“Your best days are ahead of you. The movie starts when the guy gets sober and puts his life back together; it doesn’t end there.” – Bucky SinisterNo one wakes up and decides to try heroin, hoping it destroys their life. Yet it still happens every day, and some are not as fortunate to choose recovery.In 2021, 44 deaths from heroin in combination with other substances took place along our Gulf Coast counties, including Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Manatee.Real Recovery has a heroin use disorder treatment program for those ready to seek help. With the largest sober living network in Florida, our clients find their success in recovery through the support of their peers and our licensed staff.
“Your best days are ahead of you. The movie starts when the guy gets sober and puts his life back together; it doesn’t end there.” – Bucky Sinister
No one wakes up and decides to try heroin, hoping it destroys their life. Yet it still happens every day, and some are not as fortunate to choose recovery.
In 2021, 44 deaths from heroin in combination with other substances took place along our Gulf Coast counties, including Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Manatee.
Real Recovery has a heroin use disorder treatment program for those ready to seek help. With the largest sober living network in Florida, our clients find their success in recovery through the support of their peers and our licensed staff.
Heroin use disorder is a complex condition that differs from heroin dependence. Dependence occurs when the body requires the substance in order to function, and when it is not present, withdrawal symptoms begin. This does happen during heroin use disorder, but the behavioral changes the person goes through are what truly define the condition. Heroin becomes the most important thing in their life, even over relationships, jobs, and their own health. They may lie or steal to get more heroin. It does not matter how much they lose as long as they still have heroin to take.
Real Recovery understands fully how the cycle of addiction works. We offer treatment programs for heroin use disorder that have optional housing for those who need it.
Partial hospitalization programming (PHP) and intensive outpatient programming (IOP) are both offered at Real Recovery. PHP consists of various therapy sessions occurring daily for most of the day. IOP also offers daily therapy sessions but on a less frequent basis. Both programs address heroin use disorder at the core, helping our clients find the tools that work for them as they enter recovery.
Our treatment includes therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, as it works to change the way the brain views negative thoughts and situations. This occurs in both individual and group settings. 12-step programming is also a large part of our program, practicing the AA/NA models. Family therapy sessions will occur as well to help rebuild the relationships between members.
Though PHP and IOP are outpatient services, Real Recovery provides sober living as an optional part of treatment. This guarantees a roof over your head in a safe and secure environment that is monitored 24/7. Those who are looking for extra support and having people around to keep them accountable will thrive in this living environment.
Heroin is a depressant derived from the opium poppy plant. It is typically injected, snorted, smoked, or swallowed. When heroin enters the body, it creates a euphoric and relaxing effect. After the initial rush, side effects include drowsiness, nodding in and out of consciousness, slowed breathing, and constipation. When too much heroin is taken, there is the risk of experiencing an overdose, which can be fatal.
Heroin addiction doesn’t happen overnight – it develops over time and with continued, frequent use. Heroin works in the brain by attaching to opioid receptors, which blocks pain and stimulates the reward system. This causes dopamine to be released unnaturally, and continued heroin use will cause changes in the brain’s reward system. The brain will no longer naturally release dopamine, which means heroin becomes the only way to truly feel pleasure. This is how the cycle of heroin use disorder begins as the brain will send signals denoting a need for the substance.
When heroin is not present in the body, withdrawal symptoms begin and are uncomfortable. The person continues taking heroin to avoid becoming sick during the withdrawal process.
Heroin use disorder – or in general, all substance use disorders – is classified as a mental health condition. It is really up to you to decide if you need help to stop taking heroin. Some questions you can ask yourself that may be an indicator that treatment is needed include:
Answering yes to any of these questions can be a good indicator that it’s time to seek help. Real Recovery is here to welcome you into our program and offer a safe space to heal from heroin use disorder.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to heroin use disorder treatment. Some may start in a residential program while others are able to achieve success through outpatient care. No matter your story, there are treatment options available that will fit your unique goals and needs.
Partial hospitalization programming (PHP) is a form of outpatient therapy where you go to the facility during the day and receive different treatments. This program typically lasts most or all of the day and then allows you to return home in the evening. Therapies include talk therapy such as cognitive behavioral, trauma therapy, and sharing in groups with your peers. External support groups will also be a part of the program. The goal is to get to the root causes behind your heroin use disorder and develop healthy coping techniques for your future recovery.
Real Recovery offers a PHP program with the option to stay in our sober living housing. Many find this beneficial as it gets them away from their triggers and offers a safe space to heal.
Intensive outpatient programming (IOP) is similar to PHP but sessions don’t typically last as long during the day. Regular therapies will continue as you keep working on yourself and developing your skill sets. External support groups are also utilized in IOP as well. IOP also allows you to return home in the evening if you choose. At Real Recovery, IOP also has a sober living option, allowing you to continue to build your progress in a safe environment.
Outpatient rehab services consist of therapy sessions occurring a few days per week instead of every day. During outpatient services, you will have resources available to you to begin setting up your life after treatment. This can include job assistance, housing, food, and local 12-step meeting schedules. You will continue to hone your coping skills and share your experiences with peers.
Real Recovery has an excellent team of case managers who help get you set up as you transition out of sober living. Outpatient services can continue as long as you need, and we will always be available if something unexpected comes up.
The idea of heroin rehab can be scary and you may wonder what you can expect during treatment. The truth is there is nothing to be worried about as you are welcomed into a safe and secure space dedicated to healing. You can expect individual therapies that give you insight into yourself and learn where your addiction stemmed from. Group therapy can empower you because you’ll hear similar stories and offer your own advice. You will build relationships that will be your support in the future, establishing a strong foundation in your recovery before you return to your everyday life.
Heroin can quickly take over your life and leave you with nothing, but there is hope to pick up the pieces and start anew. Heroin use disorder treatment is the first step in the process, allowing you to find peace among others. Through therapy, 12-step study, and coping skill development, you will have the tools needed to find success away from heroin and on the path of recovery. Don’t wait – get started today.
If you or someone you love is managing a heroin use disorder, Real Recovery is here. With the largest sober living facilities in Florida, we offer housing options for up to a year in a supervised environment. This helps us hold our clients accountable and allows them to put the work in for lasting recovery. Call us today at 813-373-6762 to learn more about our program offerings.
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As the Clinical Director at Real Recovery Solutions, Carlos Escobar leverages over 15 years of experience in Substance Use Disorder Treatment, focusing on therapies like CBT and REBT to foster client self-understanding and acceptance. His commitment to innovative, personalized care aims to profoundly improve the lives of those battling addiction and related mental health challenges.
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