Drug abuse has been one of the highest killers in our world for over a decade. Last year, opioid use disorder was the cause of over 65,000 deaths in the United States. You or your loved one do not need to be part of this statistic.
At
Sunshine Rehab, we know it can be overwhelming to start a new treatment program. That’s why we want you to be fully aware of what to expect when entering addiction treatment, especially when it comes to heroin addiction programs. Read on to learn what to expect in heroin addiction treatment and how our compassionate support can help you navigate the road to recovery.
The Impact of Heroin and Withdrawal Symptoms
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, heroin abuse and addiction are defined as treatable, chronic mental illnesses known as
substance use disorder. It manifests as dependence on this specific opioid agonist and can negatively impact a person’s relationship with their friends and family members.
The deep physical dependence caused by
heroin and other opioid drugs can lead to withdrawal symptoms with adverse consequences that last for weeks and are even life-threatening in some cases. These can include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Heroin Addiction Treatment: Here’s What to Expect
Heroin addiction treatment, as designed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, addresses a person’s opioid dependence through medically supervised detox and mental health treatment. There are both inpatient and outpatient treatment settings for this process.
The goal of the
detox process is to minimize discomfort for a person struggling with heroin addiction. Medical detox is done by supporting medication that functions as a partial opioid agonist. A drug dose of buprenorphine and methadone stimulates the same opioid receptors as heroin without encouraging drug addiction. Along with 24-hour support from addiction treatment providers, these medications allow a person’s body to readjust safely and painlessly to life without heroin dependence.
After medication-assisted treatment, group therapy and family therapy sessions can help a person process the underlying problems that initially led to a person’s heroin use. Individual therapy can also be used to work through
co-occurring mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and alcohol abuse.
Heroin Treatment Center: Detox Process
At Sunshine Rehab, we understand that heroin addiction presents a unique set of challenges when it comes to treatment. That’s why our team of experienced professionals work hard to customize a comprehensive plan for each individual and their specific needs.
Our detox process begins with an assessment and discussion about the safest way for you to begin withdrawing from heroin. During heroin treatment, patients often experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that can last a few days to several weeks. Our medical team will then prescribe medication-assisted treatment that utilizes buprenorphine or methadone to reduce cravings and improve the chances of a successful recovery and provide 24/7 support throughout the entire process. Withdrawal symptoms are carefully managed as we help you move through the process of detox and into more comprehensive therapeutic strategies.
After detox, our team will work with you to develop a comprehensive, customized treatment plan that will address the underlying issues driving your substance use disorder. This plan may include individual, group, and family therapy sessions, relapse prevention education, and activities to help build a solid foundation for lasting recovery. We generally recommend inpatient rehab for those struggling with heroin use as the treatment process is more intense in inpatient rehab than in an outpatient setting.
Inpatient Treatment for Heroin Addiction
Inpatient heroin treatment is designed to address all facets of opioid use disorder. At
Sunshine Rehab, our inpatient program is structured to provide you with the care and support you need from medical professionals, counselors, and other staff.
Throughout your stay at Sunshine Rehab, you will have access to a wide range of therapeutic approaches that focus on understanding and managing cravings for heroin. This includes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as traditional talk therapies such as individual, family, and group therapy.
You will also have access to medical and psychiatric care, nutrition counseling, physical fitness activities, 12-step meetings, and other holistic therapies in a safe and supportive environment. Throughout your treatment program at Sunshine Rehab, you will be continuously monitored by our team of professionals to ensure that you are on the path to recovery.
Outpatient Treatment for Heroin Abuse
Outpatient heroin rehab is an option for those who are not able to commit to a residential or inpatient program due to work and other commitments. At Sunshine Rehab, our outpatient partner program consists of weekly visits with doctors, counselors, and therapists. We also offer 12-step meetings, group therapy sessions, individual counseling, and medication management services as part of the outpatient program.
Outpatient treatment is an ideal option for those who need a more flexible approach to recovery. It allows you to receive quality care and treatment while still maintaining your regular schedule and responsibilities.
Inpatient vs Outpatient Treatment
Whether to choose inpatient or outpatient rehab for heroin addiction depends on your individual needs. If you are struggling with severe drug abuse and have experienced multiple relapses, then residential treatment may be the best option. Inpatient heroin rehab can provide you with 24-hour care and supervision as well as access to therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and other treatments. On the other hand, outpatient treatment is a better option if you have already completed an inpatient program and are ready for more flexibility. Outpatient programs allow you to receive addiction treatment while still maintaining your normal daily routine of work or school.
The greatest benefit of
inpatient heroin treatment options is that they allow individuals to focus on their recovery without regular outside distractions. The social and environmental factors that often stand in the way of sobriety are replaced with the structure of an inpatient rehab schedule. A heroin addiction rehab program begins with a heroin detox and includes an individualized treatment plan of support groups, therapy, and other activities. Most inpatient heroin treatment programs last 30 to 90 days.
In contrast, an intensive outpatient program or outpatient rehab for substance abuse treatment can work for someone with mild drug addiction and is generally unsuitable for those in the beginning stages of recovery from heroin addiction. Outpatient treatment allows a person to maintain their professional and personal life while also participating in group therapy and medication-assisted treatment.
It’s important to talk with an addiction specialist about the best option for you. They can provide more information on inpatient and outpatient treatment options as well as any other treatment options that may be available to you. Ultimately, the goal is to find a program that fits your needs so you can get on the path to recovery as quickly and safely as possible.
No matter which treatment option you choose for heroin rehab – inpatient treatment or outpatient heroin rehab – the most important thing is to take the first step and reach out for help. Heroin addiction can be a difficult condition to manage without professional help. With proper care and support, however, it is possible to overcome heroin addiction and live a healthier life. If you or someone you love is struggling with heroin addiction, contact Sunshine Rehab today for more information about our inpatient and outpatient programs. We are here to help you get your life back on track.
Aftercare and After-Treatment Support
The road to recovery is not easy, but it is possible with the right support system in place. At Sunshine Rehab, we offer aftercare support to help you make the transition back into your normal life more manageable. This includes alumni programs, 12-step meetings, and additional counseling services.
Our goal is to provide you with the tools you need to succeed in the future. With our aftercare program, you can begin your journey of recovery with confidence and an understanding that there is help available if needed.
Long-Term Recovery Process
The best treatment centers for heroin addiction agree that residential treatment is often only the beginning of a person’s recovery journey. Ongoing treatment is crucial for a person to commit to sobriety. After inpatient heroin rehab or outpatient treatment, recovering heroin users should still attend regular support groups and individual therapy to develop healthy coping skills to manage heroin cravings. Our addiction treatment providers at Sunshine Rehab can
help determine which treatment process is best for you while guiding you through treatment options that are best covered by your insurance.
Contact our treatment facility today for more information!
