Last Updated on September 2, 2016 by Morris Green

Heroin abuse and addiction have been a growing problem in North Carolina. As awareness continues to be raised, the challenge facing substance abuse professionals lies squarely in treating heroin addiction.

Substance abuse and addiction problems are hard to beat. Hundreds of people go years without seeking help because of the stigma surrounding their condition. Still more suffer the pain of relapse. Addictive substances are brutal, and heroin is one of the most challenging to successfully treat.

Five Major Obstacles Heroin Addicts Face

Addicts in treatment do not face obstacles alone. They face them with their counselor. Understanding the challenges that do and will arise lies with both the substance abuse counselor and the patient. Here is a look at five of the most common obstacles that make heroin addiction treatment a trial:

1. Misconceptions and Myths: For decades, addicts have been told that beating addiction boils down to sheer willpower. The truth is heroin addiction alters the way the brain functions. There is no such thing as “sheer willpower” for the majority of long-term users. Instead, recovery is the retraining and reprogramming of the brain which is a much more in-depth process than willing yourself away from a substance.
2. Painful Withdrawals: Heroin use and abuse cause a life changing cycle of dependency. The body becomes physically in need of the drug, and when it leaves or dissipates from the body, withdrawal symptoms are often painful and overwhelming. The extremity of them can undermine resolve and cause a user to revert to their old ways for relief.
3. Quick Fix Syndrome: Heroin addicts are intimately familiar with the pleasure of a quick fix. For as long as they have used, their problems were as easy to solve as inserting a needle and injecting its contents. Within mere seconds, they experience an instant solution. Quick fix syndrome, or the want and expectation of a speedy resolution, can undermine even the most devoted patient in recovery. It is crucial for a patient to understand that recovery is long-term. Detox isn’t recovery; it’s the first step. It will take time to find the root of their addiction problem, address it, and learn ways to cope.
4. Psychological Distress: Unlike other illicit drugs, heroin takes a major hit physically; however, according to ScienceDirect, its mental distress is not to be underestimated. Successful treatment hinges on diagnosing behavior. Why did this person turn to heroin? Underlying emotional issues must be unearthed.
5. Swapping Addictions: Some users opt to treat their addiction by replacing it, but this does not solve the issue at hand. Instead, it’s like swapping addictions. While the new substance may be less life threatening, the underlying issues behind the addictive behavior are never addressed.

Heroin addiction is a complex maze to navigate. But it can be done. Addicts and abusers can successfully recover given time and proper care. An experienced substance abuse counselor can be a guiding light through the maze. Together, heroin addiction treatment can be effective.