Many individuals suffering from heroin addiction find it hard to quit on their own. For many people, heroin rehab and aftercare programs are vital to ensure that their recovery is successful and sustainable. Heroin is a highly addictive illegal opioid that produces effects similar to prescription opioids.
Many pain prescriptions, which are often legally prescribed by doctors, are also opioids and can be abused. A large number of people who are given prescriptions for these medications eventually become physically dependent on them and struggle to function normally without them. Once they are no longer able to get prescriptions legally, many turn to illegal ways to procure the drug. Since heroin is an extremely potent opioid, it is a very appealing choice to addicts as an alternative to legal medications.
Heroin relieves pain and produces many pleasant feelings which is one of the reasons why it is so addictive. After using heroin regularly, the body eventually develops a tolerance for it, meaning the user has to use more and more of the drug. Once someone decides to break out of the vicious cycle of addiction and seek help, there is a long road ahead. Many people who try to get sober on willpower alone are often unsuccessful. Instead, heroin rehab and heroin aftercare programs can help get someone on the right track to recovery.
Inpatient Heroin Rehab Programs
Many people have underlying issues and behaviors that contribute to heroin abuse or provoked their substance abuse in the first place. Inpatient programs are staffed by licensed addiction therapy counselors who work closely with people in early recovery to develop specialized treatment programs for each individual. During therapy, any underlying issues are addressed so people can understand where their addictions started. It also gives people time to learn new coping mechanisms on how to deal with stress. In addition to coping mechanisms, people can work on changing their negative behaviors into healthy ones that help sustain recovery.
“We take a holistic approach to treating addiction, offering a variety of treatment modalities centered around identifying and resolving the underlying issues associated with the addiction. Each client enrolled in our program will receive individual attention from a therapist and psychiatrist as well as gaining exposure to a multitude of traditional and alternative therapies.”
Inpatient programs also provide an environment that separates them from heroin. People suffering from addiction are provided a space to start their recovery without the temptations of the outside world. Residential heroin rehab programs also help patients to connect with other people like themselves who also are suffering from heroin abuse disorder. Inpatient programs usually last 30 days but can last longer if the individual needs further care. After inpatient heroin rehab and treatment is complete, people transition into heroin aftercare programs.
Outpatient Treatment For Heroin Addiction
After completing inpatient heroin rehab, it is important for people in early recovery to continue with their care. This typically includes outpatient heroin aftercare programs. These programs offer group therapy and help people to further work on coping mechanisms. It’s normal to encounter unanticipated problems after leaving an inpatient program. Fortunately, outpatient programs provide people a chance to address those problems and work on finding solutions.
Outpatient heroin aftercare may also include a sober living environment. This is where a group of people in early recovery live in the same house for a period of time and help each other through early recovery. Housemates provide each other with support and help each other to navigate the transition back to a healthy, independent life. Sober living helps people to start building their support system, which is critical for successfully maintaining sobriety after heroin rehab.
Medication-Assisted Treatment For Heroin Addiction
Both inpatient heroin rehab and outpatient aftercare usually involve medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Medication-assisted treatment is proven highly effective in treating heroin addiction. [2] These medications are prescribed by healthcare professionals and aid in the recovery process. The FDA- approved medications used for MAT work by replacing opioids to help reduce cravings. Other ones work by blocking the pleasurable effects that heroin produces. Some FDA approved medications for heroin addiction treatment include:
- Suboxone
- Subutex
- Vivitrol [3]
These medications help prevent relapse by blocking the pleasurable effects of opioids and making heroin less desirable to use. Furthermore, when addictive opioids are replaced with safer versions in the above medications, it can stop heroin cravings entirely.
Heroin Addiction Support Groups
Heroin aftercare often involves participating in support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) These programs consist of a list of steps that allow people suffering from addiction to work on bettering themselves. It also allows people to develop a wider support group and develop a strong sense of community. Participating in support groups, such as 12-step programs, help reduce the risk of relapse and establish long term sobriety.
Finding Heroin Rehab and Aftercare Programs
Carolina Center for Recovery offers in-depth heroin rehab and aftercare programs to people affected by this devastating addiction. Our highly trained addiction therapists at our North Carolina rehab work closely with individuals suffering from heroin addiction to develop individualized treatment plans. They work with people to find a unique plan of care that will fit each and every one of their needs. During our inpatient heroin rehab program, people develop the tools they need to build a healthy foundation for recovery. While getting sober can be difficult and almost seem impossible, with the proper care and support anyone can recover from heroin addiction.