Medically Reviewed By: Kimberly Langdon M.D.
Inpatient addiction treatment, also referred to as residential treatment, provides access to a range of substance abuse recovery services in a safe, secure setting.
People addicted to heroin may find that the comprehensive care offered at an inpatient rehab center will provide the tools necessary to build a heroin-free life.
At an inpatient treatment facility, clients live at the treatment facility where they receive services 24 hours a day.
This environment is conducive to recovery because people are removed from their day-to-day environment and can focus solely on sobriety.
People are encouraged to get their family involved in the recovery process through therapy sessions and visitations.
Types Of Inpatient Heroin Addiction Treatment Programs
There are an array of evidence-based treatments available in inpatient programs for heroin addiction that are designed to promote the best outcomes for participants.
Heroin Detox Programs
Upon entering an inpatient program, you will likely start the detox process. Medical detoxification for heroin begins with a monitoring period to ensure that your withdrawal symptoms are not life-threatening
The use of opioid agonists such as methadone (Methadose) or buprenorphine (Suboxone) are often used to help make the side effects from withdrawal symptoms more tolerable.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medication-assisted treatment for heroin refers to the process of administering opioid agonist medications to block the effects of heroin withdrawal, as well as the euphoric effects.
The purpose of MAT is to help people avoid withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings so they can focus entirely on addiction recovery.
While in a MAT program, people in inpatient care will also be encouraged to participate in counseling, 12-step programs, and more.
Substance Abuse Treatment And Co-Occurring Disorders
Many people who have substance use disorders will also have an underlying mental health issue. To address this, rehab facilities will provide dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders.
Dual diagnosis services will treat both the heroin addiction and the mental illness that overlaps with the addiction.
Common co-occurring disorders include:
- panic disorder and addiction
- generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and addiction
- antisocial personality disorder and addiction
- narcissistic personality disorder and addiction
- past experiences of trauma or abuse coupled with addiction
People with mental health disorders or past trauma are statistically more likely to use substances such as heroin, alcohol, and other substances to cope with their symptoms.
Support Groups And Counseling Services
One of the most important aspects of addiction recovery is access to individual, group, and family counseling services, as well as 12-step programs.
Types of counseling available at a behavioral health center may include:
- group therapy
- behavioral therapy
- individual therapy
- cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Counseling will help you understand the root causes of your addiction, and most importantly help you build a support network of other people with similar backgrounds and addiction issues.
Aftercare Programs For Heroin Addiction
Inpatient drug addiction treatment programs may last anywhere between 30 to 90 days or longer depending on the severity of a person’s addiction.
Once a person has finished with an inpatient program, they will oftentimes transition to an aftercare program. Aftercare programs may include sober living homes that are directly affiliated with the rehab center.
Living in a sober community will allow people in recovery to continue going to therapy or their 12-step program while in a temptation-free environment.
Inpatient Vs. Outpatient Treatment For Heroin Addiction
Both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs offer effective methods to combat addiction. Below you will find some of the specific benefits of each.
Benefits Of Outpatient Drug Rehab
Outpatient treatment for heroin abuse is a more flexible option for people who want to continue living at home, working, or going to school while they attend weekly treatment sessions.
Outpatient care is also less costly due to the lack of 24-hour support and one-on-one treatment that a person attending a residential addiction treatment center would receive.
There are several levels of care offered in an outpatient program including partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient treatment (IOP).
Benefits Of Inpatient Treatment Programs
Inpatient treatment is an all-encompassing option for people with more severe addictions to heroin and other substances. They will be fully immersed in the recovery process with no distractions from the outside world.
Oftentimes people will complete their inpatient treatment and transition to outpatient rehab, which allows for more freedom and flexibility in their schedule.
Why Some People May Choose Inpatient Drug Rehab
Many people choose inpatient rehab programs due to the customized and comprehensive services they will receive. Inpatient treatment providers offer a level of care you cannot find elsewhere.
Find A Heroin Rehab Program At Bedrock Recovery Center
If you or a loved one have a substance use disorder related to heroin abuse, help is available. Our treatment plans include medical detox, interventions for heroin use, and more.
Call Bedrock Recovery Center today for more information about our inpatient treatment process. We can answer any questions you have about achieving long-term recovery from heroin addiction.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — Types of Treatment Programs https://nida.nih.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/drug-addiction-treatment-in-united-states/types-treatment-programs
- National Institute of Health (NIH) — Heroin DrugFacts https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/heroin
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment