Heroin Detox Treatment

The following heroin detox treatment information has been prepared under the supervision of Consultant Addiction Psychiatrist Dr Bruce Trathen MBBS MRCPsych, and Senior Addictions Therapist David Goodlad FRSPH MA Dip. MBACP (Snr. Accred) UKRC NCAC CADC.

Accessing reliable and accurate heroin detox treatment information can be confusing and time consuming. Triage Advisors are here to help you make fully informed and accurate decisions. Call 0117 339 0080.

What is heroin detox treatment?

Heroin detox treatment refers to the initial stage of treatment for someone who has a physical dependence to heroin, and the procedure involved in helping them become substance-free.

Heroin detox treatment is usually accessed within a specialised facility that can help address the withdrawal symptoms from heroin. For substances such as heroin, withdrawing without any medication (or going 'cold turkey') can be extremely unpleasant and make it difficult for the person to continue with their abstinence.   The medications typically used to detox someone with a heroin addiction are methadone, lofexidine or subutex, which aim to alleviate as many of these symptoms as possible. More medications may also be used to help control other symptoms of withdrawal during this time.

Following detox, further treatment should focus on the psychological dependence to heroin.  This can include counselling, group therapy and education techniques to help address all the issues created by an addiction, and to help the individual to live a life free from drugs. Abstinence-based support groups such as Narcotics anonymous can provide additional support on alongside the professional treatment options.

When should someone seek heroin detox treatment?

Whilst withdrawal from heroin is not life-threatening, the symptoms of it can be very unpleasant. Anyone with a physical addiction to heroin should seek heroin detox treatment. 

A physical addiction to heroin can be identified by withdrawal symptoms.  These heroin withdrawal symptoms can begin to present themselves after a few of hours of abstinence. Symptoms can include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhoea, vomiting, cold sweats with goose bumps and involuntary leg jerks or movements.

Other indications and warnings signs which may suggest someone needs heroin detox treatment includes a noticeable decline in their physical health and appearance. Changes to their normal behaviour and mood, such as unreliability, keeping strange hours, and being secretive, and issues surrounding their finances, employment and personal relationships may also indicate heroin abuse.

If you are concerned that you or a loved one require heroin detox treatment then call us. Our trained advisors speak to people on a daily basis, and can help advise on the most suitable treatment options based on individual circumstances.

 Heroin Detox Treatment Centre options

Private residential clinics can provide the most immediate access to heroin detox treatment. Residential treatment is preferable in many cases, especially for detox, as it is usually considered safer (medically) and offers more psychological and emotional care during this time. The best outcome of success will be when a medicated detox is accessed as part of a complete addiction programme that offers psychological treatment as well. Residential clinics can also offer psychological, educational and social therapy to address all aspects of the dependence in addition to the initial heroin detox treatment.

It is also possible to access treatment for heroin addiction overseas. Triage Healthcare can organise immediate heroin detox treatment in the UK followed by a comprehensive overseas programme. This option can be particularly appealing to those individuals who want to be completely removed from their drug related environment or those who have perhaps already accessed a heroin rehab program in the UK with limited success.

NHS services can provide heroin detox treatment for those who are not in a position to fund private treatment. Typically outpatient and community services, including methadone programmes, counselling and support from drug key workers will be offered. In some cases funding will be available for residential treatment, although long waiting lists can be experienced to access this type of treatment.

How long could Heroin detox treatment take?

For medical reasons heroin detox treatment will usually require a minimum of 14 days in order to safely detox.

Return to heroin use can be fatal following a period of abstinence therefore the participation in a psychological programme following heroin detox treatment is vital for long term abstinence. Research illustrates that longer programmes, with a minimum of 28 days in residential treatment, offer a higher chance of maintaining abstinence than shorter programmes ( National Treatment Outcome Research Study, 1996).

How much does private Heroin detox treatment cost?

The cost of treatment can vary depending on the duration of treatment, and the facilities, accommodation standard, location and level of medical cover in a treatment centre may also have an impact on the cost.

 Triage Healthcare recognises that there is a deficit in the provision of affordable private treatment for addictions in the UK. High quality free advice and information is provided to all, as well as best-value private treatment to individuals with a limited budget. If you arrange detox treatment through Triage Healthcare you will never pay more and in some cases you will pay less than by booking direct with a treatment center.

Call Triage Healthcare to discuss the option most likely to result in success for you or your loved one.  Your call is guaranteed to be treated in the strictest confidence.

Where to find Heroin detox treatment Centers in the UK

Triage Healthcare provides immediate access to a wide range of detox treatment services across the UK and abroad. All of our workers and residential treatment centers are registered with the appropriate professional bodies.

We understand that there may be concerns regarding treatment, particularly in terms of cost, location and success. That is why we are here. Our aim at is to provide you with reliable advice regarding all areas of addiction. Our advice is all completely free and confidential. We can offer guidance towards the best treatment options based on your individual circumstances, budget and needs.

References

NTORS The National Treatment Outcome Research Study: Summary of the project, the clients, and preliminary findings: First Bulletin. (1996). Gossop, M., Marsden, J., Stewart, D., Edwards, C., Lehmann, P., Wilson, A., & Segar, G. Department of Health: London.