The Economic Consequences of Opioid Addiction in America

4. Healthcare system resource utilization:
o Emergency room.
o Doctor’s office.
o Treatments.
o Social welfare.
o Hospitals.
o Abuse shelters.
5. Child welfare – for children of heroin users.
Heroin’s link with crime goes beyond the illicit acts of manufacturing, possessing and
selling drugs. The use of heroin can also cause users to engage in risky and illegal
behavior. Many people who arrested for crimes may also be under the influence of
drugs. In addition, heroin has been associated with weapons, violence and terrorism –
all of which can have a devastating impact on society.
Treatment for Heroin Addiction
There are many treatment options available to you if you are battling heroin addiction.
Many heroin addiction treatment programs use medications in combination with
behavioral therapies and counseling. This multifaceted treatment approach is termed
medication-assisted treatment, and is commonly utilized approach for providing longlasting
recovery from heroin addiction.
Some other treatment methods that have been showing promise for certain individuals
also include cognitive behavioral therapies and contingency management.
Drugs Used to Treat Heroin Addiction
Several different types of medications have been approved for use in conjunction with
therapy for the treatment of heroin addiction. These medications help heroin users cope
with withdrawal and cravings in a way that is more comfortable and manageable than
attempting the heroin detox process alone.
The type of medication used in your treatment will depend on a number of different
factors. Your treating physician will weigh the pros and cons of each medication with
you to formulate a treatment plan that will be best for you.
These medications include:
1. Opioid agonists: these drugs work by mimicking the effects of heroin.
o Methadone.
o Buprenorphine.
2. Opioid antagonists: these drugs work by blocking the effects of heroin.
o Naltrexone.
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