Heroin is one of the most addictive and dangerous substances on the planet. If you’ve been using it, then there’s no time to waste.

Recovery is absolutely possible. Millions of people have done it. But you need professional assistance to guide you through your healing journey if you want to give yourself the highest chance of success.

Heroin addiction treatment from a recovery center like Zoe Behavioral Health could be exactly what you need to beat your addiction and set the stage for lifelong recovery success.

Keep reading to learn more about this type of care and how you may be able to benefit from it.

How Does Heroin Addiction Treatment Work?

Heroin addiction treatment is typically split into three phases – detox, rehab, and aftercare. We’ve described each of these phases below.

1. Detox

Every heroin user’s recovery journey begins with detox. This is when the body begins adjusting to functioning without receiving regular doses of heroin.

Detox is when cravings and withdrawal symptoms are usually at their worst. This can make it challenging to get through detox without relapsing. It’s one of the main reasons why you’re typically better off completing detox at a professional facility.

When you detox in a full-service medical center, you won’t be able to give in to urges and relapse. You will also be under constant supervision to ensure that if you encounter any potentially serious withdrawal symptoms, they can be addressed by a doctor or nurse right away.

2. Rehab

Once you complete detox, you’ll go directly into rehab. This is the core of your treatment when you’ll gain the skills and knowledge that you need to lay the foundation for a successful lifelong recovery.

During rehab, you’ll work individually with a therapist who can help you develop healthier coping skills and understand your addiction problem on a deeper level.

You’ll also get to participate in group therapy sessions and holistic healing treatments like nature walks and outdoor therapy. All of these forms of care combine to provide you with the comprehensive guidance and support that you need to turn the page on your addiction.

3. Aftercare

The end of rehab isn’t the end of your recovery journey. You will still need an aftercare program that can support you as you transition your recovery out into the real world.

For heroin abuse, aftercare often involves some time in a sober living facility. These homes provide the structure that many patients need to keep their recovery going after finishing rehab.

But if that’s not an option for you, then continuing to work with your therapist and attending group meetings can be a good form of aftercare as well. Your medical team will help you formulate the best possible form of aftercare for your unique situation at the end of your stay in rehab.

Signs You’re Ready for Treatment

Heroin addiction is severe enough that you should seriously consider seeking out professional treatment if you’re using it at all. But here are some more signs that you can look at as you try to decide whether heroin addiction treatment is right for you:

  • You get withdrawal symptoms any time you go too long without using heroin
  • You’re spending more than you can afford on this drug
  • You’re experiencing problems at work, school, or home because of heroin use
  • You’ve tried to quit before and have not been able to follow through on your own

The bottom line is that if you’re wondering whether treatment is right for you, there’s a good chance that it is. But you’re always welcome to reach out to one of our addiction specialists to get some free advice if you need it.

Heroin Addiction Treatment FAQs

Pursuing treatment for your heroin addiction is a big decision. Here are answers to some of the most common questions that we get about this process.

How do I pay for heroin addiction treatment?

Your insurance plan will typically help to cover at least some of the costs of treatment. You may also be able to sign up for a payment plan, so you and your family don’t have to come up with all of the funds at once.

Is inpatient or outpatient treatment more effective?

Both forms of care can be effective, but inpatient treatment gives you more of an opportunity to focus on your recovery by removing you from your environment completely.

People who live in a supportive home may still be able to get the care that they need from an outpatient treatment program. But you will have to manage your withdrawal symptoms and cravings at night, whereas that isn’t a concern for people who choose inpatient care.

Is medication-assisted treatment an option?

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is often an option for those who are recovering from heroin abuse. This may help to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. But you can recover without it if you wish to do so. Make sure to consult with an addiction specialist before making the decision.

What if I have a pet or partner I don’t want to leave at home?

At Zoe, we offer both pet-friendly and couples rehab options. These allow you to move into our treatment center for rehab while bringing your pet or partner with you.

There are some pros and cons to this kind of treatment that are worth exploring with a specialist. But if you’ve been putting off treatment because you don’t want to leave a loved one behind, then one of these options may be the solution that you’ve been looking for.

Zoe Can Give You the Tools You Need to Move Forward

If you’re ready to beat your heroin addiction, you don’t have to fight alone. Zoe offers a wide variety of personalized substance abuse recovery plans to choose from. Whether you prefer inpatient or outpatient care, medication-assisted treatment, or not, we have an option that can help you heal.

So why wait? Take the first step towards lifelong recovery by getting in touch with one of our addiction specialists for a free consultation today.