Heroin or “smack” is a rapid-acting very addictive drug created from morphine, an opioid narcotic used for the relief of major pain. Heroin abuse creates a feeling of relaxation and pleasure for the user by chemically binding to the body’s endorphin sites. This feeling of immediate euphoria is what makes heroin so addictive. Most people who are addicted to heroin use via injection with a needle, which can lead to a number of serious health-related complications.
Many heroin addicts develop blood borne infections such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, due to the usage of dirty needles while “shooting up.” Other health complications can include collapsed veins, heart infections, abscesses, overdose and death. In addition to the very serious health risks associated with heroin addiction, it can lead to numerous complications with a user’s emotional health and well-being.
With proper management and treatment, heroin addiction can be successfully overcome. At Abilene, we have a program designed to help heroin addicts recover and live productive, sober lives.
Why You Should Consider Inpatient Treatment at Abilene
Abilene Behavioral Health has created a dual-diagnosis program for individuals who are suffering from both chemical dependency and psychiatric conditions. Our program focuses equally on both components to addiction and offer a supportive and nurturing environment to recover from heroin abuse and addiction.
We make certain that we get to know you and assess all of the challenges you struggle with as we make formal diagnoses that support your symptoms, past medical history, and previous diagnoses. Only then can we create a treatment approach that focuses upon your unique set of challenges.
From the moment you enter treatment, we will begin to assess your current and future needs to ensure your treatment plan is appropriate and that your aftercare plan is beneficial. By continuing to assess your progress we can help you be able to return to your family and community as a happy and sober member of society.
Our dual-diagnosis program is designed around the 12-step model for addiction, and we highly encourage your continued participation in either A.A. or N.A. as you move through the treatment process. We hold weekly meetings on our campus at Abilene and look forward to seeing you there.
Program Philosophy and Benefits
At Abilene we know that you are a unique individual struggling with very serious problems. We are ready to work alongside you to create a treatment and aftercare plan that meets all of your needs. During your stay with us, we will treat you with the highest level of understanding and respect.
We make sure that our treatment approaches are the most current applications of therapies and medications so that you can rest assured that you’ll be receiving the best possible care for your heroin addiction. Above all, we want to restore your hope in the world and see the future as a bright beautiful place.
Treatment Approaches for Heroin Addiction at Abilene
At Abilene, we have created a dual diagnosis program that will address both your chemical dependency upon heroin as well as co-occurring mental illnesses you struggle with. We utilize the most current and up-to-date therapeutic standards. It’s long been recognized that the best treatment for heroin addiction is a combination of medication and therapies.
When you first come to us, we will do a careful physical and psychological assessment so as to ensure you are being treated for all that ails you. We will identify which substances are in your body and slowly and safely detox you from them. While you are detoxing, we will begin to address any health-related problems that you may suffer from.
Once you have detoxified from heroin, you will move into our inpatient treatment program for dual diagnoses. Medication may be used only during detox or as a long-term treatment modality to address your mental health issues. In addition to detox and medication for heroin addiction, we offer a number of therapeutic interventions to help you learn positive coping skills and begin your path to recovery.
Individual therapy will focus upon the problems heroin has caused in your life while addressing symptom management of co-occurring disorders. You will discuss new coping mechanisms, ways of handling stress, and how to prevent relapses.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is focused upon correcting erroneous assumptions about the world around you. Rather than think, “I will always be addicted to heroin,” your therapist will work to reframe your thinking into, “I am taking steps in my recovery from heroin addiction.” Changing the way you think can positively impact your behaviors.
Rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT) is a form of therapy that focuses upon resolution of behavioral and emotional struggles to allow you to lead a happier and far more productive life.
Group therapy is a vital part of therapy for recovering heroin addicts as it allows you the opportunity to connect with other individuals who are struggling with addiction and co-occurring disorders. Process groups are designed to allow you to process your feelings about a given topic, such as addiction or triggers. Psychoeducational groups aim to teach a group about a certain subject such as medication compliance or relapse prevention.
At Abilene, we know that you’re a part of a family system and we want to include your loved ones in your recovery. Family sessions will be used to explore the ways in which your heroin addiction has affected your loved ones and allow them to express their feelings about your addiction. We will also educate your loved ones about heroin and your treatment so they have a better understanding of the struggles you face. We will also provide information about community resources available such as Nar-Anon to allow your loved ones continued support and healing.
In addition to our traditional therapeutic modalities, we offer a range of alternative therapies to help heal the whole body. These include:
- Yoga
- Spiritual counseling
- N.A. and A.A.
- Recreational programs
Continuing Care – What Comes Next?
As your time with us draws to a close, we will closely work with you to create an aftercare plan that addresses your continuing recovery. Many individuals decide to step-down from our inpatient program into our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) or Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Others may opt for a residential program.
If you are being discharged to home, we will connect you to our traditional outpatient program or a local provider for continuing care. We strongly encourage your continuous participation in A.A. and N.A. for support and growth during your recovery.
If you or someone you love is struggling with a heroin addiction, please call the counselors at Abilene today for a free, confidential consultation. We can help you to decide what comes next.