Aftercare Options for Heroin Addiction Recovery

The Watershed Addiction Treatment Programs

Palm Beaches, Florida

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Heroin addiction is a devastating mental illness that affects many people. As the drug is so addictive, many users become addicted every year and require treatment in the form of detox and rehab in order recover. Many times, though, these individuals must also seek aftercare when the initial treatment is over. Here are some of the options a person might consider as aftercare for heroin addiction recovery.

Why Would Someone Need Aftercare for Heroin Addiction?

Sober living is one option for aftercare that can help with your heroin recovery.

The NIH states that “addiction (to opiates and other drugs) is recognized as a chronic, relapsing brain disease with a wide range of serious medical consequences.” Because addiction is an illness and relapse is part of the process, people do not often stay better forever after one treatment plan at a rehab facility ends. In fact, many people who become addicted to drugs, especially a substance as intense as heroin, will need to receive multiple treatments in order to stay sober.

According to the NIDA, “remaining in treatment for an adequate period of time is critical.” This is also why aftercare is important. If a person has finished his or he treatment plan, supervision and care may still be needed by the individual. If a person who was addicted to heroin is left out on his or her own before being ready, it can undo much of the good work done in treatment.

Aftercare Options for Heroin Addiction Recovery

There are actually many options you might want to consider for your aftercare. Heroin addiction is very debilitating, and these programs and facilities exist to help you through the difficult task of transitioning from rehab back to the real world. Some of these aftercare options are:

• Halfway houses
  • Also known as residential reentry centers, these are often resources for those who have been in prison or who are homeless. It is very important that halfway houses exist for people who come out of rehab with no support system of family or friends and nowhere to go. Halfway houses often “offer drug testing” as part of substance abuse programs (FBOP). The person is also held accountable for his or her actions and is expected to be involved in the process of finding employment and eventual housing for him or herself.
• Sober living houses
  • These facilities are often beneficial to those who can live on their own but who still need supervision. In a sober living house, a person will be responsible for having a job, paying rent, and following other rules of the house. A study from the NCBI states that sober living houses “are a good example of services… that might help individuals who need an alcohol and drug-free living environment to succeed in their recovery.”
• Mutual-help groups
  • These groups are often important to the sustained sobriety of many people who undergo rehab. Heroin addicts may choose a group like NA (or Narcotics Anonymous) and attend meetings with other individuals who are fighting their addictions as well. These programs are important for keeping people on the paths they started by undergoing rehab and helping them to feel less alone.

There are many options for heroin rehab aftercare. If you are considering one, do your research and choose the program or facility that is right for you.