Heroin Treatment and Rehab

Heroin Info

• Heroin Addiction and Abuse
• Heroin Symptoms and Warning Signs
• Heroin Withdrawal and Detox
• Heroin Treatment and Rehab

The United States finds itself in an opioid epidemic. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Every day, more than 130 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids.”

Heroin is a synthetic opioid illegal in most places in the world. Heroin works the same way as prescription opioids by interacting with opioid receptors in the brain.

Heroin treatment is more necessary than ever before in the middle of this deadly opioid crisis. Heroin addiction can sometimes be self-treated, but more severe cases might need heroin rehab.

Treating an addiction to heroin usually involves therapy, medication, support groups, and lifestyle changes. These treatments are available at both inpatient and outpatient treatment centers.

"Due to the symptoms of withdrawal and the psychological grip heroin has on its users, a professional treatment center usually offers the best chances of a successful recovery."

Detox is the first step toward overcoming heroin. It is highly recommended to detox with a team of professionals who are trained to supervise and monitor you throughout the process of heroin detoxification. Heroin withdrawal is often painful and can last weeks for some, but physicians can prescribe medication that can minimize discomfort and help the body slowly readjust.

Therapy is also an important aspect for tackling the underlying behaviors that led to a person’s heroin use. Therapy can also tackle co-occurring disorders like depression, which is also known as dual diagnosis.

How is Heroin Addiction Treated?

At first, the effects of heroin use feel good. However, over time, the euphoria fades. People start using heroin to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Heroin addiction can be difficult to treat, and some people need rehab to treat the addiction successfully. During the initial stages of rehab, withdrawal symptoms are very uncomfortable and this is part of the reason why heroin users seek out and continue using the drug.

After the initial detox, symptoms may become milder but might last for months or years. Different treatments are necessary to help with side effects and cravings:

• Pharmacological Treatments: Prescription drug treatments treat symptoms of withdrawal and symptoms of opioid use disorder (OUD).
• Behavioral Therapy: Two popular forms of behavioral treatment are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management (CM). CBT is similar to standard therapy and focuses on modifying expectations and behaviors related to drug use. CM is less common and is a voucher system where people are rewarded items or prizes based on clean urine drug screens.
• Combination Therapy: A combination of pharmacological and behavioral therapy. Most people will need a combination of these types of therapies.

Medications Used for Heroin Treatment

Research has confirmed that the use of pharmacological treatment in heroin addiction is beneficial to the addict. The positive outcomes experienced include a significant reduction in drug use (relapse), criminal behavior and transmission of infectious diseases. There was also an increased rate of retention and adherence to treatment programs.

The medications used for the treatment of heroin addiction interact with the same opioid receptors in the brain (through which heroin acts), but are known to be safer and less addictive than heroin. They belong to three classes: opioid agonists, partial agonists, and antagonists. Experienced health professionals decide on the best drugs to use to meet the patients' needs, as well as any other pre-existing conditions and factors. The medications used in heroin addiction treatment include:

• Methadone (which goes by the trade-names Dolophine® or Methadose®) is an opioid agonist that is slow-acting. It is taken orally and reaches the brain slowly as a result. It interacts with opioid receptors to reduce withdrawal symptoms without producing the same 'high' that other opioid agonists are known for. Methadone has been used in the treatment of heroin addiction since the 1960s and is the preferred choice for patients who have not shown an optimal response to other medications. Methadone is usually available in outpatient programs, where it is given to patients daily.
• Buprenorphine (also known under the trade-name Subutrex®) is a partial agonist of opioid receptors. Buprenorphine is useful for relieving drug cravings without producing the feeling of being high and free from most of the dangerous side effects that heroin is known for. It also relieves the withdrawal symptoms experienced. Buprenorphine is a popular alternative to methadone in the treatment of heroin addiction, due to the fact that it was shown to have less abuse potential. The FDA recently approved a six-month subdermal implant of buprenorphine and a depo-injection of buprenorphine that only needs to be administered once a month.
• Naltrexone (Depade^® or Revia^®) acts by antagonising opioid receptors. Its benefit is in preventing relapse in heroin addicts, but it has no effect on alleviating the withdrawal symptoms. As a result of this, compliance in the use of this drug is not very high. It antagonizes opioid receptors and blocks any effect the use of heroin might have, thus discouraging the addict from trying to use heroin. It is a safeguard against relapse. The use of naltrexone can only begin after the detoxification period has ended.
• Clonidine is an anti-hypertensive medication that has been shown to alleviate the withdrawal symptoms experienced in recovering heroin addicts. It is also a sedative and helps with insomnia.

It's important for you to know that medications in themselves are not a complete treatment for heroin addiction. Medication should be used together with therapy and other recovery tools to successfully attain sobriety and enable the recovering addict to stay drug-free in the long run.

Heroin Rehabilitation: How Long?

Heroin is a short-acting drug. This means that it has a rapid onset of action, as well as short duration. Withdrawal symptoms begin to manifest soon after the last dose of heroin.

Heroin rehabilitation typically begins with the detox period. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that heroin withdrawal symptoms begin to manifest in as little as six hours after the last dose. The symptoms get progressively worse and peak between the second and third day and typically lasts for five to ten days. The detox period is usually when drugs are administered and therapy is applied to help the body and brain recover from the myriad of effects heroin has.

During detox, a patient is closely monitored. The heart rate, temperature, blood pressure, and respiration are supervised to make sure that the patient stays safe throughout the detox period. Heroin rehabilitation still continues after the detox period, helping you to develop the necessary skills to maintain your new-found sobriety.

Data published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse suggests that a rehabilitation period of fewer than 90 days might have limited effectiveness. Some programs offer a rehabilitation period of 28 days, while others offer longer. The heroin rehabilitation period is different for everyone and depends on the individual, the duration of heroin use, and whether you choose an inpatient or outpatient treatment facility.

Types of Rehab for Heroin Addiction

There are three main heroin treatment options available: inpatient, outpatient or residential treatment.

Inpatient rehab is in a facility where people live and undergo heroin detox and withdrawal. Medical providers provide medical and therapy services around the clock. The patient’s time is structured to support the healing process.

Outpatient treatment requires a high level of trust between the patient and the doctor. Most doctors will only agree to outpatient treatment if they know the patient well.

Residential rehab blends inpatient and outpatient heroin treatment programs. For this type of treatment, patients live in a facility with access to medical and psychiatric care. However, people can leave and attend jobs, school, or fulfill their obligations. Residential treatment allows people to remove negative influences in their life that encourage drug and alcohol abuse while letting them continue to fulfill their roles.

Inpatient Rehab for Heroin Abuse

Inpatient rehab provides treatment for every area of people’s lives while they are recovering from an addiction. Inpatient rehab may involve:

• Balanced diet: Meals are designed to provide the nutrients absent from a typical diet during addiction. People recovering from heroin crave high sugar and fat foods. An inpatient rehab diet is designed to avoid the weight gain that comes with heroin addiction recovery.
• Build healthy habits: Besides healthy eating, rehab creates new habits around exercise, hobbies and free time. Treating the addiction leaves a vacuum, especially if the drug was associated with social activities. That space must be filled with healthy hobbies to prevent setbacks.
• Community: Other residents in rehab understand what one another other is going through. Other residents help provide social support.
• Establish healthy boundaries Living with an OUD means healthy boundaries may not exist. Rehab helps build boundaries and tools to maintain them after discharge.
• Medical support: When detox is life-threatening, medical staff are trained to handle and treat these situations.
• Remove negative influences: Drug use and addiction are often heavily influenced by association. The people that a person uses drugs with can sabotage treatment and separation from these influences is critical.
• Structure: Inpatient rehab provides a daily and weekly structure that helps foster recovery.

Outpatient Rehab for Heroin Abuse

Outpatient rehab includes pharmacological treatments, behavioral, treatments or a combination of both. Speak with your doctor to see if outpatient treatment is right for you or your loved one.

Dual Diagnosis Treatments

People with a dual diagnosis have two disorders together; this diagnosis involves a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder (SUD). Dual diagnosis is also called co-occurring disorders.

Dual diagnoses are treated differently than a standalone SUD because together, they are more complex than the diagnoses alone. Sometimes a mental health diagnosis triggers a SUD, but less often the SUD can trigger a mental health problem.

Advantages of Inpatient Heroin Treatment Centres

An inpatient heroin treatment centre can afford the recovering addict certain advantages over other forms of rehabilitation. However, the choice of a heroin treatment center is not a 'one size fits all'. Every person has unique needs and circumstances. The specific benefits of inpatient heroin treatment centers are numerous.

An inpatient heroin treatment center offers round-the-clock supervision, care, and support. The withdrawal period can be rough and poses certain dangers and risks. So, having the right support - psychologically, as well as medically - can be the difference between relapsing and not relapsing.

Another benefit of an inpatient center is a specific structure and restricted access to drugs. Being in an environment with little or no free time - as well as not being able to get your usual supply of heroin -preoccupies you enough to distract from craving heroin, whilst also making sure you have no chance of relapsing.

Many inpatient centers limit phone calls and visits, making it easier for you to dissociate yourself from the circle of friends that represent a negative influence on your life. It also gives you the chance to focus on yourself and your feelings without any interference from the outside world.

Inpatient centers often provide support for you, even after you've finished your rehabilitation. Apart from providing tools to help you cope with everyday living and handle any drug cravings, they also provide a place for you to return if you start to become overwhelmed after your rehabilitation.

Heroin Addiction - Rehab Success Rate

Recovering from a heroin addiction can be challenging, especially because of the difficult withdrawal period and the fact that heroin changes the way you think and feel about certain things. Data from Drug Treatment in England shows that between 2016 and 2017, 26% of people with heroin addiction were discharged and recorded as treatment completion. Heroin addiction has the lowest rates of recovery when compared to other groups with substance addictions.

Types of Therapies to Expect During Rehab

Therapists use different types of therapy depending on their training and the needs of the patient. The most widely known therapy is CBT, but other examples of potential therapy types include:

• 12-step facilitation therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Community reinforcement approach (CRA)
• Contingency management (CM)
• Family behavior therapy (FBT)
• Motivational enhancement therapy (MET)
• Rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT)

Group Therapy

Group therapy is composed of a therapist and several individual members. Common types of therapy within a group setting are CBT and REBT. In group therapy, the therapist begins the discussion with a positive statement and each member contributes throughout the session. Group therapy can improve a person’s confidence in social situations while giving them a positive outlet for treating their heroin addiction.

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy is beneficial for people who need a more targeted approach or their situation is unique. Engaging therapy 1-on-1 can be more accessible to people with severe anxiety in social situations.

12-Step Programme for Heroin Addiction Treatment: Pros and Cons

The 12-step program was first used in the 1930s and has since remained an important part of alcohol and drug addiction recovery. It was the first approach to addiction that acknowledged addiction was about more than a choice. It approached staying drug-free through a series of 12 graduated steps and meetings. Some research has shown that 12-step programs have some degree of efficacy, but it is widely agreed that they should not be used as a stand-alone treatment for addiction.

The benefits of the 12-step programme for heroin addiction include the following:

• The 12-step program is an organization that is sustained by donations and as a result, a person who seeks to obtain treatment at no cost can do so in the 12-step program. For some addicts, the cost of treatment is the primary barrier and the 12-step program effectively eliminates this barrier. It can provide them with a lifeline and support at no cost.
• One of the unique features of the program is sponsorship by someone else who has successfully completed the program. Being mentored by someone who has been there and remained drug-free for at least five years has a unique advantage.
• The 12-step program is an immediate network of support within an existing community and as a result, provides easy integration for the recovering addict. The fact that it already exists within the community makes it easier for the recovering addict to attend meetings regularly and continue to participate at any level, including sponsorship.
• Evidence from the NIAAA supports the fact that the 12-step program has a long-term impact on the recovering addict.

The 12-step programme also has the following flaws:

• The 12-step program fails to address withdrawal symptoms or to provide a means to alleviate them. The recovery that is addressed by the 12-step program is mostly psychological and not physical. The deleterious effects of the drug - as well as the dangers of the detox period - are not taken into consideration.
• Being a part of the 12-step program requires that you admit your addiction in a roomful of people and some addicts might not be entirely comfortable with that.
• The 12-step program also professes a belief in a higher power and proposes that the addict is powerless to do anything about their addiction.

Many rehabilitation facilities adopt some form of the 12-step program and still incorporate it into their therapy and treatment approach.

Detoxification: The First Step of Heroin Addiction Treatment

The treatment for heroin addiction or any other substance abuse starts with the detoxification process. Detoxification is important because it is the period in which your body rids itself of any remnants of heroin and toxins. In this period, your body adjusts to being without heroin. You will experience withdrawal symptoms which vary in intensity, depending on your heroin usage history.

The withdrawal symptoms are simply your body's way of asking for more heroin. The withdrawal symptoms can be really uncomfortable, but they are hardly fatal. They can also be managed with the use of medication. There are different approaches to detoxification and they include:

• Inpatient detoxification. You will undergo detoxification in a facility where you will be monitored and supervised. Drugs may be administered to alleviate any withdrawal symptoms you experience. This method is usually recommended for long-term heroin users.
• Outpatient detoxification. You don't need to be admitted to a facility in the outpatient detox. You stay at home and will be given some drugs to help decrease withdrawal symptoms. You will be required to check in with your facility at specific intervals. People who choose this option are those who are newly addicted to heroin.
• Rapid detoxification. Detoxification is rapid and usually completed within four to eight hours, with the use of an infusion of an opioid antagonist (naloxone or naltrexone). It places the patient at the risk of pulmonary edema and cardiac arrhythmias. It can precipitate really unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
• Anaesthesia-assisted rapid detoxification. This is the same as rapid detoxification, except, in this case, you will be placed under general anesthesia. It requires professional monitoring and can be extremely risky. It is not recommended. Data from one study showed that up to 8.6% of people who tried anesthesia-assisted rapid detoxification either died or developed a cardiac arrest.

Detoxification is an important step, but it is only the beginning of your journey to recovery, which itself is a life-long process.

Medication Replacement: Programmes for Heroin Treatment Options

If you seem to be struggling due to a long and problematic history of drug use and repeated rehabilitation, then the medication replacement program might be what you need to recover successfully. In the drug replacement program, you will be given legal and safer drugs to take in place of heroin. The aim is to reduce the need to turn to crime to 'get high', reduce the risk of overdosing and death associated with heroin use and also keep you safe from diseases.

The two drugs most commonly used as a replacement for heroin are methadone and buprenorphine. They are not generally available in hospitals and pharmacies, but in special centers and can be prescribed by physicians with special training.

Another option for medication replacement is the Heroin Assisted Treatment. Here, you will be given injectable doses of heroin in a safe and controlled environment. When synthetic heroin is used responsibly, it has been shown to not be as toxic as heroin found on the streets. The danger of overdosing is also eliminated because of the control.

A look at Ibogaine treatment for heroin addiction

The Ibogaine treatment for heroin addiction relies on the use of Iboga from a plant with psychedelic properties, found mainly in West Africa. It is a stimulant in small doses, but in large doses can produce severe psychedelic effects. The large doses have also been found to reduce cravings for opioids and eliminate withdrawal symptoms in recovering heroin addicts.

A study carried out in Mexico showed promising results for the recovery of opioid addicts. Four out of 30 participants did not relapse for a year after the Ibogaine treatment. Another you-1_maps_protocol_17.2.2009.pdf">Brazilian study showed even better results when the Ibogaine treatment was combined with psychotherapy. 61% of participants remained abstinent for an average of 8.4 months after single Ibogaine treatment. Both studies were small but show promise. Ibogaine has been combined with rapid detox and the results have also been positive.

In a journal published in Current Drug Abuse Reviews, Ibogaine detoxification generally features the following phases:

• Acute phase: This involves visions and hallucinations that people have referred to as a "waking dream". It can be emotionally intense and starts within one to two hours of taking Ibogaine. This phase lasts four to eight hours.
• Evaluative phase: Usually begins after the acute phase in four to eight hours and could last for as long as 8-20 hours. It is characterized by personal reflection, contemplation of your life, and your behaviors with a general attitude of looking inwards.
• The third phase is known as the residual stimulation phase and lasts for at least 24-72 hours. It has been known to remain for longer. In this phase, a lot of the reflections stop being internal and become external instead. This phase can linger for quite a while.
• The final phase is the recovery phase. Many drug users in this phase find it easy to become abstinent. Drug cravings are eliminated and there are no withdrawal symptoms to contend with. Any self-destructive patterns will still need to be taken care of with the use of therapy, counseling and other components of rehabilitation treatment.

While Ibogaine has not yet been proven to be a magic cure, it definitely has much potential, especially if treatment is carried out in a location with 24-hour medical care and supervision. Ibogaine has been known to keep people awake for a few days during treatment. If this happens, you will need extra sleep after the treatment. The follow-up care, therapy, counseling and teaching new coping skills is essential to maintain the Ibogaine induced abstinence.

Other Pharmacological Approaches to Heroin Addiction Treatment

After the detoxification period for heroin treatment, you could be left with other symptoms that require management. These symptoms include anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure), intense drug cravings, and dyssomnia (issues with sleep). Drugs may be administered to manage these symptoms.

Anti-depressants are used to address anhedonia and have been shown to be effective in helping you feel pleasure.

Suboxone is a combination of naltrexone and buprenorphine. The naltrexone antagonizes opioid receptors and as such, you will be unable to get high even when you use heroin. This can be the motivation you need to stay clean.

Paired Dual Diagnosis-Heroin Addiction Treatment

Many people with a heroin addiction also have a co-occurring mental health disorder. Sometimes, the disorder came before the heroin addiction and at other times, it's the other way around. This is referred to as a dual diagnosis.

A dual diagnosis is very common in heroin addiction and finding a center that can address both diagnoses is a critical factor for a successful recovery. More than 50% of people living with a dual diagnosis were able to get the treatment that helped them recover in both areas. The common mental health conditions that are found to pair with heroin addiction include:

• Bipolar disorder
• Anxiety and depression
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Eating disorders

A successful heroin addiction treatment should incorporate a personalized treatment plan that includes both diagnoses and addresses them with the use of medications, psychotherapy and appropriate aftercare.

Pros and cons of using medication in heroin treatment

If you or someone you know is considering treatment for a heroin addiction treatment, you might be wondering about the medication that is used and if it's the better option. It doesn't seem like a good idea to replace the use of one drug with the use of another in theory.

As you probably already know, when used in heroin addiction treatment, medications have been proven to show some benefits, such as reduced crime, reduced risk of overdosing and help with managing withdrawal symptoms, to name a few. As with many things in life, there are arguments for and against the use of medication in treating heroin addiction. Here are a few arguments in favor of medication in heroin treatment.

• Reduced withdrawal symptoms
• Reduced cravings for the drug
• Better social functioning
• Better chances of adherence to rehabilitation
• It stabilises the patient from an earlier period in detox so that more attention can be paid to therapies and counselling

The arguments against the use of medication to manage Heroin addiction are as follows:

• It can be easy to replace one addiction with another
• You will be exposed to more adverse effects from the administration of drugs
• You might begin to think that the drug 'cured' you of your addiction, when in fact it only begins the process of recovery

The decision on whether you should use a medication approach in your treatment should be personal, as decided by you and your doctor.

Behavioural Therapy for Heroin Addiction Treatment

Behavioural therapies are a part of your heroin addiction treatment that helps you change your drug use-related attitude and behaviors. You will be trained to handle emotional situations that could trigger a relapse and given skills to help you cope with cravings. The most commonly used behavioral therapies include:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Individual, group and family therapy
• Contingency management interventions
• 12-step programme therapy
• The matrix model

Inpatient Addiction Treatment Programme

An inpatient addiction treatment model places you under 24-hour supervision, with medical support and care. Many programs will provide you with medication to ease withdrawal symptoms during the detox period. Then, after the detox period is over you, will continue with other therapies and counseling until you are discharged as being recovered.

Outpatient Addiction Treatment Programme

While inpatient programs are more suitable for long-term addiction, an outpatient program is more for people who have not been in the habit of using heroin for long. In an outpatient addiction treatment program, you' get the chance to continue working and staying at home, whilst getting treatment for your addiction. It is more flexible and still provides you with treatment sessions. You'll be required to check-in frequently for counseling and medication.

Heroin Addiction and Health Insurance

You can access treatment for free on the NHS, but if you'd prefer private rehab treatment, you might be able to use your health insurance to pay for it.

You have to understand that coverage is ultimately decided by your insurers and determined by the policy you hold. Some policies or insurers will cover rehab treatment for a specified period, while others will only cover certain aspects of your treatment.

The Role of Counselling in Heroin Addiction Treatment

Counselling can help your recovery process by making use of modern therapeutic techniques that will not only teach you to talk, but also teach other essential skills to help you through the recovery period. An experienced counselor will help you successfully change old patterns of behavior that led to addiction and create new and more productive ones. Counseling is essential towards helping you turn your life around.

Heroin Rehabilitation: Average Time

Rehabilitation programs are designed to last between 30 and 90 days. You can even spend longer on such a program if need be.

The early recovery is considered a critical period, where you are very vulnerable, but the ultimate decision should be about what recovery period is right for you.

Explore Treatment Options Now

If you or someone you love has a heroin addiction, you might start to feel isolated. This doesn't have to be the case though, as you are not alone. People have found treatments for their addiction and gone on to live a normal and successful life.

What Makes the Available Heroin Dependence Treatment Plans Successful?

• An assessment by qualified professionals to determine the nature of your heroin dependence and create a customized treatment plan.
• Access to a wide range of rehabilitation and use knowledge from the assessment to find the one that best suits you.
• Information about your treatment plans, how they work and the expected outcomes.
• BACP-qualified experts, a significant part of your treatment
• Aftercare services to help you maintain sobriety

What Will You Experience at the Treatment Centre?

The available treatment centers cater to both inpatients and outpatients. You will have access to a wide range of rehabilitation facilities, so you will definitely find something that can accommodate you, regardless of your addiction.

You'll find support through the detox period, together with therapy and counseling services to help you get rid of your old behavior patterns and gain skills to prevent relapse.

Benefit from continued support for the aftercare and extended care programs to reinforce your new drug-free persona and aid a smooth transition back to your everyday life.

What Is the Correct Approach to Detoxification and Withdrawal from Heroin Addiction?

The right approach to detoxification and withdrawal from heroin addiction is based on you and your drug use history. Based on the assessment, you will be advised on what an optimal detoxification process will involve and whether or not you should use medication to assist you through this process. After the assessment, you will also learn whether or not you're suited to an inpatient or outpatient treatment. The decision will ultimately lie with you.

How Do Clinics Treat Co-Occurring Disorders and Heroin Abuse?

If you have a co-occurring disorder, you will have access to information about the centers that have experience managing your specific disorder. You'll receive treatment for your co-occurring disorder simultaneously.

Your Programme Is Uniquely Yours

The aim is to provide the appropriate resources and information to enable you to make the best decision. The choice begins and ends with you. Make an informed choice. Seek help today.

Neuroscience-Based

A number of the available rehab clinics make use of cognitive neuroscience to explore complicated or resistant cases of addiction treatment and use the knowledge obtained to ensure proper management of withdrawal symptoms and optimize recovery in such cases.

Rehab and Treatment Statistics

If you're looking for rehabilitation for yourself or a loved one, you might find yourself asking a really important question: "Is rehab effective?" According to data released by the Department of Health's national addiction center, the best performing private clinics across the UK achieve success rates of between 60-80%.

Choosing a Treatment Centre for Heroin Rehab

Your chances of a successful recovery are dependent on being able to choose the right-center. There are lots of decisions to be made - inpatient or outpatient, your history of heroin usage, to name but two. You are not alone and don't have to do this by yourself.

Residential Treatment Centres vs. Outpatient Services

Not everybody who is a heroin user will need residential treatment. Depending on your history of usage - and other factors, such as a dual diagnosis - you might be able to kick the heroin habit in an outpatient treatment center. Residential treatment centers are often more sought after because of the severity of heroin abuse and how hard it is to kick the habit.

Private Heroin Rehabs and Confidentiality

If you are seeking rehab treatment, you might be worried about confidentiality. An addiction is deeply personal and you'll want to be able to decide who knows about your heroin use. The available rehabilitation centers have developed specific confidentiality and privacy guidelines for the patients and a huge focus is on maintaining your privacy. You will duly receive a copy of this privacy guideline.

Treatment Near Home vs. Different City or State

You might be considering getting treatment in a different state or city. This has the advantages of increased confidentiality, as well as removing you from the negative environment and influences where you were a heroin user. If you have family, then going away from your home city or state could rob you of seeing them for a long time. Only you can make the ultimate decision, but remember to carefully weigh up the pros and cons.

Questions to Ask Treatment Centres

If you're looking for a treatment center, you might be wondering how to analyze which would be best for you. Here are a few questions you can ask when you're searching. If they align with your own expected outcomes, then it's an indicator that the center is a good match.

• What are the expected outcomes of my treatment?
• Are your programmes short-term or long-term?
• Do you have drug substitution programmes?
• Do you use medication to manage the detox period?
• What counselling and therapy services do you provide?
• Do you provide aftercare services?

Staying Clean and Sober

Getting clean and sober is only the beginning of your journey. Staying that way involves a lifelong commitment. The following tips can help you:

• Avoid your old haunts and old friends
• Find a support group where you can talk if you need to
• Forget about the past, focus instead on the present
• Don't put too much pressure on your rehab, as it is only the beginning of the recovery journey

How to Find the Right Rehab for Heroin Addiction

Pick a heroin rehab center for your loved one based on their needs. Consider the following factors when researching what to look for in a treatment facility:

• Comfort
• Credentials of the center and doctors
• Follow-up support
• Location
• Treatment Approach

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