Heroin is a highly addictive drug that can quickly derail a person’s mental, physical, and social well-being. Heroin addiction is life-threatening, and users are at constant risk of overdose and other potentially deadly complications.
Seeking treatment for heroin addiction can be a life–saving decision. But what happens in a San Antonio heroin rehab program? Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for your time in treatment and stay motivated when recovery is challenging.
This article will explore what happens in heroin rehab, how to identify heroin addiction, and where to seek treatment. Reach out to the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists now to learn about our comprehensive heroin rehab programs or for guidance during any stage of addiction recovery.
What Happens in Heroin Rehab?
Quitting heroin can save your life, but it can be challenging. Most people who attempt to stop using heroin alone don’t succeed. Professional, comprehensive treatment and ongoing support are essential to breaking free from heroin addiction and moving forward.
But what is it like to go through heroin addiction treatment? Addiction treatment isn’t a final destination–it’s a process. Each stage of heroin addiction treatment can help you identify the physical, behavioral, and emotional roots of your substance abuse and get the treatment you need to overcome them.
Heroin addiction is a complex condition that requires comprehensive treatment. Here are the stages of heroin addiction treatment.
Detox
When you use heroin regularly, your body quickly develops dependence on it. People with heroin addiction do not choose to keep using heroin–they must use it to function.
When someone with heroin addiction suddenly stops using it, they go through withdrawal. Heroin withdrawal can be very uncomfortable. The emotional and physical symptoms of heroin withdrawal can push people to their limits–and many people relapse before they can completely detox.
Heroin withdrawal symptoms include:
- Quick pulse
- Faster breathing
- Elevated blood pressure
- Increased body temperature
- Insomnia
- Dilated pupils
- Heightened reflexes
- Sweating
- Goosebumps
- Chills
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Bone and muscle pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
These acute heroin withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 24 hours of a person’s last dose of heroin and may last for up to 10 days. People are most vulnerable to relapse during the acute phase of heroin withdrawal.
During heroin detox, patients receive continuous support, supervision, and treatment as they go through heroin withdrawal. Medical professionals provide treatments to keep patients safe and comfortable during withdrawal, including:
- Medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings
- Emotional support, including individual therapy when appropriate
- Nutrition support, massage, mindfulness, and other holistic therapies to promote overall comfort and well-being
Patients also have distance from triggering people, places, and situations that could lead to relapse. The care people receive from a heroin rehab in San Antonia during detox can help people have a safe, complete detox.
Treatment
After completing a detox program, people with heroin addiction must continue participating in a heroin rehab program that lets them learn skills to avoid relapse in the future. A comprehensive heroin rehab program uses evidence-based and holistic therapies to address the physical, emotional, environmental, and behavioral aspects of heroin use.
A typical heroin addiction treatment plan may include:
- Individual counseling
- Behavioral therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
- Family counseling
- Relapse-prevention education
- Mental health treatment
- Medications
- Aftercare planning
- Art therapy, massage, acupuncture, exercise, and other holistic therapies
People with heroin addiction require ongoing support after completing a heroin rehab in San Antonio. Creating and following an aftercare plan is essential to long-term success in recovery.
Do I Need Heroin Rehab in San Antonio?
San Antonio is home to a thriving recovery community and many addiction and mental health care options. Whether you need inpatient or outpatient heroin addiction treatment, you will find various programs to meet your needs in San Antonio.
The first step in getting the help you need to overcome heroin addiction is recognizing that you are living with heroin addiction. Each person has their own unique journey in addiction and recovery. However, heroin addiction can cause recognizable physical, behavioral, and emotional symptoms.
Some of the signs of heroin addiction include:
- Physical symptoms of being “high,” such as flushed skin, small pupils, itching, drowsiness, and watery eyes
- The presence of heroin paraphernalia, such as needles, tourniquets, pipes, foil, and spoons
- Track marks on arms or other parts of the body
- Legal or financial trouble
- Lying or hiding heroin use
- Isolation
- Neglecting responsibilities, relationships, and hobbies
- Needing to use more or different opioids to get the desired effects
- Wanting to stop using heroin but being unable to
Heroin addiction can wreak havoc on your mental and physical health and lead to long-lasting, sometimes life-threatening harm. Don’t wait to get treatment. Get help as soon as you recognize a problem.
Find Heroin Rehab in San Antonio
If you or someone in your life struggles with heroin abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Reach out to the Alamo Behavioral Health team now to learn about our comprehensive, high-quality heroin rehab programs and get started on your recovery journey.
