Different programs have different approaches - find out what they offer before deciding, especially as some programs are expensive. Methadone is a prescription medication taken by mouth which helps people stay off heroin. Although they're still dependent on a drug, methadone helps them return to a healthier, more normal way of life, which may enable them to work. Eventually they may opt to withdraw from methadone with medical help. Taken daily, it works by preventing heroin having its usual effect - the idea is that if the user gets no effect each time they use heroin, they'll stop using.
Some clinics offer rapid detoxification under general anaesthetic.
This is a major medical procedure and there have been some reports of deaths linked to this technique. The effectiveness and safety of this procedure is still being evaluated. While some doctors claim great success with naltrexone, most people who try it eventually return to heroin - this is because medication alone won't stop addiction. A person must also separate from the lifestyle and friends that go with the drug, and will usually benefit from counselling. Naltrexone works best with people who are strongly motivated to stop heroin and who have good support from family and friends.