First of all the patient goes through detoxification. This is where the patient is not given any of the drug they are dependent on. When heroin is withdrawn the patient may experience unpleasant symptoms including pains, sleeplessness and diarrhoea for one to two days. Some cases of addiction are managed with methadone syrup. This is also addictive, but it can stop a person needing to inject heroin.
Naltrexone blocks the action of heroin.
It is a new medicine, but may not be as effective as methadone. Like methadone, naltrexone should be part of a treatment program. Just giving these medicines will not help the person deal with their other problems. Using medicines to treat drug addiction requires close supervision. Not all general practitioners can supply these treatments, but they will be able to advise on local Drug and Alcohol Services.