Have you ever known or know someone with an opioid addiction? They may have had a great life—you may never have suspected that they would even start using. On the other hand, a person may have had a horrible life, and the idea of using it was one that you not only could see happening but may have predicted. Addictions come from all walks of life, all economic backgrounds, all races, etc. No one is safe. Just one time is all it takes to spiral out of control. 

When it comes to your loved ones, you might have watched their life go downhill fast. They might have even lied, cheated, or stolen from you. Though, because they are loved ones, the desire to help them is naturally there. After all, the likelihood of something bad happening like an overdose is common. But what options are the best for those that are addicted to heroin or prescription pain medication?
 

Medical Detox 

First, an addict will need to go through the detox process. This will also include the withdrawal phase. More often than not, it's a better idea to have this process done with the help of a medical professional. The reason being is that opiates are strong. Their bodies might have become so dependent that stopping usage could shock the system and lead to unwanted side effects. Withdrawal can last a few days up to a week, and the detox process can last upwards of 3 weeks.

Inpatient Therapy

Intensive inpatient therapy is the best chance at success. This is a rigid, more structured program for stopping usage. For those that have tried and failed to do cold turkey, a 30-day inpatient is likely the better choice. Medical detox and inpatient can be done at the same time and at the same facility in most cases.

Outpatient

Instead of being inpatient, you can choose to go to outpatient therapy throughout the week. This requires a daily commitment to going to a facility or treatment location for meetings. Meetings can be an hour-long to multiple hours long, depending on the structure of the program. Most outpatient programs are longer than inpatient. They are also less expensive.

Final Thoughts