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.

Types of Heroin Addiction Rehab Centers