Heroin addiction affects individuals and families across Greater Houston and the Brazos Valley. For many people, dependence begins after exposure to other opioids, often from a prescription, then progresses to heroin use.
Recovery can feel overwhelming, yet people do heal with the right heroin addiction treatment and consistent support. Promises Brazos Valley provides compassionate care in a safe and supportive environment, helping you or a loved one take the next step with evidence based treatment that respects your goals.
If you or someone you love is struggling, call Promises Brazos Valley at 888.483.7851. You can also review our Addiction Treatment FAQs to prepare questions and learn what to expect.
What Is Heroin Rehab?
Heroin rehab is a structured treatment program designed to stabilize health, reduce drug use, and support long term sobriety for people with heroin use disorder. Treatment types range from inpatient treatment in a residential setting to flexible outpatient care, and usually include medication assisted treatment plus counseling. The right level of care depends on safety needs, medical history, mental health conditions, and the person’s home supports.
At intake, your care team reviews substance use, physical dependence, life stressors, and your expectations, then recommends treatment options that fit your situation. Some people begin with residential services with medical supervision, then step down to lower levels of care. Others start with outpatient if they are stable at home. No single pathway works for everyone; effective treatment adapts as you progress.
How Heroin Rehab Works: Medications and Therapies
For opioid use disorder, research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse and other leading experts shows that medication should be the first line of care, combined with counseling or behavioral therapy. Three FDA approved options are commonly used in heroin addiction treatment:
- Methadone, a full opioid agonist that binds to opioid receptors in the brain, can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It is dispensed through specialized treatment centers and can help stabilize daily routines.
- Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. In prescription doses, it activates opioid receptors enough to prevent withdrawal symptoms without the rewarding effects associated with heroin. Formulations like Suboxone combine buprenorphine with naloxone to deter misuse; if a person were to inject Suboxone, the naloxone component would precipitate withdrawal.
- Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors. For people who have already completed heroin detox, extended release naltrexone can help protect against relapse by reducing the effects of heroin and other opioids and deterring use.
These medications work by interacting with the same opioid receptors involved in heroin use. Some activate opioid receptors to a limited degree, preventing withdrawal symptoms without producing a high; others block the receptors altogether. Your clinician will help select among partial agonists and antagonists based on medical needs, goals, and risks.
Therapy in mMedication Assisted Treatment
Behavioral therapy complements medication by building skills and emotional support. Common approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps modify behaviors related to drug use, manage drug cravings, and cope with life stressors, and contingency management, which uses structured rewards for healthy actions such as negative drug tests to encourage healthy living. Family therapy can strengthen communication and support at home, while group therapy connects you with peers in recovery.
Heroin Detox and Withdrawal
Stopping heroin suddenly causes withdrawal symptoms because the body has adapted to the drug. Symptoms often begin within hours, peak around 24 to 48 hours, and usually improve over about a week, although some people have lingering symptoms longer. Typical withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety and irritability
- Sweating and chills
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Muscle aches, stomach cramps, and gooseflesh
- Restlessness and sleep disruption
Many people try to quit alone, then relapse because withdrawal symptoms and cravings are intense. Medication assisted treatment during heroin detox can ease discomfort and lower relapse risk by preventing withdrawal symptoms and stabilizing the nervous system. Detox alone is not treatment; ongoing heroin addiction treatment with medication and therapy is essential for safety and recovery.
What to Expect at a Promises Brazos Valley Addiction Treatment Program
At Promises Brazos Valley, your care team provides evidence based care tailored to the person, not just the substance. Services may include medication assisted treatment to treat opioid use disorder, individual and group counseling, and recovery support that addresses mental health, physical wellness, and daily routines. Our clinicians collaborate with you on treatment and recovery goals, adjust care as needs change, and help you build skills for long term sobriety.
- Whole person support, attending to mental health conditions and medical needs together with heroin addiction treatment
- Structured therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy and skills groups that help you manage stress, triggers, and relationships
- Peer and alumni connections for ongoing emotional support
- 12-step based treatment programs
- Gender specific residential care: see our women’s addiction treatment and men’s addiction treatment pages
We emphasize dignity, privacy, and a supportive environment. To discuss treatment options or verify health insurance, call 888.483.7851
Promises Brazos Valley Admissions and Next Steps
If you live in Greater Houston or nearby communities, Promises Brazos Valley is ready to help with heroin addiction treatment in a safe and supportive environment. We work with people at every stage of the recovery journey, from heroin detox planning to ongoing therapy. Make a promise to yourself to give treatment a try, and reach out to find out how we can help.