loved one has a problem with heroin or methadone addiction then we can help. At Recover, we work with the UK’s top private rehab centres, counsellors and therapists. We can find the best available help today.
What is a heroin or methadone addiction?
Heroin and methadone addiction is similar to every other opiate, in so much that people will develop an emotional and physical dependency to the drug when it is administered over a period of time. The onset of addiction can be both rapid and severe; users will find that their addiction will frequently spiral out of control. It is very unusual to find a ‘social’ heroin or methadone user. Most people who use these drugs are dependent upon them and will suffer painful withdrawal symptoms if they do not get their ‘fix’ or dose.
Patients can be offered prescriptions for methadone and buprenorphine, with the goal of replacing the heroin. However, addicts often find that they are using heroin on top of their prescription or that they are merely substituting one addiction for another.
These ‘replacement’ drugs are equally addictive as heroin and patients will experience withdrawal symptoms if they try to cease using them straight away. Naltrexone is a drug which blocks the effects of opiates and is also used in some treatment programmes.
Treatment options for heroin or methadone addiction
Residential rehab centre treatment for heroin or methadone addiction
If a patient decides that residential treatment is the best option for them, then they can be assured of a high level of care. Upon admission patients begin a carefully designed detox programme which allows them to withdraw from their drug as comfortably as possible. Patients are frequently under 24-hour medical care and clinical needs are addressed thoroughly and safely. Patients are given a clinical assessment during their first few days of treatment;this ensures that the most effective treatment programme is constructed, thus guaranteeing the best possible chance for recovery. Patients then engage in a therapeutic programme consisting of both group and individual therapy. We can help you to decide on the right programme for you.
Residential secondary treatment for heroin or methadone addiction
Secondary treatment or ‘half-way house’ is a ‘step-down’ from primary care. Patients will usually have completed a period of primary care within a residential facility but will not yet be ready to return to the community. Secondary care provides clients with a supported structure within which they can begin to learn new life skills. We can help you to identify if this is going to be something that is appropriate for you or your loved one.
Outpatient treatment for heroin or methadone addiction
Outpatient treatment options vary a great deal, from daily day-care to intensive evening programmes. We can help you to decide on the best option for you. Heroin and methadone programmes are very carefully constructed and patients will be on a gradual detox, which is often administered on-site. Frequently, patients will decide on a combination of residential and outpatient programme, completing their detox as a residential client and continuing with the therapeutic programme on an outpatient basis.
One to one counselling for heroin or methadone addiction
We work with a number of different counsellors who specialise in heroin or methadone addiction. Patients will frequently require a counsellor on completion of any of the above structured treatment programmes, and we can put you in touch with people who can help today. We can also give you access to free support groups throughout the country.