Do I Need Inpatient Rehab for Heroin Abuse?
Every individual requires a different treatment program, one that will fit their needs and provide the best care possible for their specific situation. While some people may not require inpatient rehab for the treatment of heroin abuse and addiction, others could benefit immensely from this program.
The Medical Needs of Recovering Heroin Addicts
According to the National Directory of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment Programs for 2013, inpatient centers are also hospital-based programs that are commonly able to provide patients with medical and psychological treatment services that most outpatient and residential programs cannot. Because these facilities are usually based in hospitals, they have resources that can help them treat individuals in more severe conditions.

The severe pain experienced during heroin withdrawal may require professional treatment, such as that offered in inpatient care.
Many of the physical side effects of heroin abuse are incredibly severe and, according to the Center for Substance Abuse Research, may include:
- Collapsed veins
- Infection of the heart lining and valves
- Abscesses
- Liver disease
- Pneumonia and other lung-related complications
- Infections
- Diseases like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C (contracted from sharing needles)
- Intense withdrawal symptoms, including severe pain
Individuals recovering from heroin use may require this type of rehab in order to be fully treated for their medical conditions associated with heroin use. If someone is struggling with an extreme physical issue, it will be much harder for them to recover from heroin use, let alone begin to make major changes in their life, and inpatient care can help with this.
The Psychological Needs of Heroin Addicts
Many individuals who abuse drugs, especially ones as intense as heroin, struggle with psychological disorders, either caused by their drug abuse or partially responsible for it. According to the journal Psychiatric Quarterly, “Patients with high psychiatric severity… are predicted to have a better outcome in inpatient treatment.” This is often because these individuals require more intensified treatment and more time to overcome their psychiatric issues as well as their addictions. Patients must be treated simultaneously for both types of problem, or there will be a much higher chance of relapse and other issues occurring.
The Social Needs of Heroin Addicts
In addition, an individual with a “poor social support system” who lacks family and friends willing to help them through their recovery will likely fare much better in inpatient care. This is because the program helps surround the struggling addict with people who all support and relate to their decision to stop abusing heroin. Without this kind of support, it is often much harder for a person to recover from any type of drug abuse.
Do I Need Inpatient Rehab for Heroin?
You may or may not require this treatment program for your heroin addiction, but it is very important to consider your needs and ask yourself if it might be beneficial to you. If you:
- Require 24-hour hospital treatment
- Have severe physical issues resulting from your heroin abuse
- Are struggling with comorbid disorders such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, etc.
- Do not have a strong group of friends and family supporting your recovery
inpatient care may then be truly beneficial to you. Still, it depends on your unique situation and whether or not you are comfortable with the program. Call 800-430-1407Who Answers? today, and we can help you find inpatient centers in your area as well as answer any questions you have about these programs.

Is Inpatient Treatment Better Than Outpatient Treatment? -
When seeking treatment for addiction, the amount of options can be a bit overwhelming for some. Often, one of the biggest treatment decisions that need to be made is whether you should do inpatient treatment or outpatient treatment. Before making that decision, one should look at what each entails, as well as the pros and ...
Top 10 Benefits of Inpatient Drug Treatment -
1. A Controlled Environment For many addicts, the issue of being in their regular environment and dealing with their cravings can be very difficult. Triggers are often everywhere, making them want to start abusing again. In inpatient rehab, you won’t have to deal with these types of triggers because you’ll be in a controlled environment, ...
Can Inpatient Drug Rehabilitation Help My Spouse? -
Is your spouse struggling with addiction? Has it put a strain on your marriage and made it very difficult in not only their life but yours as well? Inpatient drug rehab may be the answer in this case, as having a spouse who is under the weight of an addiction can not only be problematic ...
How Can I Find Drug Rehabs Near Me? -
Drug addiction takes a toll on the addict, the addict’s loved ones, the workplace as well as the economy as a whole. For these reasons, federal and state governments have gone to great lengths to ensure people in need of treatment can find drug rehab help. How can I find drug rehabs near me? Fortunately, ...
What is Inpatient Rehab Really Like? -
The latest research shows inpatient drug rehab has the edge over outpatient treatment, for long-term drug rehab success. Inpatient drug rehab programs are typically the program of choice for people who have experienced: Longstanding drug addictions Severe addictions Medical complications which include mental illness Failed previous attempts at drug recovery Inpatient rehab requires that the ...