What Happens In Heroin Rehab?

A person addicted to heroin is at high risk for pain, sickness, disease and even death without the aid of a professional heroin drug rehab facility. Heroin, a form of synthesized morphine, is one of the more addictive and potent substances to use today. The drug is classified as a Schedule 1 substance, meaning it is illegal to possess or use due to it’s high potential for addiction. Though this opioid addiction can certainly be overcome, the road to recovery is always a difficult one.

Detox / Withdrawal

Before the real healing can begin, addicts must complete a medically monitored detoxification program. Detox works to remove the drug from the individual’s system while addressing the symptoms associated with withdrawal. The following is a list of common symptoms found in patients moving through withdrawal:

Anxiety

Depression

Sweating

Fever

Cramps

Diarrhea

Nausea

Insomnia

Vomiting

Aches

Due to the extent of these symptoms, it is strongly advised that addicts enroll in a medically monitored detoxification to help ease them through the withdrawal process in a safe and comfortable fashion.

Once an individual has completed detox, it’s time to move forward with the heroin rehab experience. Depending on the type of facility, a variety of methods can be utilized to help addicts through their initial recovery. Traditional heroin rehab centers tend to rely on individual and group therapy while promoting a structured, daily routine through various activities and group exercises. Holistic treatment facilities utilize many of the same methods found in traditional rehab centers, but with an emphasis on spirituality and natural treatments.

Regardless of the facility philosophies, the end goal is always a healthy and long lasting recovery. In order to achieve this goal, patients are encouraged to develop a personalized rehabilitation plan or action with their addiction counselor. In this way, patients are able to monitor their progress throughout and beyond the program while keeping their eye fixated on the big sobriety prize. 

Heroin Rehab – 4 Steps To Recovery

When a person makes the decision to enter a heroin rehab facility, a 4 stage journey is initiated to help the individual develop a sober, clean and happy lifestyle. These 4 steps – Initiation – Abstinence – Maintained Abstinence – Continued Recovery – have been developed and used by drug and alcohol addiction specialists the world over.

Initiation

Once help is sought out in combating a heroin addiction, the first step – initiation – is begun. Whether aid to sought out voluntarily or exterior forces have pushed the individual towards treatment, the recovery process always begins the same.

During the first few days of heroin drug rehab it is common for patients to experience feelings of ambivalence regarding the decision to give up using on a permanent basis. Often, patients feel that their addictions are not quite as awful as it’s being made out to be. In truth, these feelings of denial and ambivalence can prove to be your worst foes during your initial recovery. Beware.

Abstinence

Once a commitment has been made to continue with the treatment plan, the second stage – abstinence - can begin. Viewed by many as the toughest step in the recovery process, abstinence requires patients to deal with withdrawal symptoms, psychological dependencies, physical cravings and an array of triggers urging patients to relapse.

During this stage, patients are introduced to a licensed addiction specialist who will begin teaching various copings skills that can be used to maintain a clean and sober lifestyle. The tools garnered during this period will serve to help patients throughout the remainder of recovery.

Maintained Abstinence

Once a patient had completed their first 90 days heroin-free, they are able to move on to the third recovery step – maintained abstinence. Often, a patient who completes a 90 residential program is afforded the opportunity to continue their recovery on an outpatient basis. This serves in putting the lessons learned within the heroin rehab centers to use in a real world setting. Maintained abstinence typically begins after the first 3 months of sobriety, continuing until the individual has reached the five-year mark.

Advanced Recovery

After an individual has obtained five years of abstinence, the final stage – advanced recovery – can begin. It is during this stage that individuals are truly able to utilize the skills and tools learned during their initial recovery; putting them to proper use in building a happy and satisfying life.

Not only are addicts able to maintain their sobriety; they will also possess the tools needed to become a better parent and spouse, healthy individual, and positive contributor to society. 

Does My Teen Need Heroin Rehab?

Heroin rehab is a scary consideration for parents who suspect their teen is using. The drug is synthesized from morphine found in opium poppy seeds, producing a euphoric state in users by mimicking actions of natural endorphins on the brain. Though many users choose to inject the drug, the popularity in smoking and snorting is increasing due to the lowered risks associated with non-needle use. If you suspect that your loved one is using, the following entry will provide you with a few ways to spot the signs.

1 – Keep an eye out of drastic behavior changes. Teens who have begun using heroin may begin associating with a different crowd. Lowered grades and a drop in job performance or attendance may also be cause to take notice.

2 – Many addicts will show various physical changes due to excessive use. Common examples include runny eyes and noses or pupil constriction. Users may also begin sleeping more excessively, while exhibiting signs of lethargy and apathy during waking hours. Hygiene may be low on the priority list.

3 – Look for odd items around the home, such as small baggies, capsules, syringes, or antihistamine packing materials. Take note if valuables or cash suddenly goes missing. If the individual is dealing as well, you may also notice unfamiliar and unexplained valuables in their possession. 

4 – Even dress can be an indicator! Addicts may choose to wear winter-wear during high temperature periods to conceal their injection marks.

What To Do

If you confirm use, it’s important to rectify the situation immediately. Get in touch with a reputable heroin drug rehab facility to discuss potential treatment plans. Heroin rehab centers will be best able to assess and address the addiction at hand, while providing your teen with the tools and resources they need to move beyond their dependency and towards the productive, happy and fulfilling life they deserve.

Top 5 Heroin Rehab Myths Debunked

What comes to mind when the topic of heroin rehab is brought about?  Do you find yourself combating images of diseased and homeless addicts with no place to turn, or a comforting environment staffed with seasoned addiction specialists who can properly address the dependency? Truth be told, the number of misconceptions surrounding rehabilitation programs is so numerous, that many individuals suffering from addiction often disregard the mere idea of treatment based solely on negative influence. As such, we’ve decided to put together a basic list of common heroin drug rehab myths to help clear the air.

1 – Only “Rock Bottom” Addicts Go To Rehab

Simply put, the sooner an addict obtains help for their addictions, the easier the recovery will be, and the lower the risk of future relapse. Those with a dependency need not wait until their family, job, future and health have completely deteriorated to obtain the help they require.

2 – Affordable Rehab Is A Waste Of Time

Heroin rehab centers do not have to be exclusive or expensive in order to ensure the positive outcome for the patient. Most reputable facilities offer government assistance or plans to work with insurance to help patients obtain the aid they’re after.

3 – Rehab = Brain Washing

In instances of extreme addiction, an addict’s brain must be retrained to function without properly without the fallback of substance intake. Addicts must retain new skills and alter the way they perceive life in order to avoid future substance abuse issues. Residents of substance abuse treatment centers in California must also regain their health and self-confidence. As such, any negative behaviors associated with past usage must come to an end. While some may certainly refer to this process as “brain washing”, a closer look will confirm that it is nothing short of a re-education.

4 – Rehabs Push Religious Beliefs

Though religious-based facilities certainly exist, the vast majority of programs are non-denominational; allowing patients to work through their rehabilitation without having to conform to beliefs which conflict with their own.

5 – Relapse Means Failure

In many instances of relapse, the individual has enrolled in a treatment plan that is unsuitable to the severity of their dependency. Addicts suffering from an opiate addiction will do best to seek out a residential, long-term facility. This will afford the individual a secure and safe atmosphere without access to exterior influence. Patients in residential facilities are commonly provided with 24 hour monitoring and a wealth of assistance and resources to combat the addiction at hand. A quality facility will also offer aftercare options to help patients make a safe and healthy transition back into society.

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!