Heroin Rehab in Alaska

As many parts of the country see the rates of heroin use rising, officials in Alaska are seeing some of the same. From the years between 2009 to 2015, deaths that relate back to heroin use have more than quadrupled from past years. And of the 128 deaths that occurred to drug overdose in the state 6 years ago, 74% of those had some kind of opioid and 28% had heroin use specifically as the cause.

The numbers are staggering and it does not appear that the trend will change. Those with the addiction need to consider seeking out a heroin rehab center soon to help them learn how to detox and avoid their addiction for the long-term and to regain their lives once more.

Heroin Detox in Alabama

Heron rehabs in Alabama provide several options for the patient to get better. These include outpatient and inpatient rehab. Since heroin is so addictive, inpatient rehab is often the best option to choose. This requires that the patient moves into the detox facility for the duration of their treatment. Under direct supervision of medical staff, the patient will go through the detox, therapy, and other treatment options to help them get better. This method is best for patients with severe addictions or those who have failed with other treatment options.

The patient can also choose outpatient rehab. For minor addictions, or as a continuation of the inpatient rehab when the patient is done, outpatient rehab can be a good option. This treatment allows the patient to work through the addiction while still maintaining work, family time, and other social obligations through the day. It is often not seen as effective as the inpatient treatment because the patient is still exposed to many of the triggers for heroin use in their day to day life.

Treatment Methodologies

Once the patient has had time to meet with the medical team to learn about the different treatment options, it is time for them to get started with the treatment. All facilities will begin with a detox. This is a time for the patient, under the supervision of medical professionals, will eliminate the heroin from their bodies. The withdrawal symptoms are often the worst part of the treatment, with many symptoms possible including the following:

1. Intense cravings for the drug
2. Diarrhea
3. Vomiting and nausea
4. Random aches and pains in the muscles
5. Confused thinking
6. Profuse sweating
7. Insomnia
8. Fatigue
9. Agitation

Medical professionals will watch the patient to make sure that the symptoms of the detox do not become too severe for the patient. This makes it easier for the patient to get through. Severe withdrawal symptoms will be handled with the use of medications. Sometimes they are simple medications like Tylenol for the muscle aches and Imodium for the vomiting. In severe cases, the use of Methadone is used to help mimic the effects of heroin to make it easier on the patient to detox.

When the patient is done with the detox, it is time for them to enter into therapy. Behavioral therapy will be used in most heroin addiction rehabs to help address the psychological issues with addiction. Contingency management and cognitive behavioral therapy are two options that are often used. These will help the addict learn more about some of their behaviors that led to the addiction. They will then work with the therapist to explore some of the ways to change that mindset and avoid issues in the future.

Along the same lines, the patient will also undergo some life skills training while in the treatment center for heroin addiction. This training provides the addiction with the tools they need to create and maintain stability. Life skills can also equip the addict with the prevention strategies so they can handle daily stressors in life without needing the substance. The exact skills necessary will depend on the patient and their addiction.

An aftercare plan is often given to the patient. When they leave the facility, they can utilize a support group, continued therapy, and even medication to help them stop using the heroin for good. Sometimes Methadone is prescribed to help if the patient needs longer to heal from the addiction. Methadone works as a way to wean the addict from heroin while also supporting some of the brain chemical processes that were damaged by using heroin. This is not given to all patients.

Treatment Duration

Most heroin rehab centers will last about a month for the patient. This is the minimum amount of time the patient will need to help them get better and to fight of the triggers. It is hard for a patient to find a treatment facility that will be for less than 28 days. However, it is most effective to work with a treatment center for as long as it takes to handle the addiction and get better. Experts agree that 90-day treatment centers for heroin are the most effective because they allow the patient more time to work through the detox, the therapy, and practicing the coping techniques that they learn in treatment.

Cost of Treatment

The cost of treatment will vary based on the type of facility the patient goes to. Luxury heroin addiction treatment and couples’ treatment will often cost more than regular heroin treatment for men or women. It is possible to find treatment facilities that cost as low as $2000 for a month, but the patient will have the bare minimum of amenities while there. Luxury heroin rehab will often cost much more, with some facilities costing $40,000 or more a month in the state of Alaska.

Insurance Coverage

Treatment for heroin addiction is often covered by the major insurance providers in the state of Alaska. The major insurance companies will provide at least some coverage for the treatment to help patients get better. The patient will need to take a look at their personal insurance coverage and see how much help they will get with their treatment.