Heroin Rehab

Here at Action Rehab, we’re here to help anybody suffering from the weight of addiction, including detrimental addictions like Heroin, find out more about what to expect from a heroin rehab inpatient rehab stay, here.

Understanding Heroin Use Disorder

Understanding heroin use disorder is critical to understand how difficult it is to combat, at Action Rehab, we see users day in, day out and truly understand how hard it is to deal with.

Heroin is a drug derived from the opium poppy, the morphine is extracted and converted into heroin. Heroin is an extremely addictive substance, it provides an intense rush followed by a period of sedation.

Heroin provides a short rush, this is addictive and due to the feeling encourages users to repeat use to feel the short, consistent rush every time.

The Common Causes and Risk Factors of Heroin Use

The common causes and risk factors that come with regular heroin use include a range of factors, from psychological, physical and behavioural.

Some of the most common causes include, but aren’t limited to:

• Existing mental health issues (heroin being used as a coping mechanism)
• Social factors: e.g. poverty, lack of education on the seriousness of drugs
• Accessibility of heroin
• Co Occurring addictions
• Prescription opioid use & addiction

There are a huge range of causes and risk factors that can land somebody in heroin rehab, but it is important to remember that there is help available.

Signs and Symptoms of an Heroin Dependence

Signs and symptoms of a heroin addiction are typically pretty clear.

It is difficult to be addicted to heroin and not be aware of it, the drug is so potent that the signs are telling whether in yourself or somebody else. However, like anything, it can be easy to feel in denial about addiction.

If this is the case, look out for some of the telling signs of a heroin addiction below within either yourself or somebody else.

• Needle / track marks in vein locations on the body
• Weight loss
• Extreme drowsiness
• Skin issues
• Frequent gastrointestinal complications
• Secrecy and deceitful behaviour
• Financial instability due to funding heroin addiction
• Withdrawal symptoms when heroin isn’t being used

The signs and symptoms of a heroin addiction can be vast plus, they can be more or less severe depending on the user’s biological make-up and the frequency of which it is being used.

No matter what the symptoms are, using heroin in the first instance already indicates a need for help, so get in touch before it spirals to fatality.

Consequences of Heroin Abuse

Like any drug, there are detrimental consequences of heroin addiction, heroin addiction rehab intends to avoid these consequences before they become a reality.

It could be easy to feel in denial, to think the addiction is ‘under control’ but the reality is, no addiction this severe is under control. The consequences of heroin abuse therefore are incredibly serious and anybody who is using the drug should be aware of these consequences for that extra push that may be necessary to get into treatment within appropriate heroin rehabs.

These consequences may include, but are certainly not limited to the following.

• High risk of serious infectious diseases
• Respiratory issues
• Chronic gastrointestinal complications
• Overdose, leading to death
• Breakdown of relationships
• Illegal offences
• Unemployment due to using
• Poor mental health

The most pressing consequence of heroin addiction, and why opting for help from heroin rehab centres is the best approach is the high risk of overdose.

Overdosing is sadly, incredibly common with heroin use so it is important to seek help as soon as possible.

What is Heroin Rehab?

Heroin rehab typically consists of detox and rehabilitation treatments that address both the physical and psychological aspects of heroin addiction.

Residential rehab facilities are well-equipped to guide individuals through a 28-day treatment programme (or preferred alternative duration), empowering them to regain control of their lives from heroin and embrace a positive outlook for the future.

Upon completion of an initial telephone assessment, individuals will be referred via us here at Action Rehab to an appropriate heroin rehab clinic. It is here that those suffering from heroin addiction undergo a comprehensive physical and psychological evaluation.

Honest communication during this assessment is crucial, as it allows the staff to gain insight into the individual’s background, addiction triggers, and personal needs. Based on this assessment, a tailored treatment programme is developed to commence the heroin rehab process.

Types of Heroin Rehab Programmes

There are varied heroin rehab programmes that relate to the state of the individual’s addiction, the methods of rehab typically follow 3 routes, or a combination of them all, these include outpatient treatment, inpatient treatment and detoxification.

Outpatient Rehab Programmes

Outpatient heroin rehab facilities, while of course a step in the right direction, can be relatively effective for people with minor addictions. This may come in the form of needle exchange or therapy to try combat cravings during self rehabilitation.

Outpatient rehab means that the user is able to visit treatment on designated days, this may include detox medication or therapy, it is down to the discretion of the centre and what they offer. 

This can be helpful for people who feel like their addiction is under control enough so that they have the strength to live life alongside their addiction and can thus, receive treatment alongside their daily life too.

This is a more affordable form of treatment, yet due to this it doesn’t come with the same intensity of treatment in the way that inpatient heroin rehab does.

Heroin Detoxification Programmes

Heroin detoxification typically comes in combination with rehabilitation either outpatient or inpatient.

Heroin detox is intense, it isn’t something that is easily done alone which is why we highly recommend undergoing this treatment within a designated clinic.

Heroin detox typically lasts anywhere from 7 days to 10 days and with the help of medical assistance like nurses, doctors, therapists and prescription medication can be manageable. This is the safest way of detoxing as it allows for 24/7 supervision in a safe space.

The heroin detox comes first, this is so the body is physically ready to deal with rehab, and thus, combating heroin addiction psychologically is more straightforward without the distraction of ghastly withdrawal symptoms. 

Inpatient Heroin Rehab Programmes

The final and most effective way of dealing with heroin addiction is to stay within a heroin rehab centre. This is a common way of getting sober from heroin as it is the most intense form of treatment; upon completion of detoxification and successful management of withdrawal symptoms, individuals will have the opportunity to engage in therapy and counselling sessions in rehab.

These sessions delve into the underlying reasons behind heroin addiction and aim to equip individuals with strategies to identify and overcome triggers. Conducted by a team of experienced psychiatrists and psychologists, these therapy sessions offer comprehensive support tailored to individual needs.

In addition to individual therapy, support group therapy sessions are also available. These sessions provide a platform for individuals to openly discuss challenges with fellow recovering addicts and share effective coping mechanisms. Group therapy fosters a sense of community and enables individuals to express their emotions among peers who can relate to similar experiences.

Given the statistical likelihood of relapse post-detox, particularly with heroin, therapy and counselling sessions play a crucial role in addressing the root causes of addiction. By identifying and addressing these underlying factors, individuals can work towards avoiding potential relapses and patterns of behaviour, fostering sustained recovery and long-term well-being.

Choosing the Right Heroin Rehab Centre

In order to find the best heroin drug rehabs, it is important to be aware of what to look out for.

The heroin addiction rehab chosen should offer competence from staff, high quality care and safety at the forefront of everything they do.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Rehab

Some of the factors that must be considered when choosing an appropriate heroin rehab include:

• Treatments Available: Various rehabilitation centres offer diverse approaches to assist individuals in overcoming heroin addiction. These approaches should include a combination of pharmacological interventions, psychotherapeutic techniques and medicinal care where necessary.
• Expertise and Credentials of Staff: Given the complexity of addiction treatment, selecting a heroin rehab facility staffed with highly qualified and experienced professionals is paramount. The expertise of the staff can greatly influence the effectiveness of the heroin treatment provided.
• Facility Standards: The quality of the rehabilitation clinic plays a crucial role in the recovery process. A well-maintained and hygienic environment not only enhances comfort but also ensures the safety of individuals undergoing treatment.
• Treatment Outcomes: Evaluating the success rates of a rehabilitation centre can offer valuable insight into its effectiveness in facilitating recovery. Examining the number of individuals who have successfully overcome heroin addiction through the centre’s programmes can help individuals make informed decisions about their treatment options.

How to Evaluate Quality of Care in Rehab Centres

Evaluating the quality of care of a heroin addiction rehab is important to understand whether it is the right fit. Some ways to do this include looking into the following:

• CQC Rating: The CQC rating of a facility is a good indicator of the operational management of the centre. The CQC rating is determined by independent auditors from the Care Quality Commision and their report of the ins and outs of the facility is publicly available.
• Testimonials: Testimonials that are normally available on rehab websites’ are a great way of understanding the facility from first hand experience, from people who have beaten heroin addiction themselves and can share their experience on the staff, amenities and everything in between.
• Independent reviews: Independent reviews can be found on the likes of Google reviews or Trustpilot and show a transparent insight into the facility showing the good and the bad.

Location and Facility Considerations

The location of a facility is dependent on personal preferences, some patients prefer to stay near their home as they could find it more comforting to know, even subconsciously, that they are close to family and home comforts.

On the other hand, many of those who are seeking recovery from heroin rehab facilities feel like moving away from home for the duration of the programme is a better option due to the fact that they are away from familiar temptation. 

The good news is, at Action Rehab, we are able to provide a range of options with partnering rehabs up and down the UK. This makes the decision completely down to the individual and what they feel would fit their needs best.

Heroin Rehab Cost of Treatment

Heroin rehab cost fluctuates greatly, it is heavily dependent on the circumstances on a case by case basis.

Some of the factors that can result in an increase or decrease of pricing structure for heroin rehabs may include, but aren’t limited to:

• Staff experience & expertise
• Location
• Duration of stay
• Amenities

These are often the biggest impacting factors that will determine the pricing of the chosen heroin rehab facility.

Heroin Rehab Treatment Approaches

Heroin rehab treatments vary from facility to facility, however the goal all the while is the same, to reach sobriety and heroin abstinence.

Heroin Rehab Core Treatment Types

The core treatment types that are typically conducted industry wide include the following:

#1 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

This kind of therapy is conducted globally, it is a proven method of therapy that allows for people to talk about their addiction, find the core of it and deal with the triggers accordingly.

CBT helps those suffering from heroin addiction manage cravings with new coping skills, and provides a better understanding of why the addiction is active and how to deal with relapse when back in home environments.

#2 Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

Another therapy that can help in regulating emotional response is DBT that allows for an injection of mindfulness into the aforementioned CBT. This helps improve relationships that may have broken down due to heroin abuse.

#3 Group Therapy

Group therapy is key to sharing experiences, learning from other people who are in the exact same position and being open and honest with no judgement. This is an incredibly helpful way of receiving constructive advice from people who truly understand how difficult it is withdrawing from heroin.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Options

Dual diagnosis is the process of diagnosing and treating co-occurring substance use disorders alongside a mental health condition.

During dual diagnosis treatment, there is the targeted treatment of both the addiction and the mental health disorder so underlying factors that could exacerbate heroin addiction are treated for a reduced risk of relapsing post-rehab.

Holistic Therapies and Integrative Approaches

In addition to the aforementioned conventional therapeutic approaches, the rehabilitation centre of your choice could also offer holistic therapy sessions, including art therapy, mindfulness activities, yoga and exercise sessions. 

Participants have the opportunity to explore various activities tailored to their preferences and needs, ensuring a personalised approach to treatment. Engaging in these holistic activities can serve as a beneficial distraction from any lingering withdrawal symptoms individuals may experience during their recovery journey.

These treatments aim to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of addiction, empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives free from the burdens of substance dependency.

What to Expect at an Heroin Rehabilitation Clinic

At heroin addiction rehab, expect a range of treatments, these treatments will typically begin with a detoxification from heroin for the best start to recovery.

Heroin rehab grants the opportunity of full recovery, when inpatients engage with the treatments it provides. From start to finish, there are tailor made treatments designed for each and every individual for the best possible outcome.

Yet, there are some other things to consider prior to admission when understanding what to expect.

Duration of Heroin Treatment Programmes

The duration of heroin treatment programmes can last anywhere from a week to 28-days or more. The most highly recommended duration of heroin rehab is the 28-night stay within a facility.

This provides ample time for somebody to recover from heroin addiction and also allows for the involvement of the whole range of therapies and treatments available. Success rates are likely to be at their highest after a 28-night stay, which is why we recommend this as a minimum.

Rules and Guidelines in Rehab Facilities

Rules and guidelines within rehab facilities can vary from place to place on the basis of their amenities.

No two rehab centres are the same, meaning risks can fluctuate. This therefore means that there are different rules and guidelines based on the unique requirements of each heroin rehab facility. Most rules and guidelines are straight forward, this is likely to include no violence or harassment policies, no unauthorised leave policies and of course no contraband.

However, what some facilities see as contraband may not be contraband in another. 

It is important to check the facility specific rules and guidelines for a facility prior to expecting that they are all generic, as there could be some rules that were unexpected.

Why Do Rules Vary?

Some heroin rehab facilities vary due to the fact that their amenities differ from one another. For example, a rehab with ample outdoor space and activities may have different rules from one that doesn’t offer such.

Since it is unlikely that any two rehab facilities would have the exact same layout and land, there could be varying rules for what is and what isn’t allowed.

This could be down to staff, for instance, if patients are allowed to be in any area of a hugely vast area there many not be enough staff to cover all of this ground at once and thus, rules may be enforced to keep patients in particular areas at times when staff count is lower – e.g. at night time.

Relapse Prevention: Aftercare and Continued Support Options

Relapse prevention is a staple in heroin addiction treatment.

Heroin is extremely addictive, meaning that even if somebody feels like they’ve fully recovered, there hasn’t been the temptation outside of rehab yet which could pose new challenges that haven’t been faced before.

That being said, relapse prevention is in place to deal with this. Relapse prevention takes place both in rehab during heroin addiction treatment and post-rehab through means of aftercare; both are necessary for a well rounded approach to long-term recovery.

Free Aftercare Programmes

The good news is, we can partner those who need it in heroin rehab centres that offer free aftercare programmes for a year after a qualifying stay, typically for those that are 28-nights or longer.

This support is a great way of staying on track, allowing past in-patients to deal with outside temptations as they happen. This level of support ensures that nobody feels isolated and alone once their treatment is complete, as we understand that heroin recovery is a marathon, not a sprint.

Continued Support Provided in Aftercare Programmes

The type of support available for those in aftercare typically consists of therapy sessions once a week. 

This therapy is to ensure that anybody that has encountered triggers has managed them correctly, it grants opportunity on how to deal with triggers in unique situations personal to the individual.

The true understanding of what recovery is like post-rehab cannot be felt until somebody is going through it. This is why we recommend engaging with aftercare as this support is there to keep anybody on track, even when not in a facility.

Recovery takes longer than a 28-day stay, so having continued support is something that is going to keep those in recovery accountable and safe during this vulnerable time.

Support for Families of Those Affected by Heroin Abuse

Heroin can have detrimental effects, as mentioned, and this is not solely on the user, heroin use can affect everybody around the user, breaking down families in the process.

How Heroin Addiction Impacts Families

Heroin addiction can have a profound negative impact on families, the biggest one being the emotional strain that takes over. 

Watching a loved one suffer from an addiction that could end in serious illness and even death presents a range of negative emotions day in, day out. This makes it hard for those watching to get on with their daily life, in turn, sometimes even turning into carers in the process.

This disruption to family dynamics can be even more stressful if children are present. Being addicted to heroin and having children is likely to end up in losing custody of the child(ren), leaving more emotional and financial burden on the family surrounding the user.

From relationship troubles to financial burdens landing on the family, the list is endless when it comes to the negative impact heroin can have and therefore, there are helpful structures in place here at Action Rehab to help families that have been affected by heroin addiction.

Support for Families With Action Rehab

We offer extensive support for those that are watching a loved one suffer from heroin addiction.

We provide advice and guidance on how to approach somebody with a heroin addiction, how to do your best to keep them safe and how to stage an intervention. The best way to approach anybody with an addiction is to approach with caution, and safety.

Not only that, but due to the potency of heroin it is important that you’re aware of overdose symptoms and act fast calling 999 if you suspect that anybody is suffering from a heroin overdose.

How to Begin the Process of Rehabilitation from Heroin Abuse

Action Rehab offers a streamlined admissions process designed to facilitate prompt access to necessary support services.

The Admissions Process With Action Rehab

• Initiating the Process: Prospective clients contacting us at Action Rehab will receive empathetic support from knowledgeable staff members who are familiar with the challenges of heroin addiction. Additionally, individuals can opt for a free callback service to schedule discussions at their convenience.
• Assessment and Consultation: Following initial contact, individuals undergo a thorough assessment conducted by a qualified professional to determine their specific needs and circumstances. This assessment encompasses discussions on health status and other pertinent factors influencing treatment planning.
• Preparation for Entry to Heroin Rehab: Once treatment details are finalised, Action Rehab assists individuals in preparing for their programme commencement. This may involve coordinating travel arrangements, providing guidance on necessary preparations, and offering insights into what to expect during the treatment process.

Reach Out to Action Rehab Today

For those ready to embark on their journey toward recovery, reaching out to Action Rehab offers access to compassionate support and guidance. Our team comprises individuals who have firsthand experience with addiction and are dedicated to providing a confidential and judgement-free environment.

To begin your recovery journey, contact us today to schedule a FREE drug and alcohol rehab assessment with our addiction specialists, who will assist you in identifying the most suitable heroin rehab for your needs.

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John Gillen - Author - Last Updated: 7th August 2020

John is a leading expert in addiction recovery and has been pioneering new techniques such as NAD+ for over 10 years. He’s committed to providing the best treatment options available throughout Europe, including ongoing research into therapies like laser therapy to help people heal from their problems.

Dr Lapa - Addiction Psychiatrist - Last Reviewed: 20/05/2022 10:00 am

MBBS, PG Dip Clin Ed, OA Dip CBT, OA Dip Psychology, SCOPE Certified

After graduating in 2000, Dr. Lapa has worked across a wide range of psychiatric settings with differing illness presentations and backgrounds; this was aligned to him continuing professional development at postgraduate level which involved clinical research that closely related everyday clinical practice

Dr Lapa is indemnified by the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS) and MIAB Expert Insurance for Psychiatric and Private Medical practice. He is fully registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK with a licence to practice.

Member of Independent Doctors Federation (IDF), British Association for Psychopharmacology (BMA) and The Association for the Study of Obesity (ASO)

Dr Lapa’s extensive experience has also concentrated on the following areas of clinical practice:
– Assessment, Diagnosis and Pharmacological Treatment for Adults with ADHD.
– Drug and Alcohol Dependency and maintaining abstinence and continued recovery
– Intravenous and Intramuscular Vitamin and Mineral Infusion Therapy
– Dietary and Weight Management and thorough care from assessment to treatment to end goals and maintenance
– Aesthetic Practice and Procedures