Treatment is more effective if tailored to suit a person's specific situation and usually involves a combination of methods. Methadone maintenance A synthetic opiate, methadone, is used as a substitute for heroin to treat heroin dependent people. More on methadone Naltrexone maintenance Naltrexone is a drug prescribed to help people stay off heroin once they have successfully withdrawn from heroin and other opiates. Using heroin or other opiates while on naltrexone will have little or no effect. This drug does not cause physical or psychological dependence.
Naltrexone is on trial in Australia.
It involves high doses of naltrexone given over a 48-hour period or less along with heavy sedation. By the end of the process, the patient should be physically withdrawn from opiates. UROD is under trial in Australia at present. More on treatment Support during treatment Support from a friend or family member while undergoing treatment will help to provide the emotional and practical support needed. More on family support Pregnancy Using heroin while pregnant can harm an unborn child.