Behavioral treatments usually include cognitive therapy, consultations and psychotherapy. Such treatments usually offer people strategies for coping with their drug cravings, help them to deal with relapse if it occurs and teach them ways to avoid drugs and prevent relapse. When the addictive behavior places a one at higher risk for AIDS or other infectious diseases, behavioral therapies can help to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

  Behavioral treatments can be also effective with medications and help addicted people stay in treatment longer. Although pharmacologic and behavioral treatments can be very useful when employed alone, science has taught us that integrating both types of treatments will ultimately be the most effective approach. There are many effective behavioral treatments available for heroin addiction.

    These treatments include outpatient  and residential approaches. An important assignment is to choose the best treatment approach to recognise the particular needs of the patient. Besides, some new behavioral therapies such as contingency management therapy and cognitive-behavioral interventions, show particular promise as treatments for heroin addiction. Both behavioral and pharmacological treatments help to restore a normal functions of a brain with increased employment rates and lower risk of HIV and other diseases.