Heroin Rehab
Over one million people in the United States currently use heroin habitually, yet only a small fraction of these at-risk individuals ever get the treatment they need from a heroin rehab facility. What makes this fact so frustrating is that drug rehab programs have a high rate of success in treating these individuals and helping them stay clean for the rest of the lives.
The following information provides an overview of what a heroin rehab center does – and who should seek treatment from one of these life-saving facilities.
Who need Heroin Rehab?
Heroin rehab is essential for anyone who is using the drug but is unable to stop – despite an understanding of the harm it is causing them and their family. Heroin rehab facilities see individuals of all ages and socio-economic groups.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Heroin Addiction?
Individuals who suffer from a heroin addiction are not likely to admit that they have a problem until it is too late. For this reason, it is important that family and friends are able to recognize the signs and symptoms of heroin addiction so that they can step and do something about it.
The most common signs of habitual heroin use include:
- Sudden euphoric behavior
- Drowsiness
- Poor or impaired mental functioning
- Respiratory problems
- Constricted pupils
- Nausea
- Disoriented behavior
How to get a Loved One into Heroin Rehab
Individuals who are addicted to heroin need help from their loved ones. If talking to the person about their problem doesn’t work, then the next logical course of action is a drug intervention. An intervention is a meeting in which friends and family members “confront” the individual about their addiction and how it is hurting those closest to them.
An intervention should be organized with the help of a professional interventionist. These trained individuals can help insure the safety of everyone involved and make sure that the dialogue at the intervention is kept positive and productive.
The end goal of the intervention is to get the individual into a drug rehab center immediately following the meeting so that they can start receiving help for their heroin addiction.
What Happens during Heroin Rehab?
There are many different styles of heroin rehab, but most programs feature three core elements to their treatment plan: detox, counseling and aftercare.
- Detox. Individuals who wish to achieve recovery from their heroin addiction must start with detox. Drug detox allows the individual to free themselves of the harmful toxins associated with heroin so that they can continue on with the rest of the rehab process. Heroin detox usually carries a number of uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that are not life threatening, but may lead to relapse.
- Counseling. Individual and group counseling are a chance for the individual to delve into the reason why they use heroin. Also, they will work closely with a counselor or therapist to develop strategies for changing the behavior and making better decisions pertaining to drugs. Group counseling is a unique experience that allows individuals to form a bond with other recovering addicts and gain strength from their stories and their on-going support.
- Aftercare. Aftercare programs help the individual adjust to life post-rehab. It is one thing to learn valuable strategies and skills while in heroin rehab, but it is another to put them into practice. Aftercare provides this transitional support in the form of 12-step programs, follow-up counseling and sober living.
What are the Different Types of Heroin Rehab Facilities?
There are two major types of heroin rehab facility: residential and outpatient. Each one offers comprehensive heroin addiction treatment, but also sport several key differences.
- Residential heroin rehab. This is a chance to leave one’s destructive environment behind and enter a safe place where the only thing to worry about is focusing on recovery. These facilities may require a stay of between a month and a full year and often offer all the amenities of a fine hotel. Residential rehab has individuals living side-by-side with other recovering addicts which helps create a solid support structure.
- Outpatient heroin rehab. Outpatient heroin rehab features detox, counseling and other related programs found in residential care – with the difference that individuals go home at the end of every treatment day. This is a good solution for those who need to be close to their families or have responsibilities that include work or school. Outpatient programs are more likely to be found in big cities or other densely populated areas.
Why is Heroin Rehab so Important?
In addition to all the health risks to which a heroin addict is exposed, there are also a number of peripheral problems that can potentially stem from long-term use of the drug. These include:
- The risk of contracting HIV/AIDS by sharing needles with other heroin users
- The risk of contracting Hepatitis by sharing needles with other heroin users
- The risk of committing crimes in order support one’s habit
- The risk of destroying all of one’s personal relationships with family, spouses and children.
Heroin rehab helps individuals steer away from these factors by providing them with the skills they need to break the cycle of addiction once and for all.
Michael’s House provides comprehensive treatment for individuals suffering from an addiction to heroin or other opiates. The “whole body” approach at Michael’s House not only treats the addiction itself, but uplifts the mind, body and spirit of the individual so that they enjoy the a fulfilling, happy life without drugs. Contact Michael’s House today at for more information.
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