Table of Contents
Medical Reviewer
Hillary Nolan, PMHNP-BC, Medical Director
Author
Matt Otto, LCADC, Program Director
Though less abused than in some states, Kentucky still faces problems with heroin addiction, especially with it being involved in a percentage of the 1,984 drug overdose deaths reported in 2023. What begins as relief from pain or escape from trauma can quickly spiral into a life-threatening addiction. For many individuals and families, the cycle of addiction can feel relentless and overwhelming.
At Roaring Brook Recovery, we provide compassionate, evidence-based heroin addiction treatment rooted in trauma-informed care. Our team understands that addiction doesn’t define a person. Through individualized support, clinical expertise, and a focus on whole-person healing, we help people reclaim their lives and build a future grounded in hope and resilience.
Understanding how heroin impacts the brain and body is an important first step. Let’s take a closer look at the signs of addiction and how treatment can offer a path to lasting recovery.
Understanding Heroin Addiction
Heroin is a powerful and highly addictive opioid made from morphine. It’s typically found as a white or brown powder or a sticky substance known as black tar heroin. Once used—by injection, snorting, or smoking—it rapidly enters the brain, triggering intense euphoria by binding to opioid receptors. This short-lived high can quickly lead to dependence as the brain craves repeated use.
Over time, heroin use alters the brain’s chemistry and deeply affects physical and emotional health.
Short-term effects may include:
- Euphoria and pain relief
- Drowsiness or “nodding off”
- Slowed breathing and heart rate
Long-term effects can include:
- Chronic injection users can cause damage to vital organs (heart, liver, lungs)
- Cognitive decline and memory issues
- Imbalances in hormones, causing sexual dysfunctions
- Difficulty regulating emotions
- Increased risk of infectious diseases and overdose
Recognizing the signs of heroin addiction is a crucial step toward healing. Heroin addiction often shows through physical, behavioral, and psychological symptoms such as:
- Track marks or bruising at injection sites (if the person is an IV user).
- Significant weight loss or poor hygiene.
- Chronic drowsiness or slowed movements.
- Withdrawing from loved ones
- Sudden financial or legal problems
- Erratic mood swings
- Deceptive (lying) behavior
- Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Feelings of hopelessness or emotional numbness
Roaring Brook Recovery’s heroin addiction treatment addresses these complex effects through medical stabilization and addressing underlying causes, because recovery begins with understanding, not shame.
Why Professional Heroin Addiction Treatment Matters
Choosing to stop heroin use is a courageous step, but quitting heroin cold turkey often leads to intense withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Severe anxiety
- Nausea
- Muscle pain
- Insomnia
Unmanaged withdrawal can also lead to dehydration, seizures, or relapse with lowered tolerance (raising overdose). These symptoms can be overwhelming and, without medical support, significantly increase the risk of relapse.
Heroin withdrawal doesn’t just affect the body—it deeply impacts emotions and mental health. Many people experience feelings of despair, agitation, or suicidal thoughts during early recovery. Without proper care, these emotional challenges can derail progress.
Roaring Brook’s Treatment Approach
At Roaring Brook Recovery, heroin addiction treatment is rooted in evidence-based care, personal empowerment, and lasting healing. We recognize that every recovery journey is unique, and our trauma-informed, person-centered model ensures individuals receive the right level of support at every stage.
Levels of Care Available at Our Heroin Rehab
Roaring Brook Recovery offers various levels of care depending on each person’s unique needs. Our program includes:
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Our PHP offers a highly structured environment that is available 5 days a week, 4 hours a day. It’s ideal for individuals stepping down from inpatient care or needing intensive support without overnight stays.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): The IOP allows individuals to continue working or caring for family while engaging in therapy for 3 hours a day, 4 days a week, Monday through Thursday. This level emphasizes building coping skills and strengthening accountability in early recovery.
Each level of care is designed to meet you where you are in your recovery journey, with seamless transitions between programs as your needs change.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
MAT is effective in treating substance use disorders, especially opioids like heroin. This treatment approach is a combination of medication with behavioral therapies to help manage withdrawal and cravings while teaching and building on relapse prevention skills. Some of the medications used to treat heroin addiction are:
- Suboxone/Subutex: These medications are used to ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings in early recovery.
- Naltrexone: Naltrexone helps prevent relapse by blocking the euphoric effects of opioids. It can be especially effective once an individual is stabilized and ready to focus on long-term recovery goals.
Our MAT program is never “one-size-fits-all” – we regularly evaluate medication efficacy as part of your holistic treatment plan.
Therapies That Support Lasting Change
Roaring Brook Recovery offers a combination of therapeutic approaches to help address all aspects of a person, not just the symptoms. One-on-one therapy offers a safe space to explore personal challenges and build insight, while group therapy promotes connection, shared experience, and mutual encouragement. Our therapy includes:
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): CBT teaches individuals to recognize and reframe harmful thought patterns that drive substance use.
- ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy): This trauma-focused therapy uses eye movements and visualization techniques to help individuals process painful experiences. It’s especially helpful for those whose substance use is rooted in unresolved trauma.
Our therapy offerings go beyond symptom management—they provide a path to deeper understanding, healing, and resilience.
Holistic Therapies
By nurturing mind, body, and spirit, we help you build a fulfilling sober life that transcends mere abstinence from drugs. Some of our holistic approaches include:
- Neurofeedback: This non-invasive brain training helps restore natural dopamine production and improve emotional regulation, counteracting heroin’s neurological damage.
- Breathwork: Clients learn evidence-based breathing techniques to manage anxiety, cravings, and stress responses in real-world situations.
- Art therapy: Creative expression provides an outlet for emotions that may be hard to articulate in words. It promotes healing, boosts self-esteem, and fosters a sense of personal growth.
These holistic therapies complement clinical care by nurturing the whole person, key components in long-term recovery.
Community Support and Aftercare
Our continuum of care ensures you’re never without support when you need it most. We provide you with the tools to maintain recovery by offering:
- 12-Step integration
- Relapse prevention planning
- Sober housing referrals
- Alumni support network
Our aftercare services ensure clients are never without support, even after formal treatment ends—because recovery is a lifelong journey.
Frequently Asked Questions about Heroin Rehab
Heroin withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 8 to 24 hours of the last dose, peak within 1 to 3 days, and gradually subside over the course of a week. However, emotional and psychological symptoms—such as cravings, depression, or anxiety—can linger much longer.
No. MAT uses FDA-approved medications like Suboxone and Naltrexone to stabilize brain chemistry, reduce cravings, and support long-term healing. These medications are used under medical supervision and are paired with counseling and therapy. The goal is not substitution—it’s restoration of health and functionality while reducing the risk of relapse or overdose.
Relapse is not a failure—it’s a signal that additional support or a new strategy may be needed. At Roaring Brook, we offer ongoing care, alumni services, and relapse prevention planning to help individuals stay on track. If you or someone you love experiences a setback, we’re here to provide nonjudgmental guidance and help you reengage with treatment when you’re ready.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
If you or someone you love is struggling with heroin use, know that recovery is possible—and you don’t have to do it alone. Roaring Brook Recovery offers compassionate, evidence-based heroin addiction treatment programs designed to meet you where you are and walk beside you every step of the way.
Reach out today to speak with our team and explore how our programs can support your path to lasting change.
Call us or contact us online to get started.