“Do support programs have a lot of success?”
My son is 28 years old, and he has been struggling with an addiction to heroin for the past year and a half. I want him to go to rehab, but he thinks he should try support groups first. He wants help, which is good, but I don't know if just support groups will help him alone. What do you think?
5 Answers
Medication assisted treatment has a better prognosis with counseling, 12 step groups or other forms of psychosocial support
most rehabs are a disaster for heroin. support groups can help. but he
must be in medication assisted treatment: methadone, buprenorphine,
(Suboxone). or Vivitrol. after 5 day detox or. IMMEDIATELY after rehab,
unless they are there are ones who will give him an injection before
leaving. with medication is success rate it 80%. Without medication it is
4%. trying to do it without medication will most likely. be deadly
Treatment. match .com. canhelpfimd a provider or hew can check with his
insurance company if he has one
must be in medication assisted treatment: methadone, buprenorphine,
(Suboxone). or Vivitrol. after 5 day detox or. IMMEDIATELY after rehab,
unless they are there are ones who will give him an injection before
leaving. with medication is success rate it 80%. Without medication it is
4%. trying to do it without medication will most likely. be deadly
Treatment. match .com. canhelpfimd a provider or hew can check with his
insurance company if he has one
Although I cannot give any medical advice for your son’s situation since he is not my patient, I can answer your question with some general points. Substance use issues can be effectively treated with outpatient treatment. In general, outpatient rehab treatment will involve specialized substance abuse group counseling as well as individual counseling. The individual is often encouraged to go to AA or NA as well. For milder substance abuse issues, sometimes AA/NA are sufficient. However, in general, more severe substance use issues would greatly benefit from involvement of mental health professional in an outpatient rehab. Inpatient rehab is always an option too if the individual is totally unable to engage in treatment while still living in the home setting.
Ziv E. Cohen, M.D., F.A.P.A.
Ziv E. Cohen, M.D., F.A.P.A.
Support groups can be helpful. A lot depends on your son's motivation. Support groups for heroin addicts can be very confrontational as well as supportive. If this is not enough, rehab could be the next step.
Support groups are necessary, but may not be sufficient
