According to the CDC, more than 14,000 people died from heroin overdoses in 2019. The statistics go on to show that the rate of overdose deaths involving heroin was more than seven times higher in 2019 than in 1999, and nearly a third of all opioid deaths involved heroin. 

Heroin is a highly addictive opioid, and the longer a person uses the drug, the more dependent they become on it. The more physically and psychologically addicted they become, the more difficult it is to quit using it. However, the detrimental impacts of heroin addiction on a person’s life, as well as the high risk of fatal overdose, make it extremely important for those struggling with heroin addiction to seek help as soon as possible. 

Heroin Addiction Treatment

Detox

When someone abruptly stops taking heroin, they will experience withdrawals. Because withdrawals can be physically and psychologically unpleasant, many people are tempted to use heroin again to avoid going through withdrawal. Withdrawal is a large part of the detox process, which can be summed up as the period of time when a person is removing the heroin from their system through abstinence. Abruptly detoxing from some substances can be life-threatening, so it is highly recommended that an individual seek medically supervised detox in a professional facility for the safest experience.

Inpatient Treatment  

Inpatient treatment programs generally last from 28 days to several months and offer individuals a safe, drug-free environment to begin their journey of recovery. Inpatient treatment programs vary in what they offer, but generally, these programs incorporate individual therapy, group therapy and processing groups, creative activities, and exercise. Inpatient treatment can provide structure, and create a supportive environment for individuals to focus entirely on their recovery while building community with others in addiction treatment. After full-time inpatient treatment, many people choose to enroll in an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), which is part-time and generally meets several days a week for several hours. 

12 Step Programs

Millions of individuals are in recovery from drugs and alcohol through 12 step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). 12 step programs are very accessible, as there are thousands of meetings all over the world, and they are free of cost. AA and NA provide a vast community of individuals who can uniquely support each other through their shared experiences of addiction and recovery. Even if an individual chooses to go through supervised detox and inpatient treatment, many treatment programs incorporate 12 step program attendance and encourage individuals to establish these connections after they complete treatment, for ongoing recovery community and support. 

Knoxville Recovery Center Can Help

Heroin addiction can be fatal. Fortunately, help is available for those battling this addiction. Depending on the stage of an individual’s addiction, they may require detox, an intensive treatment program, or both. Fortunately, Knoxville Recovery Center offers various services to those struggling with this addiction. 

Services offered: 

Detox – Our on-site detox clinic accommodates and supports clients as the body sheds all residual traces of heroin. Clients are under medical supervision during the detox process to ensure that they remain safe and comfortable. 

Addiction Treatment –  During our addiction treatment program, clients will engage in introductory therapies and exercises that work to prepare them for continued, more intensive treatment outside of our facility. The goal of our addiction treatment track is to stabilize clients so that they are treatment-ready. 

Mental Health Treatment – Our mental health treatment program introduces behavioral therapies rooted in self-expression and holistic exercise. Art therapy, music therapy, and yoga are just a few forms of therapy we offer at the center. Our goal is to help the client reclaim their voice and expose them to treatment within a professional facility. 

Aftercare Planning – Aftercare is designed for individuals who have benefitted from our introductory addiction services and are transitioning into a more intensive addiction treatment program. Once a client is stabilized, they will be encouraged to pursue continued addiction treatment. Our experienced case managers will then work with our clients to place them in a program that addresses their specific wants and needs. Addiction is difficult to overcome alone. If you feel that you or a loved one is struggling with heroin abuse, our specialists are on standby and ready to help. Call Knoxville Recovery Center and speak with an addiction expert today.