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September 20th, 2023
Heroin rehab
Heroin is widely recognised as a dangerous and destructive substance that can profoundly impact the lives of those who become addicted to it. At Recovery Lighthouse, we understand that everyone has their unique reasons for developing a damaging relationship with heroin, and we do not pass judgement. Our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way through our comprehensive heroin rehab programme, helping you to overcome your issues and regain control of your life.
When is it time for heroin rehab?
If you are currently using heroin, it’s vital to ask yourself if it has become a problem in your life. Drugs are deceptive as they make you believe that you have everything under control but in reality, you lose your ability to make rational decisions. You may feel invincible or think you can handle the drug, but it’s a slippery slope that can quickly spiral out of control.
If you are unsure if you need heroin rehab, here are six questions to consider:
- Has using heroin caused problems in your personal relationships?
- Have you experienced legal issues related to your heroin use?
- Do you find yourself needing to use heroin more frequently or in higher doses to achieve the desired effect?
- Have you been unable to stop using heroin despite your desire to do so?
- Have you experienced physical or mental health issues related to your heroin use?
- Has your heroin use interfered with your daily responsibilities, such as work or school?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, it may be time to consider seeking help.
What are the advantages of undergoing heroin rehab?
Heroin can have a powerful effect on the brain’s reward system and can create a strong physical and psychological dependency. Over time, the brain can become rewired to prioritise obtaining and using heroin above all else and memories of life before heroin use may become less vivid. After undergoing heroin rehab, you will notice the changes your body and mind undergo quite quickly. This can include:
- Improved mental clarity and emotional stability: Quitting heroin can enhance mental clarity and emotional stability by reducing the intense emotional lows and highs that heroin addiction can cause. This allows you to manage your emotions better and make more rational decisions.
- Improved physical health: Heroin use can cause various physical health issues, including respiratory problems, liver and kidney damage and infectious diseases. Stopping heroin can help prevent or reverse these health issues, improving overall physical health.
- Increased energy and motivation: Heroin use can lead to extreme lethargy and lack of motivation. Quitting heroin can help increase energy levels and motivation, making it easier to accomplish daily tasks and engage in healthy activities.
- Improved relationships: Heroin can strain relationships with friends, family and romantic partners. When you stop using heroin, it can help rebuild these relationships by reducing dependence, improving communication skills and restoring trust.
- Better sleep quality: Heroin use can disrupt normal sleep patterns, leading to insomnia and sleep deprivation. Getting clean from heroin can help restore sleep patterns, leading to better rest and improved mental and physical health.
How does Recovery Lighthouse structure its heroin rehab programme?
Recovery Lighthouse structures its heroin rehab programme into several stages, each designed to address the various challenges and needs of individuals recovering from heroin.
Assessment and detoxification…
This involves a thorough assessment of your issues with heroin and medical history, followed by the detoxification process to rid the body of heroin. Our medical professionals closely monitor the detox process to ensure your safety and comfort.
Therapies and counselling …
This stage involves a comprehensive programme of individual and group therapy sessions aimed at addressing the emotional and psychological issues related to heroin issues. Therapy sessions at Recovery Lighthouse include:
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- Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT): CBT helps you to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to your heroin use, empowering you to make positive changes and develop healthier coping strategies.
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): If you are struggling with heroin use, DBT provides skills to cope with intense emotions, build healthy relationships and create a fulfilling life worth living.
- Family Therapy: Family Therapy allows you to work on resolving relational issues with your loved ones, creating a supportive environment that encourages positive behaviour change and a healthy lifestyle.
Motivational Interviewing: Motivational Interviewing supports you in exploring your ambivalence, identifying your values and setting achievable goals to make positive changes in your life related to heroin use.
Heroin aftercare…
Once you have completed the rehab programme, you are provided with aftercare services to support your continued recovery. This may involve attending support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA), engaging in ongoing therapy sessions and receiving help transitioning back into daily life.
What tips can I follow to prevent heroin relapse?
Once you finish heroin rehab, it’s important to remember that the road to recovery doesn’t end when you walk out of your doors. It’s up to you to continue the life of sobriety, armed with the knowledge and advice learned from rehab. By following the below tips, you can maximise your chances of staying sober and avoiding relapse.
- Stay connected with your support system: Stay connected with the people who supported you during your rehab process. Attend support group meetings, talk to your therapist when required and stay connected with those who understand your struggles.
- Take care of your physical and mental health: Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep. Practice the mindfulness activities you learned in heroin rehab, like meditation or yoga. This will help you to cope with stress.
- Avoid triggers: Identify the situations, people or places that trigger your heroin cravings and avoid them. Stay away from people who may not support your recovery, and avoid places where drugs are readily available.
- Find new activities and hobbies: Search for activities or hobbies you enjoy and use them as healthy outlets to express yourself. Join a sports club, paint, write, learn a new skill or volunteer in your community.
- Celebrate your milestones and achievements: No matter how small they are, believe in your strength and ability to overcome any challenge that comes your way.
Can I help my loved one in heroin rehab?
Now that your loved one is currently in heroin rehab, it’s important to remember that this is not a prison sentence. You are still able to support them through many different ways whilst they’re learning and recovering with us at Recovery Lighthouse.
- Be an active pillar of support in their life: The most important thing you can do for your loved one is to show them that you are there for their needs. Knowing they have your support will give them the strength to continue heroin treatment and overcome their troubles.
- Attend family therapy: Be open to attending our family therapy sessions so that you can learn more about your loved one’s problems and how to best support them during the recovery process.
- Write letters/cards: Keep in contact with your loved one by sending them letters or cards telling them how proud you are of them and how much you love them. Having something physical from you may help them through times when they feel alone.
- Educate yourself: Learn as much as possible about heroin, the recovery process and what to expect during heroin rehab. This will help you better understand what your loved one is going through.
- Be mindful of enabling behaviour: Refrain from enabling your loved one’s heroin use. Please don’t give them money or offer them drugs, no matter how much of a convincing argument they make. We’re not trying to demonise your loved one but remember that heroin could make them try certain tactics in order to use it again.
What’s next?
If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin dependency, it’s time to take action. Overcoming your hurdles with heroin is challenging, but it’s possible with the right help. Choose to take the first step towards recovery and seek out heroin rehab. With our professional support and evidence-based treatment, you can overcome your issues and build a fulfilling life in sobriety. Don’t let heroin continue to control your life. Reach out for help today and start your journey to recovery.