Heroin is a potent opioid drug that is considered illegal in the United States. While it is possible to smoke or snort heroin, most people end up injecting it intravenously. Any type of heroin abuse is incredibly dangerous, putting you at risk of health complications like life-threatening overdoses.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 1.1 million people reported abusing heroin in 2021.[1]
If you have a heroin use disorder, you must seek professional substance abuse treatment. Heroin addiction treatment centers will offer the tools and support you need to gain long-term recovery. But how does this type of treatment work?
During heroin rehab in Tennessee, you will undergo an initial assessment. The staff members gather information about you to create an individualized treatment plan that includes services like detox, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), behavioral therapies, and relapse prevention planning.
What you will learn:
- What to expect during a heroin addiction treatment facility in Tennessee
- How each treatment service promotes long-term recovery from heroin addiction
What to Expect During Heroin Rehab in Tennessee
Substance use disorders can be incredibly difficult to overcome, especially when you suffer from an addiction to heroin. Thankfully, rehab centers in Tennessee can offer the tools you need to be successful in sobriety. You will receive medical supervision, behavioral therapy, peer support, and effective treatments that lessen your chances of relapse.
During heroin rehab in Tennessee, you can expect:
Assessment
The first step in treatment for heroin addiction is an in-depth assessment. The medical professionals will ask you questions about your physical and mental health as well as your history of heroin abuse. The information gathered will be used to create an individualized treatment plan based on your needs.
Your treatment plan might include what type of detox services you’ll need, whether you require dual diagnosis services, if you are a good candidate for MAT, and what levels of care you should engage in.
Medical Detox
Once your assessment is completed, you will begin medical detox. Heroin addiction causes your brain and body to rely on the drug to function properly. Once you stop taking it, you might experience heroin withdrawal symptoms like chills, excessive sweating, vomiting, and more.[2]
To ensure that you remain safe and comfortable, you will be given FDA-approved medications to treat your heroin withdrawal. Usually, medications like methadone or Suboxone are used.[3] These medications target your opioid receptors to trick your brain into thinking it’s gotten the drug it craves, lessening your withdrawal symptoms.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Once you overcome your withdrawal symptoms, you will have the option to stay on medications like methadone or Suboxone. This is called medication-assisted treatment (MAT), a technique that makes relapse less likely among recovering opioid addicts. MAT is intended to be used in combination with therapy to help you cope with cravings that could lead to relapse without treatment.
According to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, “Studies indicate those in MAT have better outcomes than those who engage in therapy alone.”[4]
Evidence-Based Therapies
In addition to MAT, you will undergo therapy to address the root causes of your heroin addiction and learn healthy coping mechanisms to keep you sober. You will engage in both group counseling and individual therapy during your time in a Tennessee heroin rehab center. These programs only use evidence-based therapies, which means they are proven effective in addressing substance use disorders.
Examples of evidence-based therapies that heroin rehab centers in Tennessee use include:[5]
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
- Contingency management (CM)
- Brief strategic family therapy (BSFT)
- Behavioral couples therapy
- 12-step facilitation therapy
Sometimes you will engage in therapy with your family members. This can be incredibly helpful as it teaches your family how to become your support system while repairing any broken relationships that resulted from your heroin abuse.
Holistic Care
In addition to evidence-based therapies, you will have the option to partake in holistic care. To explain, holistic refers to the “whole person.” In other words, these services will help you recover mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Examples of holistic therapies used during heroin rehab include:
- Massage and acupuncture
- Yoga and reiki
- Mindfulness and breathing exercises
- Art and music therapy
- Exercise and nutritional counseling
- Adventure therapies like hiking or kayaking
Relapse Prevention and Aftercare
Before you complete your program, you will engage in relapse prevention planning. This involves identifying your triggers for relapse and learning healthy coping mechanisms to prevent yourself from returning to substance abuse.
Another key aspect of relapse prevention is aftercare. Your rehab center will offer services to you that you can participate in after you complete treatment. Aftercare services may include:
- Continued therapy
- Medication management
- Access to an alumni support group
- Referrals to other treatment options like outpatient or sober living programs
- Recommendations on local support groups like 12-step meetings
- Case management services like vocational or legal assistance
Get Connected to Heroin Addiction Treatment in Tennessee
If you or a loved one suffers from heroin addiction, it’s time to consider professional treatment. Heroin addiction can lead to a variety of health issues, including life-threatening overdoses. Thankfully, heroin rehab centers in Tennessee can offer the tools and support you need to achieve long-term sobriety.
At PAX Memphis, we can connect you with a top-rated heroin rehab program in the heart of Tennessee. We will assess you to determine your needs and make a personalized recommendation. Every treatment center we work with uses evidence-based therapies, medically-assisted treatments, and takes a compassionate approach to addiction care.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can get you connected to a reputable heroin rehab center in Tennessee.
References:
- The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): What is the scope of heroin use in the United States
- Onlinelibrary.wiley.com: Opioid withdrawal symptoms, a consequence of chronic opioid use and opioid use disorder: Current understanding and approaches to management
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Medications, Counseling, and Related Conditions
- The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority: An Overview of Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorders for Criminal Justice-Involved Individuals
- The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Evidence-based practices for substance use disorders