How does heroin addiction or a heroin abuse disorder look in real life? Those who are heroin addicts typically prioritize heroin over everything else in their life. Opiate dependent people prioritize heroin over work, school, significant others, children and even their own health. Heroin addicts will typically continue to use heroin even if they have had legal consequences as a result of their heroin use.
Heroin addiction is a substance abuse disorder characterized by a problematic pattern of opioid use (e.g. heroin, painkillers) leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by at least two symptoms occurring in a 12 month period.
The above criteria was taken from the latest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). If you or a loved one meet two or more of the above criteria, there may be an heroin abuse disorder present.
Treatment for heroin addiction typically happens over a period of 3-12 months based on the needs of each individual. Many heroin dependent individuals require a detox as their first stop due to withdrawal symptoms they experience when they cease using heroin. Sub-acute detox for heroin addiction typically lasts between 2-7 days. There is typically no treatment in detox as the purpose of detox is to get the patient medically stabilized and prepared to be able to participate in treatment.
After sub-acute detox, many recovering individuals choose to enter residential (or inpatient) treatment. Inpatient heroin treatment typically lasts 28 days. During residential heroin treatment, clients undergo assessments by professional counselors and physicians and participate in group and individual counseling sessions. Many clients continue to experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms in residential heroin treatment and those symptoms are closely monitored and treated by our team of trained addiction treatment professionals.
Following residential treatment for heroin addiction, many clients enter “partial hospitalization” or “day treatment.” Day treatment for heroin use disorder is typically conducted Monday-Friday for about 6 hours per day (30 hours per week) consisting of group and individual therapy. Clients in day treatment typically see a psychiatrist on a regular schedule to continue monitoring of post-acute withdrawal symptoms and other medical issues. Clients will participate in day treatment for around 4 weeks following residential heroin treatment. Clients at day treatment level of care may live at their own residence or in a sober living home.
Following day treatment, the next level of care is intensive outpatient (IOP). At the IOP level of care, clients participate in group therapy 3 hours per day on 3 days per week (9 hours per week of group therapy) and may continue seeing their individual therapist and psychiatrist as needed. Clients at intensive outpatient level of care may live at their own residence or in a sober living home.
Heroin and other opiate drug testing is an important component of treatment and should be performed as medically indicated at all levels of care.
Medication assisted treatment (MAT) can be considered by all individuals seeking treatment for heroin addiction. Drugs such as Suboxone, Zubsolv and Vivitrol may aid a heroin addict in their recovery.
If you or a loved one suffers from heroin addiction or a heroin abuse disorder, NorthStar Transitions can help! Please click HERE to verify your insurance and an admission representative will contact you within 24 hours to counsel you on the available treatment options and insurance coverage.
At NorthStar Transitions, we know how drug and alcohol use can negatively affect your life. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, we can help. Reach out today to find the support you need to achieve and maintain lifelong sobriety. You can get in touch by calling us at 866-407-2240 or completing our online contact form.
