Is Inpatient Or Outpatient Heroin Addiction Treatment Better For Addicts?

Heroin is one of the more challenging addictions to defeat because of the way the drug rewires the brain and body. With time and effort, though, someone who is addicted to the drug can achieve sobriety and leave the drug behind. The first step toward recovery is determining which treatment option is best for your situation. Here's more information about both to help you decide.

When Inpatient Treatment May Be Better

With inpatient treatment, you check into a rehabilitation facility for the entirety of the program. You'll go through detox and then start on the practical work of dealing with the root cause of the addiction and learning tools to avoid relapsing. You may have visitors, but access to the outside world is restricted until the program is completed. Everything is provided for you, including a room, food, and medication.

Inpatient treatment programs are good for people who need the rigid structure the facility provides, especially those who may have difficulty with self-control, live in an environment where temptation is high, don't have friends or family who can provide support, or all of the above. Since contact with the outside world is limited, you can learn the skills needed to deal with the compulsion to do heroin without worrying about having someone pressuring you to relapse or being triggered into using again by stress.

Be aware, though, this means you won't be able to work, take care of your family, or participate in social events while you're checked into the facility. Therefore, you'll need to make arrangements before opting for this type of program.

When Outpatient Treatment is Ideal

Outpatient treatment typically involves the patient traveling to a treatment center like Brightside Clinic at scheduled intervals for therapy and to learn the skills they need to obtain sobriety. Some facilities have you check in for the detoxification process and then release you to continue treatment while you live at home. With others, you'll detox at home but have access to a medical professional if you have questions or experience issues. You'll also be responsible for filling your prescriptions and taking medications as required.

It can be more challenging getting through treatment when you're dealing with the outside world and all its stressors and temptations. At the same time, this provides you with the opportunity to put what you learn in treatment to use in real situations, which can boost your confidence. Additionally, you'll be able to maintain your job and be with your family, things that may motivate you to continue your journey.

However, outpatient treatment really is best for people who have a social network they can turn to for emotional support. This is why many facilities also recommend patients join a 12-step program or support group in their area when undergoing outpatient treatment. These complementary programs can connect patients to others who are going through the same thing and provide help when needed.

For more information about these programs or to discuss getting treated for a heroin addiction, contact a rehab facility near you.

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