Treatment for addiction incorporates various therapies and modalities, depending on the individual’s specific needs. For those struggling with heroin addiction, certain methods of treatment may be more effective than others.
As a serious addiction, those in treatment for heroin abuse will most likely require a combination of therapies. The most beneficial treatment tracks usually include both lower and higher-intensity therapies. Adventure therapy is a less intensive form of therapy that involves physical exercise within a group dynamic.
In order to understand how adventure therapy benefits heroin addiction treatment, it is important to know the scope and dangers of heroin addiction as well as the ideology behind adventure therapy.
Dangers of Heroin Addiction
Heroin is a semi-synthetic opiate and central nervous system depressant made from morphine. When used, heroin releases an excess of dopamine, triggering the reward receptors in the brain. During the heroin high, an individual experiences intense euphoria, suppressed breathing, and pain relief. Opioids, especially heroin, are among the most addictive and deadly substances in the world. As central nervous system depressants, heroin and fentanyl are the source of many fatal overdoses and have reinvigorated the third wave of the opioid epidemic.
Heroin is 2-3 times more potent than morphine and is a main, contributing factor of the current opioid epidemic in the United States. The CDC states that nearly 841,000 people have died in the past two decades from a drug overdose, with 70% of those fatalities involving an opioid.
As a depressant. heroin suppresses the respiratory system, resulting in dangerously low oxygen levels which negatively impact the body’s vital organs. As stated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, opioids depress breathing by changing neurochemical activity in the brain stem, where automatic body functions such as breathing and heart rate are controlled. Due to the depressant qualities of heroin, a common cause of overdose fatality is breathing cessation.
Adventure Therapy
Adventure therapy is a physically involved form of therapy. As a low-intensity therapeutic exercise, adventure therapy helps an individual regain confidence, strength, and trust. Exercises include, but are not limited to, hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, camping, or boating. This nature-based therapy actively decreases levels of anxiety and depression while promoting healthy behavioral patterns.
Typically a group therapy exercise, these activities connect the individuals in treatment to the outside world. It is scientifically proven that exercise and being in nature improve mood. During these sessions, clients are able to form trust between one another and improve thought patterns and problem-solving skills.
Heroin Addiction Treatment
Heroin is a highly addictive substance and abusing this drug can be life-threatening if left untreated. Fortunately, there are various therapies that treat this addiction. Adventure Therapy provides a healthy outlet for individuals in treatment for heroin addiction where they can rebuild trust and sharpen their problem-solving skills in a group setting. Asheville Recovery Center offers this form of therapy and many more.
The founders of Asheville Recovery Center, as well as many of our addiction therapists, have struggled with addiction and now enjoy life in recovery. They understand the struggles of addiction and how difficult it is to overcome alone.
As the premier drug and alcohol treatment centers in North Carolina, treatment specialists at Asheville Recovery Center have developed a unique, hybrid model of treatment which combines a traditional 12-step program with holistic rehabilitation. A multitude of services, programs, and therapies are offered, including the Partial Hospitalization Program, intensive outpatient rehabilitation, adventure therapy, and more.
Addiction is difficult to overcome alone. If you feel that you or a loved one is struggling with heroin abuse, our specialists are on standby and ready to help. Call (828)383-0784 and speak with an addiction expert today.
