All About Heroin Drug Rehab

If you or someone you love is considering heroin drug rehab to combat an addiction, having a basic understanding regarding what to expect from the experience is key in achieving a safe and successful outcome. While the road ahead is far from easy, there is hope to those who seek it. In this entry, we will discuss what to expect from a drug rehab experience.

Meds

Medications are commonly utilized to help alleviate discomfort and side effects associated with heroin withdrawal. Many heroin rehab centers provide patients with access to medications such as buprenorphine and methadone in an effect to wean the addict from the heroin, while working to ensure a safe and comfortable transition into recovery.

Therapy

In addition to medications, a heroin rehab will employ a variety of behavioral treatments to help place a focus on the root and nature of the addiction. Therapists will also work to educate patients as to ideal coping skills to use outside of the program to help avoid the risk of relapse.

Residential Programs

Residential programs afford addicts the ability to remain at a facility for a period of 1 – 6 months, depending on the extent of the addiction. Residential programs tend to have higher success rates in patients with escalated drug issues by removing the individual from their comfort zone and immersing them in a comprehensive treatment plan, catered to their individual needs and goals.

Court Orders

Court ordered treatment can be extremely effective in helping an addict turn their behaviors around. When faced with potential legal consequences, many individuals opt for treatment to avoid possible probation and jail time. Court orders also serve in preventing a return to criminal behavior, especially in instances where the individual continues receiving treatment following their release back into the community. 

Heroin Drug Rehab Treatments

If you or a loved one is considering heroin rehab, it’s important you understand the road ahead. When it comes to addictive substances, heroin is at the top of the list. Overcoming an addiction to this substance poses a great deal of difficulty, due mostly to the severity of the withdrawal process. While physicians have shown great success in treating heroin addiction through methadone substitution, a number of alternative methods have come about with increasing popularity among addiction specialists.

Act Quickly

An addict’s chances of success post drug heroin rehab are heightened exponentially when the issue is addressed quickly. Addicts with years of abuse under their belts face a much more intense recovery process and higher risk of relapse.

Methadone Facts

As referenced above, Methadone has been used historically with great success in treating heroin addicts. The substance is a synthetic opioid that works to control cravings by way of blocking the effects of heroin on the body. As such, withdrawal symptoms can be virtually eliminated.

Alternatives

Alternative therapies are gaining popularity throughout the addiction treatment community. Many professionals are beginning to use buprenorphine and dihydrocodeine en lieu of methadone, due to their lessened risk of dependency. Dihydrocodeine has become especially popular due to it’s affordability, lowered safety risks and effectiveness.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy is a vital aspect of the rehabilitation process, with addiction specialists universally praising it’s effectiveness in treating heroin dependency. However, these treatments are found to be most effective when used in combination with methadone or an equal medication substitute.

Preparation Is Key

Recovery is never easy. Though most of the withdrawal symptoms associated with heroin addiction generally die off after a week or so, cravings and general distain can hold one for weeks, months and even years following rehabilitation. Cravings are the most common cause of relapse… as such, continued therapy and medical care is always recommended in order to successfully overcome this type of addiction.

Force A Smile

Stay positive and think happy thoughts. With a strong will and determination, many have proven that heroin addiction can be overcome. 

Choosing A Heroin Rehab Center In California

Searching for a heroin rehab center in California? The number of available options may surprise you! From luxury private treatment centers to public facilities; traditional to holistic; those looking to recover from heroin addiction must consider a number of factors before committing to a treatment plan. In the following entry, we will outline a few considerations worth pondering in your quest for sobriety.

Step 1 – Take a look at your finances and determine your budget, keeping in mind that your insurance plan may cover a portion of the costs. Many insurance companies provide their customers with rehab assistance, and can even provide you with a list of pre-approved programs in your area.

Step 2 – If you’re unsure which treatment method is right for you, choose a heroin rehab that specializes in multiple therapies. Most patients are unaware of which treatments will work to their needs. As such, it may be in your best interest to broaden your options, rather than decide on something more specific.

Step 3 – Inquire about aftercare when speaking with the facilities you are interested in. Most facilities will offer continued care following a patient’s program completion. Make sure to find out whether the aftercare is included in the total cost amount and includes things like therapist check-ins to keep you on track.

Step 4 – If you have a few different facilities that interest you, there’s no better way to gain perspective than by visiting each of them. This will provide you the opportunity to view the living quarters, speak with the staff and discuss any concerns or questions you may have regarding your upcoming treatment. It’s important that you feel relaxed and comfortable with your surroundings during recovery. Choose one that feels right! 

Heroin Drug Rehab – What To Expect

Heroin drug rehab centers afford patients suffering from heroin addiction the opportunity to rid themselves of a physical and emotional dependency to the drug. Whether you’ve been using for weeks, months or years, the initial recovery process in regard to heroin addiction is quite similar in many regards. If you or a loved on are seeking treatment for a heroin addiction, the following entry will serve in providing you with a basic understanding of recovery process.

Withdrawal

Those who have become physically dependent to heroin are commonly faced with the reality of withdrawal. Withdrawal refers to a process by where the body is unable to function properly without the aid of the addictive substance. Where heroin addiction is apparent, a medically monitored detoxification program must be administered to ensure the safe and healthy transition into a heroin rehab facility.

Medication

For many people in heroin recovery, the withdrawal process from can prove so severe that a physician must prescribe specific medications to aid the individual through the detoxification period.  These medications work to subdue the effects of withdrawal, including nausea, vomiting, body aches, hallucinations and diarrhea, making the experience much more safe and comfortable for the detox subject.

Therapy

Once detox is complete, addicts are introduced to the recovery process, involving individual and group therapy sessions. Here, patients are able to share their experiences while gaining perspective from other patients with alternate perspectives and viewpoints. In this way, patients are better able to recognize negative behaviors and avoid future situations that may put them at risk for relapse.  

Support

Many recovering heroin addicts find solace in support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous. By immersing themselves in the company of individuals who share the same struggles and addictions, many are able to enjoy the happy, fulfilling and sober lifestyle they’ve been striving for.

Considerations

No recovery is ever 100% the same. Though the number of recovery options is far from limited, it’s important to locate a facility with the means to properly address your individual needs. By providing yourself with a solid base from which to move,  you effectively heighten your chances of a stronger, more effective recovery.