Heroin abuse, once thought to be a problem restricted to in inner cities and rough neighborhoods, has soared to all-time highs in recent years. Trends indicate opiate abuse is reaching suburban communities and youth–a demographic once through to be out of heroin’s reach. Further, the American prescription painkiller epidemic adds fuel to the fire by leading some users to street drugs when pain pills become to difficult to obtain.
An approximate 4 million Americans have used powerfully addictive heroin, making it clear now more than ever that heroin and opiate abusers need effective treatment. However, finding a good rehab can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack if you don’t know the key components to look for in treatment. Herein, Narconon will offer tips and advise some of the important questions to ask in your search for the right heroin rehab.
Heroin Abuse in the US – A Growing Problem
Heroin, a highly addictive opiate, has evolved through the years in terms of its popularity. The drug, which can be injected, snorted or smoked, is so habit-forming that the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports nearly a quarter of its first-time users become hooked.
Sadly, some parts of the US are reporting strong connections between the dependency to illegal heroin which has begun with prescription painkillers like Vicodin, OxyContin and other powerful opioid pills. As USA Today recently reported, such pharmaceutical addicts–finding their pills on short supply–are seen to switch to street drugs without knowing what they’re in for. Today, the issue of heroin and opiate abuse is no longer restricted to rough neighborhoods and the problem is increasingly widespread as prescription narcotics abuse continues to worsen.
“Our heroin patients come from the five best neighborhoods,” said Robert Martin, Director of Substance Abuse Services at the Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. Like many treatment experts, Martin witnesses and worries as these issues make it clear that prescription painkillers like OxyContin have become “gateway drugs” for heroin.
Key Components to Look For in a Heroin Rehab
“Finding the right drug treatment program can be difficult,” says Derry Hallmark, Senior Director For Expansion at Narconon Arrowhead. “But if you know what to look for it is very possible to find a program that gets positive results for permanent recovery from heroin addiction.”
Consider the following key aspects of a well-rounded treatment program in doing your research for heroin rehab.
- Biophysical Detox and Physical Wellness
Heroin addiction is both mentally and physically grueling on the user. By the time an individual enters treatment, intense drug cravings and deteriorating health are usually very apparent. It is advisable that heroin rehab includes program elements which address the restoration of physical health.
- Life Skills and Goal Orientation
Opiates tend to overtake a user’s life, eliminating goals or other important priorities. A reorientation to future goals, priorities, plans and life skills exercises can help an addict get back on his/her feet after treatment.
Other helpful “homework” questions to ask may include:
- Is the program certified, as by the Department of Mental Health or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities?
- Is the facility safe and secure? Are there staff available around the clock?
- Can the program provide references or recommendations from other supportive families?
- How long is the program?
- Are there medical staff available to supervise safe withdrawal?
- Does the program utilize potentially addictive medications?
- Does the program offer individualized care plans?
- Is the program affordable? Do they accept insurance?
Drug addiction and treatment are highly personalized subjects. Beyond these points, what to look for in a heroin rehab will be determined by the addict’s specific circumstances, lifestyle choices and needs.
To get help for yourself or a loved one who is struggling with heroin addiction, contact Narconon Arrowhead today by calling 1-800-468-6933 or browse through a library of informative articles which can be found at www.heroinaddiction.com.