what percentage of heroin addicts fully recover?

Question

and are they ever able to completly is there any brian damage or nerve damage to system after many yrs of abuse is there any medical findings on this especailly those who used methodone can they ever live normal life ?or is nervous system permantly effected.completly drug free ?

Answer 1

Many estimates are around 5% full recovery. Although it is interesting that in England where they prescribe heroin for certain medical conditions, that they seem to have virtually no problem weaning patients off of it. Perhaps if we used pharmaceutical grade heroin instead of methadone, we might have better results. Recovery from any drug addiction depends on amount, length and frequency of use. The prognosis is always better for people who have not used for more than a year.

Answer 2

I know first hand that unfortunately a small percentage of people can recover from heroin addiction and stay clean and overcome it permanently. I'm speaking of people whom are already in the full throws of addiction. There's a certain low, "or to hit rock bottom"addicts need to go to before they really truly want to stop. It's like a revelation. It's death- giving up on oneself, or desperation to become well because there's nothing left to lose !That's something family & friends etc. need to realise. Many addicts at this point may loose faith but with a loving support group or people with an extremely strong will, will genuinely want get clean & want to receive help. It's hard as a loved one to wait and watch such self-destruction until one reaches this stage, but they will stop for no-one....nothing until they reach this point unfortunately. My suggestion is to always be there and support the addict but not to be an enabler! You have to be strict and have tough love or they WILL take advantage at every opportunity! Don't let them steal your peace & keep strong with other family members and friends. Personally I think it's best that when the addicts "ready" to quit and make the decision to become clean, is to do it "cold turkey". It's painful but is the quickest way and most likely after an addicts been through that, they will never want to again, e.g NEVER want to get into a position that leads to that pain and mental abuse which words cannot describe again. After the initial detox I would recommend totally moving as far away from where you lived before and definitely going to a rehabilitation centre. I personally recommend "teen challenge." Which is NOT just for teens but any age, problem etc. people have had From Alcohol abuse to drugs to anorexia. It's a Christian charity organisation which is just excellent. If you want or need anymore info. Contact me. Kate.

Answer 3

Nobody ever completely recovers from an addiction. Even if they never use again...they are still an addict.

I don't know about all your brain damage questions. I'm sure there are long term effects on most who have used for an extended period. Some may have no lasting effects. But an addict is always an addict. I don't mean it harshly. It's just that you will always be addicted to it. It will always be there...in the back of your mind. Just one more time. Even if there never is another time...it's always there.

Answer 4

I was a herion addict for over 10yrs me and my ex used to sit and smoke it ( I never injected he did) when we split up it was like someone had turned a light on and I decided to go on to subutex. I have now been clean of herion 4yrs and subutex over 3yrs. It's like looking at someone's life back then. It's not easy but it is possible I don't even think about it anymore n I have a full time job, lovely house and passed my driving test so even have a car

Answer 5

Drug free; yes. but once a user, one will NEVER be free of the effects of the drug. Even many years later, something may trigger flashbacks. That is why one should never start in the first place.

Answer 6

after even an year of abuse there is a lot of damage to ur nervous system. 4get abt yrs... in tht much time ur whole body is eaten up

Answer 7

10%

Answer 8

do your own research. Take a sample of recovering heroine addicts and see how many recover. Then you can do a meta-analysis with other researchers' samples so you can it more powerful.

Answer 9

3%

Answer 10

25%