Heroin addiction rehab
Overcome heroin addiction and start your journey to recovery with Priory’s expert-led rehab, tailored to your needs.
Take the first step towards a healthier, drug-free life with a free assessment today.
Heroin is a highly addictive substance that can have devastating consequences for the user and their loved ones.
For most people, the safest and most effective way to overcome heroin addiction is through structured treatment at a professional rehabilitation facility, where withdrawal symptoms can be safely managed and long-term recovery properly supported.
If you recognise the signs of heroin addiction in yourself or someone you love, find out how it’s treated and how you can start your recovery journey.
Treatment options and process
Depending on your individual circumstances and needs, there are various treatment options available for heroin addiction. Rehab typically involves several stages designed to support your recovery:
Initial assessment
Your free initial assessment is carried out by one of our experienced addiction therapists. During this confidential 90-minute session, we’ll take the time to understand your heroin use, mental health and personal circumstances.
This helps us identify which of our addiction services is best suited to your needs. You’ll have the opportunity to discuss your addiction history, medical background and treatment goals, and we’ll talk you through the available treatment options, the admissions process, and what to expect next.
Inpatient treatment
Inpatient treatment involves structured and intensive care in a supportive environment with 24/7 access to medical and therapeutic staff in a safe residential environment.
Whilst there, you’ll receive a holistic programme of support, including:
Medically-assisted detoxification
For most people, the first step in heroin addiction treatment is a medically-assisted drug detox, which focuses on safely removing heroin from your body, while helping you manage withdrawal symptoms.
During the detox process, you may be prescribed medication to help you manage your symptoms and keep you as comfortable as possible.
At Priory, detox is led by a specialist team and typically lasts 7 to 10 days. Under 24/7 medical supervision, you'll be supported to manage your withdrawal symptoms in a safe and friendly environment.
Once your system has been cleansed of heroin, you’ll be ready to take the next step in your recovery journey. This could include a transition into inpatient treatment, where you’ll receive structured therapy, holistic activities and ongoing medical support, or it may involve step-down support and continued care in an outpatient setting to help you maintain progress while rebuilding daily routines.
Therapy and holistic activities
Heroin addiction treatment often involves therapy to address the psychological and emotional aspects of your addiction. This may include evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR). Many treatment programmes also draw on elements of the 12-step model as part of a structured recovery plan.
Therapy can be delivered one-to-one, in groups or with family members, depending on individual needs. To support overall wellbeing, programmes may also include activities such as mindfulness, yoga and regular exercise.
Pharmacological treatment
Medication often plays a key role in heroin addiction rehab, working alongside psychological support to help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.
Pharmacological interventions are adapted to your needs but typically include:
- Methadone is a synthetic opioid. It’s used to replace heroin and stabilise the individual by reducing the severity of withdrawal symptoms
- Buprenorphine works by partially stimulating opioid receptors, which reduces cravings and alleviates withdrawal symptoms
- Naltrexone blocks the effects of heroin (also known as an opioid antagonist), preventing the user from experiencing the euphoric effects of the drug, reducing cravings and the risk of relapse both in treatment and post-rehab. Administered through the nose, naltrexone can be life-saving in the event of suspected overdose, so can be a vital part of aftercare for heroin addiction
Other treatment options
While many people benefit from more intensive support for heroin addiction, we also offer a range of flexible treatment options that may be suitable depending on your needs. These include standalone detox, day care, outpatient therapy and online programmes. These approaches can provide structured support while allowing you to continue with elements of daily life.
Treatment may involve individual or group therapy, relapse prevention work, and opportunities to engage with peer support communities such as 12-step groups. The frequency and format of sessions will vary depending on the level of care that's most appropriate for you.
Aftercare
Many of our services include a 12-month aftercare plan when your programme ends. This may involve follow-up therapy, access to support groups, a personalised relapse prevention plan, and opportunities for family involvement – all designed to help you maintain progress and feel supported in the long term.
Find out more about our heroin addiction treatment options - including programme formats, settings and pricing - on our dedicated addiction services page.
Discover Priory's new addiction services
New: Priory addiction services
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to addiction recovery. Whether you're just beginning your journey or looking for ongoing support, Priory offers a diverse range of specialist programmes to meet your needs whether:
- You're seeking treatment for the first time
- You need a safe, medically supported detox
- You need intensive inpatient treatment, with round-the-clock support
- You need something flexible or remote
- You want help after leaving rehab
Choosing the right addiction treatment provider
Finding the right support for heroin addiction is an important step in your recovery. Whether you're looking for intensive rehab or a more flexible approach, there are a few key factors to consider to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Private and public treatment options
Addiction treatment is available through both public services and private providers. Public treatment, such as that offered by the NHS, is free to access but can involve long waiting times due to high demand. Treatment is evidence-based, but options may be more limited, and programmes are often less tailored to individual needs.
Private heroin addiction treatment – such as that available at Priory – can be accessed quickly, often within a few days of your initial assessment. You’ll receive a personalised treatment plan with access to a wide range of evidence-based therapies, delivered in a comfortable and supportive environment. Treatment can be self-funded or paid for through private medical insurance (PMI).
Cost
The cost of private treatment depends on the type of care you need, the length of the programme and the location of the centre. We can provide a personalised quote based on your needs and treatment preferences.
Many PMI providers do cover addiction treatment services, but what's included will depend on your individual policy. The best way to find out what’s available to you is to check directly with your insurer. Or, you can contact our team – we’ll be happy to talk you through your options and help you understand what’s covered.
Location and facilities
When deciding on a treatment provider, it’s worth thinking about whether you’d prefer to stay close to home or attend a centre in a different location. Private providers like Priory offer services at multiple sites across the UK, giving you flexibility based on what works best for you.
Our treatment centres offer purpose-built facilities designed to support both comfort and recovery. You’ll be supported by experienced professionals who specialise in addiction and mental health care, ensuring a high standard of treatment throughout your journey.
Not everyone receiving treatment will need to be admitted for inpatient care – we also offer a range of non-residential options depending on what’s clinically appropriate. Whatever your situation, our aim is to help you find the level of support that’s right for you.
Support for families
Heroin addiction can have devastating effects on the individual as well as their loved ones. This makes family involvement crucial for a sustainable recovery.
At Priory, many of our addiction treatment services offer dedicated family support to help loved ones navigate this journey effectively. Depending on your treatment programme, family support may include:
- Family therapy: therapy can help to improve communication and understanding, rebuild trust, and address the impact of addiction on loved ones
- Support meetings: families have access to support groups, which provide a safe space to share their experiences and gain guidance from others in a similar situation
- Information and advice: includes understanding the warning signs of relapse, how to build healthy boundaries and provide practical support
- Family visits: depending on your wishes, family visits are supported
- Ongoing support: families are encouraged to engage with aftercare programmes to promote long-term sobriety
How to access treatment
If you’re struggling with heroin addiction, the first step is to reach out for support. At Priory, we offer a range of treatment options tailored to your individual needs – including intensive programmes, detox, outpatient therapy and online support. While many people benefit from inpatient care, we’ll help determine the most appropriate level of treatment during your free addiction assessment.
You’ll receive a personalised care plan, developed in collaboration with our expert team, to support your recovery goals. Many of our services also include 12 months of free aftercare to help you maintain progress and stay supported beyond your initial treatment.
To get started, book a free, confidential assessment with one of our specialists. We’ll talk through your situation and help guide you towards the right support for your recovery.
FAQs
How long does heroin rehab take?
Programme lengths can vary depending on the service and your individual needs. Inpatient treatment for heroin addiction is typically delivered as part of a structured 28-day programme, which is the recommended length for intensive rehab. The first 7 to 10 days are often focused on detox, though you may begin joining therapy sessions as soon as you're physically able. Many of our services also offer 12 months of aftercare.
Can I detox at home safely?
Detoxing from heroin at home isn’t safe due to the severity of withdrawal symptoms and the risk of relapse or overdose. That’s why it’s crucial to go through this process under medical supervision in a safe and supportive environment.
What should families know about heroin rehab?
Addiction affects the entire family and therefore family involvement is encouraged. Families can help by learning about addiction, attending family therapy, and joining support groups, where available. Many of our addiction treatment programmes include practical guidance for families, along with ongoing aftercare to help loved ones navigate the challenges of long-term recovery.