Heroin is a highly addictive drug that can cause severe dependence and intense withdrawal symptoms. This severe dependence and fear of painful withdrawal symptoms can lead many addicts to avoid heroin addiction treatment, but without treatment and safe detox, many heroin addicts will never fully recover and may even face death.
If you or someone you love is caught in the grip of a heroin addiction, Casa Palmera’s heroin rehab center can help break the addiction’s powerful hold and return your life back to you. Here’s what you can expect from heroin rehab and recovery at Casa Palmera.
Heroin Rehab and Recovery: Detox
The first step of heroin rehab is to enter a detoxification program. During the detox process, the individual will be safely monitored and treated for withdrawal symptoms that can include extreme fatigue, flu-like symptoms, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, depression, anxiety and severe drug craving. These symptoms can begin within a few hours and peak between 48 and 72 hours after the last dose. They will often subside after about a week, but some individuals will experience persistent symptoms for months. Severely dependent users who are in poor health can be at risk for death if sudden withdrawal occurs; however, it is normally less dangerous to withdraw from heroin than alcohol or barbiturates. That’s why the detox period will be supervised by trained medical personnel who will monitor your withdrawal and make sure you are safe and as comfortable as possible.
During heroin detox, certain medications may be used to help minimize withdrawal symptoms. The most common medications used during heroin detox and after to help prevent relapse are methadone, chlondine, buprenorphine and suboxone.
Heroin Rehab and Recovery: Addiction Treatment
After detox, successful treatment can begin. Treating heroin addiction involves a variety of treatments, including medications and behavioral therapies. Heroin addiction treatment often begins with medically assisted detox in order to help the patient safely withdraw from the drug; however, detox alone is not a treatment and is not effective in preventing relapse.
The most effective treatment for heroin addiction is a comprehensive approach that addresses not only the physical effects of the heroin addiction, but the psychological effects as well. Residential treatment for heroin addiction provides a structured environment that’s free of temptations and distractions. It provides round-the-clock care and support to help you focus on your recovery and teach you the skills needed to live a drug-free life, and provides a temporary escape from the daily stresses and responsibilities of home, work, family and other relationships so you can solely focus on recovery. During our residential treatment program you’ll receive behavioral therapy, individual counseling, 12-Step support, drug testing, dual diagnosis and positive reinforcement to help you overcome your addiction. We also specialize in holistic therapies such as yoga, acupuncture and equine therapies to help you reconnect your body, mind and spirit — all areas that are damaged by addiction.
Heroin Rehab and Recovery: Sober Living
The first few months of recovery are very difficult and are an extremely delicate period for people after they leave rehab. That’s why Casa Palmera helps place those who graduate from our heroin addiction treatment program in sober living facilities.
There are many benefits of sober living, but perhaps the biggest benefit is that it allows you to live in a clean, sober environment so that you can re-learn how to live a life without drugs and alcohol during the delicate first months of recovery. Sober living is often recommended for people who have just completed residential treatment and are at risk for relapsing if they return home.
About the author
