Outpatient Heroin Addiction Treatment

Outpatient treatment centers offer several evidence-based services that can help you recover from heroin addiction and other substance use disorders.

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Dr. Langdon M.D.

Medically Reviewed By: Kimberly Langdon M.D.

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Outpatient rehab services can be an invaluable tool in getting sober from substance abuse. People with an addiction to heroin and other opioids can find a range of services that will fit their specific needs.

Outpatient treatment is typically geared toward people who have mild to moderate substance use disorders, as it only requires a few hours a week as opposed to intensive, 24-hour residential care.

The most highly recommended type of heroin treatment can be found in an inpatient recovery program, such as the one available at Bedrock Recovery Center.

Types Of Outpatient Treatment Programs

People addicted to heroin and other powerful opioids typically need intensive rehabilitation services to avoid dangers withdrawal symptoms and to prevent relapse.

Outpatient rehab programs, while less comprehensive than inpatient services, can offer multiple levels of care, from intensive programs to aftercare services that help people achieve sobriety.

Heroin Partial Hospitalization Programs

Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are the most intensive kind of outpatient treatment available for people with heroin addiction.

Oftentimes, PHP is the next step in the recovery process for people that have recently completed a residential treatment program. PHP lasts for about six to eight weeks and requires three to five days of commitment per week.

Treatment plans in a PHP may include:

  • medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
  • medically monitored opioid detoxification
  • support groups
  • family therapy sessions

Intensive Outpatient Programs For Heroin Abuse

For people who have completed a PHP program, or who may have a less-severe addiction to heroin, an intensive outpatient program (IOP) may be able to help with your long-term needs.

IOP is an ideal option for people who have already been through PHP or residential treatment and need further assistance to avoid relapse or recovery from a recent relapse.

Most IOPs ask that you attend treatment between two to three days per week, two to four hours per day. Treatment methods may include group therapy, MAT, detox, and more.

Heroin Abuse And Mental Health Counseling

Oftentimes, prolonged heroin use will lead to depression, anxiety, and a range of other mental health issues. This is due to the way opioids affect the brain and central nervous system.

Addiction treatment centers may feature dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders. These programs will treat both addiction and underlying mental health disorders at the same time.

Dual diagnosis care will also take into account any mental disorders that were present before the heroin addiction developed, and will also address any past trauma that contributes to substance abuse.

Medication-Assisted Treatment For Heroin Addiction

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for heroin addiction helps to block the effects of withdrawal using evidence-based medications during the detox process.

MAT drugs may include:

  • buprenorphine (Suboxone)
  • methadone (Methadose)
  • disulfiram (Antabuse)
  • naltrexone (Vivitrol)
  • acamprosate (Campral)

These medications will help prevent severe reactions to withdrawal symptoms and are usually provided in conjunction with counseling services, behavioral therapy, and other treatments.

Heroin Detox Programs

Heroin withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable. In an outpatient heroin detox program, you can get the services necessary to flush your body of toxins after prolonged heroin use.

Signs that you may need a detox program include:

  • you experience strong, irresistible cravings for heroin
  • you can’t control how much heroin you use
  • you’ve developed a tolerance and have to take more heroin to feel an effect
  • you devote most of your time trying to get heroin

Heroin Addiction Support Groups

Outpatient treatment facilities often offer several forms of therapy, including 12-step group counseling programs, individual and group therapy, family therapy, and more.

Heroin Addiction Relapse Prevention

Relapse prevention combines evidence-based treatment and holistic care to identify triggers that could lead to relapse during and after rehab.

At an outpatient treatment center, a prevention strategy will begin during or after detox and continue throughout your journey to recovery.

Aftercare And Continuing Care For Heroin Abuse

After rehab, many people transition into sober living programs or halfway houses to continue their sobriety in a supportive, substance-free environment.

Sober living communities may offer access to continuing care or aftercare at a rehab facility. People can still attend various therapies or 12-step meetings while living offsite.

Inpatient Vs. Outpatient Treatment For Heroin Use

Inpatient and outpatient treatment both focus on drug rehabilitation, and each has its own benefits to offer. Below you will find some of the unique attributes of both options.

Benefits Of Inpatient Drug Rehab

Inpatient rehab, otherwise known as residential programs, requires that people stay in residence at a rehab center for a period of time while they receive treatment services for addiction.

Clients will dedicate all their time to getting the help they need in the form of detox, MAT, counseling, and more. A typical inpatient rehab program for heroin will last anywhere from 30 days to six months or longer.

The controlled environment is beneficial due to the 24-hour medical and emotional support on hand. An inpatient program is a good option for people with severe addictions to heroin and other drugs.

Benefits Of Outpatient Treatment Programs

Outpatient drug addiction treatment is less restrictive than residential care. Outpatient programs require around 10 hours a week spent at a local treatment center and can last three to six months, or longer.

People in outpatient care can still live at home during treatment, keep their jobs, and remain close to their family support system. Many people transition to outpatient care after completing an inpatient treatment program.

Why People May Choose Outpatient Rehab

Outpatient rehab is a good option for people who want to maintain their normal schedules, and want to keep working or going to school while in treatment.

People may also choose outpatient services due to the difference in cost. Inpatient care is usually more expensive because of the 24-hour services available to residential clients.

Heroin Addiction Treatment At Bedrock Recovery Center

Call Bedrock Recovery Center today for more information on our outpatient and inpatient treatment programs for heroin addiction, and to learn which choice may be right for you.

You or your loved ones can get on the path to long-term addiction recovery at our behavioral health facility.

  1. 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
  2. National Institute of Health (NIH) — Heroin DrugFacts https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/heroin
  3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment

Written by Bedrock Recovery Center Editorial Team

© 2025 Bedrock Recovery Center | All Rights Reserved

* This page does not provide medical advice.

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