Receive the Help for Heroin Addiction You Need to Achieve Sustainable Sobriety

If you’re ready to take the first step towards recovery, this resource provides valuable information to get you the help for heroin addiction you deserve.

What Types of Help For Heroin Addiction Are There?

There are several types of help for heroin addiction available, and the best approach often depends on the individual’s needs and situation. Here are some of the most common types of help for heroin addiction:

help for heroin addiction

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

This involves utilizing medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while an individual undergoes behavioral therapy to help work through symptoms related to heroin addiction.1

Inpatient or Outpatient Rehab

Rehab programs can provide a safe and supportive environment for people struggling with heroin addiction. These programs typically include therapy, counseling, and support groups.

Support Groups

Groups such as Narcotics Anonymous or SMART Recovery can provide a sense of community and accountability for people in recovery.2

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a type of therapy that helps people identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to addiction.

Detoxification

This involves medically supervised withdrawal from heroin and is often the first step in any treatment program. 

This can help make sure the body is free from any substances before further treatment begins.

How Does Help For Heroin Addiction Differ?

Help for heroin addiction can differ in several ways. This includes the type of treatment, the level of care, the duration of treatment, and the setting where the treatment is provided.
Overall, the most effective help for heroin addiction will depend on the individual’s unique needs, circumstances, and preferences. It’s important to work with a healthcare provider or addiction specialist to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Here are some of the ways that help for heroin addiction can differ:

Type of Treatment

As mentioned earlier, there are various types of treatments available for heroin addiction, such as medication-assisted treatment, inpatient or outpatient rehab, support groups, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
The most appropriate type of treatment will depend on the individual’s needs, preferences, and circumstances.

Level of Care

Some people may require a higher level of care than others, such as intensive outpatient programs or residential treatment. 

People with severe addiction or co-occurring mental health disorders may require a higher level of care than those with milder addiction symptoms.

Duration of Treatment

The duration of treatment can vary depending on the person’s needs and progress. Some people may only need a few weeks of treatment, while others may require several months or longer.
Long-term maintenance treatment with medications like methadone or buprenorphine may be necessary for some people to manage their addiction.

Setting

Treatment for heroin addiction can be provided in various settings, including hospitals, rehab centers, outpatient clinics, and community health centers. 

The setting will depend on the type of treatment and level of care required.

How Can Someone Access Help for Heroin Addiction?

There are several ways someone can access help for heroin addiction they need, including:
  • Talking to a healthcare provider
  • Calling a helpline
  • Contacting a local treatment center
  • Attending a support group or 12-step program
  • Reaching out to a community organization
It’s important to remember that help is available for heroin addiction, and there is no shame in seeking help. Recovery is a process, and it often requires ongoing support and treatment.

What Resources Are Available for Those Seeking Help for Heroin Addiction?

There are several resources available for those seeking help for heroin addiction. Here are a few:
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline
  • Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
  • SMART Recovery
  • Treatment Facilities
  • Multiple forms of therapy modalities

Overcoming heroin addiction is a journey, and it may take time and effort to achieve lasting recovery. Seeking help and support is an important first step towards a healthier, happier life.

What Are Some Common Barriers to Help for Heroin Addiction?

Seeking help for heroin addiction can be challenging. Below, you’ll find some of the most common barriers that can make it difficult to receive help for heroin addiction.

It’s important to address these barriers to help individuals struggling with heroin addiction get the support they need. 

This can include increasing awareness and education about addiction, expanding access to treatment and support services, and reducing the social stigma associated with addiction.

Stigma

There is still a significant amount of social stigma attached to addiction, which can make individuals feel ashamed or embarrassed about seeking help. 

This stigma can also make it difficult for individuals to acknowledge their addiction and take the first step towards seeking help.

Lack of Access to Treatment

Access to treatment can be a significant barrier for individuals seeking help for heroin addiction, particularly for those who live in rural or low-income areas.

Treatment can be expensive, and insurance coverage may be limited or nonexistent.

Additionally, there may be a shortage of treatment facilities in some areas, and long wait times for treatment can discourage individuals from seeking help.

Fear of Withdrawal

Heroin addiction is often accompanied by physical dependence, which can make withdrawal symptoms difficult to manage.

Individuals may fear the pain and discomfort of withdrawal, which can discourage them from seeking treatment.

This fear can be compounded by the fact that withdrawal symptoms can be unpredictable and vary widely from person to person.

Lack of Social Support

Having a strong support system is essential for recovery from addiction.

However, individuals struggling with heroin addiction may have strained relationships with family members and friends, and may feel isolated and alone.

This lack of social support can make it difficult for individuals to seek help and may discourage them from continuing with treatment. It can also increase the risk of relapse after treatment.

What Are Some Common Treatment Approaches Used as Help for Heroin Addiction?

Resources are available to help individuals mitigate those aforementioned barriers to recovery.
With that, there are several common treatment approaches used to help individuals recover from heroin addiction. These can include:

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-assisted treatment is an evidence-based treatment approach for opioid addiction. This includes heroin addiction.
It involves the use of medication in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies to help individuals achieve and maintain recovery from addiction. MAT is recommended as an effective treatment approach for opioid addiction.
MAT uses medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. These work to help reduce withdrawal symptoms, prevent relapse, and minimize cravings. These medications are safe and effective when used as directed and under medical supervision.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing patterns of behavior and thought processes that contribute to addiction.

It is an evidence-based treatment approach that has been shown to be effective in helping individuals overcome addiction.

Types of Behavioral Therapy

There are several types of behavioral therapies that may be used as help for heroin addiction. This includes:
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Contingency management
  • Motivational interviewing

Support Groups

Support groups are a type of treatment approach that involve individuals with similar experiences coming together to share their struggles and provide emotional support to each other.
Support groups can be an effective treatment approach so individuals can get help for heroin addiction, as they can provide individuals with a sense of community and connection, and help them feel less isolated in their recovery journey.3

Residential Treatment

Residential treatment is a type of treatment approach that involves individuals living in a treatment facility. This is for a specified period of time, usually lasting weeks or months. It helps to receive intensive care for their addiction.
In a residential treatment program for heroin addiction, individuals receive 24-hour care and support from trained healthcare providers and addiction specialists. This is best for severe cases.4

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment is a type of treatment approach that does not require individuals to live in a treatment facility.

Instead, individuals attend treatment sessions at a healthcare facility or addiction treatment center and then return home after each session.

Outpatient treatment for heroin addiction can include a range of treatment approaches. Each of these works to provide help for heroin addiction.

How Can Loved Ones Be a Help for Heroin Addiction Symptoms and Struggles?

Loved ones can play an important role in helping individuals with heroin addiction to get the support they need to achieve and maintain recovery.
Here are some ways that loved ones can be a help for heroin addiction:
  • Encourage treatment
  • Provide support
  • Educate themselves
  • Set healthy boundaries
  • Attend support groups
  • Celebrate milestones
It is important for loved ones to remember that addiction is a complex disease and recovery is a journey.
By providing support and encouragement, educating themselves, and setting healthy boundaries, loved ones can be a help for heroin addiction and play an important role in their loved one’s recovery.

Opportunities for Family Therapy in Treatment

There are recovery centers that also incorporate family therapy into treatment, meaning that individuals and their families can work through any struggles that may have arisen due to substance use.

Family therapy can also be incorporated with other therapy modalities for holistic overall treatment.

What Are Some Strategies for Preventing Relapse?

Preventing relapse is an ongoing process that involves developing and implementing strategies to manage triggers and cravings and to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. It is important to remember that preventing relapse is an ongoing process and that it is normal to experience setbacks.

By developing and implementing relapse prevention strategies and seeking support when needed, individuals in recovery can manage risks and cravings and maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Some of the strategies that can be helpful in preventing relapse will be detailed below.

Develop a Relapse Prevention Plan

A relapse prevention plan is a written plan that outlines strategies for managing risks and cravings and for staying on track with recovery goals.

The plan should include specific strategies for different situations, such as high-stress situations or social situations where drugs may be present.

Identify and Avoid Risks

Risks are situations, people, or emotions that can increase the risk of relapse. It is important to identify these and to avoid or minimize exposure to them as much as possible.

Common risks for relapse can include stress, anxiety, depression, social situations where drugs may be present, and negative emotions such as anger or sadness.

Practice Self-Care

Self-care involves taking care of one’s physical, emotional, and mental health.

This can include regular exercise, healthy eating, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities that promote relaxation and stress relief.

Build a Support Network

Building a support network of friends, family, and healthcare providers can provide a source of accountability and encouragement in the recovery journey.

Stay Engaged in Treatment

It is important to stay engaged in treatment even after completing a formal treatment program.

This may include attending therapy or counseling sessions, participating in medication-assisted treatment, and regularly meeting with a healthcare provider to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.

Celebrate Milestones

Celebrating milestones, such as anniversaries of sobriety, can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue with recovery goals.

What Are Some Common Misconceptions or Myths About Help for Heroin Addiction?

There are several misconceptions and myths about help for heroin addiction. These can prevent individuals from seeking treatment or hinder their recovery journey.
One common myth is that addiction is a choice or a moral failing. In reality, addiction is a complex disease that requires medical treatment and ongoing support. Another myth is that addiction treatment is not effective.

Evidence-based treatments such as medication-assisted treatment and behavioral therapy have been shown to be effective in helping individuals achieve and maintain recovery.

Other Myths

Additionally, there is a misconception that addiction treatment is only for severe cases of addiction. However, early intervention and treatment can be more effective and prevent the addiction from becoming more severe.
It is important for individuals and their loved ones to educate themselves about addiction and treatment options and to seek out reliable sources of information to dispel these myths and promote a more accurate understanding of addiction and recovery.
help for heroin addiction

Receive Help for Heroin Addiction With Rockland Recovery

If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin addiction, know that help is available. You don’t have to go through your substance use disorder alone.
Rockland Recovery offers help for heroin addiction in many forms. This includes evidence-based treatment programs and a supportive, compassionate environment.

Personalized Treatment Opportunities

Our programs can help individuals in all stages of the recovery journey. We offer detox and more intensive programs to help for holistic care that will help you or your loved one heal from any symptoms you may have.

Our experienced and skilled staff will help you create an individualized treatment plan that addresses all of your needs.

Get in Touch With Us Today

Don’t let addiction control your life any longer. Take the first step towards recovery today by contacting Rockland Recovery today and get the help you deserve. We will help you throughout every step of your recovery journey.

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Resources

  1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306460311000554
  2. https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/living-heroin
  3. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.3109/10826086909061998
  4. https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/abs/10.7326/0003-4819-67-1-1