etween 2002 and 2016, rates of heroin addiction rose dramatically from 214,000 to 626,000 people. As a result of this, individuals aged 18-25, who previously made up 11% of total treatment admissions in 2008, began making up more than 26% in 2012.[1] These numbers have increased in recent years as more people have begun seeking heroin rehab in Indiana and across the United States.
Heroin is a highly addictive and powerful substance that produces effects similar to morphine. People who abuse heroin over a period of time often become physically and psychologically addicted to the point where they cannot stop using the drug at their own willpower. Heroin rehab centers in Indiana offer medical and psychiatric services to get these individuals back on their feet. Here’s what patients can expect during heroin treatment.
Heroin Detox
Heroin withdrawal can produce severe, flu-like symptoms. Although symptoms of heroin withdrawal are generally not life-threatening, complications like dehydration or suicidal thoughts may occur. Moreover, the detox period is marked by strong cravings that can be difficult to overcome without professional help. And, it can be difficult to focus on treatment and be successful in rehab if a person is still battling withdrawal symptoms. As a result, the heroin rehab process in Indiana usually begins with medically-assisted detox.
During detox, patients are supervised around the clock and have access to on-site medical staff. Patients may be prescribed opioid replacement medications to help reduce their withdrawal symptoms and wean them off of opioids slowly. Medical detox is considered the safest option for heroin detox.[2]
After patients have detoxed and are feeling better, they can begin treatment at an inpatient or outpatient rehab facility.
Medically-Assisted Treatment (MAT) With Opioid Replacement Therapy (ORT)
Heroin is one of the most powerful opioid drugs, and getting sober from heroin is challenging. Fortunately, there are FDA-approved medicinal treatments for heroin addiction. Using these medications in combination with behavioral therapy and counseling is referred to as opioid replacement therapy (ORT) or medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Medications that may be prescribed at a heroin detox in Indiana include:[3]
- Methadone – a synthetic opioid that can help treat opioid withdrawal
- Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) – a combination medication that can treat opioid withdrawal and dependence
- Subutex (buprenorphine) – a medication that can help treat opioid withdrawal and dependence
- Vivitrol (naltrexone) – a medication that is used to treat opioid dependence after the detox period is complete. It does not help with withdrawals.
At MAT approach is effective for many reasons. The first is that MAT helps take care of the physical symptoms of heroin addiction, allowing patients to put their full attention and energies towards their therapy and recovery. The second is that MAT is proven to help reduce relapse rates, overdoses, criminal activity after rehab, and more. It can also help patients stay sober, maintain employment, and stick to their treatment plan.
Treatment for Heroin Addiction
Inpatient rehab is typically recommended for people struggling with heroin addiction. Inpatient provides the highest level of medical and psychiatric support. During inpatient, patients live at the treatment facility and participate in more than 30 hours of therapy and group activities each week. Inpatient rehabs provide on-site medical care, 24/7 supervision, and much more.
Inpatient rehab may last anywhere from 28 to 90 days and is usually followed by IOP and outpatient. Heroin addiction does not develop overnight, and it often takes several months of treatment for patients to stay successful. After completing inpatient, patients may step down to IOP, outpatient, or other lower levels of care.
Outpatient programs focus on reinforcing the skills learned in inpatient rehab. They also focus a lot on relapse prevention and sober support networks to help patients continue their sobriety. Regardless of what level of care a patient enters into, it is important that their treatment and medications are tailored to meet their unique needs. As a result, no two heroin rehab programs will look exactly the same.
Therapies for Heroin Rehab in Indiana
MAT must always be combined with therapy and a comprehensive treatment approach. There are a variety of effective treatments available for heroin addiction.[3] These include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – helps patients modify their expectations and behaviors related to their drug use. It can also improve coping skills.
- Family behavior therapy – helps strengthen family dynamics and teaches family members how to support one another.
- Community reinforcement approach (CRA) – helps patients stay sober by building a patient’s desire to stay sober, analyzing one’s drug use, establishing positive reinforcement in his or her community, and learning new coping mechanisms.
- Mental health therapy – Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions are common among people recovering from heroin addiction. Mental health therapy addresses these conditions.
- Relapse prevention therapy – helps patients recognize relapse triggers and learn how to cope.
- 12-Step facilitation – helps push patients towards 12-step programs by focusing on the obsessive and compulsive nature of addiction and reinforcing the idea of peer support.
Other types of therapy that may be offered during heroin rehab in Indiana include:
- Contingency management (CM)
- Rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT)
- Motivational enhancement therapy (MET)
- Gender-specific treatment
- PTSD and trauma therapy
- Holistic therapies
Therapy sessions may be held one-on-one with the patient and his or her primary counselor or a small group of 6-8 other patients. Both group and individual sessions hold a strong role in the addiction treatment process.
Find a Heroin Rehab in Indiana Today
Here at PAX Riverbend Recovery Center, our staff knows just how defeating heroin addiction can feel. But, we also have years of experience in helping people just like you learn how to put their addictions in the past and keep them there. Learn more about our drug and alcohol rehab programs by calling one of our dedicated treatment professionals today. We’re ready to help.