31 S. Braddock St. | Winchester, VA 22601

(540) 535-1111 | Available 24/7

31 S. Braddock St. | Winchester, VA 22601

(540) 535-1111 | Available 24/7

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Heroin Addiction TreatmentFind Recovery

Overcoming heroin may seem overwhelming, but remember that you don’t have to face it by yourself. Addiction is a medical condition, and there’s no need to feel ashamed when seeking help. Our compassionate team will provide support, expert care, and treatment personalized to your specific physiological, mental, and spiritual needs.

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Reclaim Your Life

Understanding Heroin Addiction

Heroin addiction drastically alters brain chemistry. Upon entering the body, heroin binds to brain receptors, causing an intense euphoria that reinforces drug use—despite any adverse physical, mental, or social effects. Over time, tolerance develops and higher doses are need to achieve the same high, leading to increased dependency.

  • How Does Addiction Begin?

    It can stem from genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and psychological issues. Trauma, prenatal exposure to substances, and malnutrition during early development may increase the risk of developing addiction.

  • More Than Rehab: Become Who You Are Supposed to Be

    If you or a loved one has faced setbacks after attending heroin addiction treatment center or program, don't lose hope. We offer a fresh start with powerful evidence-based recovery strategies that address the whole person.

Journey to Renewal

Overcoming Addiction with Us

Our compassionate and skilled staff swiftly navigates you out of crisis, establishes stability, and through our integrative approach—builds a solid foundation for enduring sobriety and health. Our philosophy is to treat the root causes of the disease of addiction. Here are just some of the modalities we integrate. 

Psychotherapy: Individual/Group

Psychotherapy sessions led by trained clinicians help clients share experiences, explore emotions, and address addiction-related struggles.

Amino Acid Therapy

Amino Acid Therapy uses specific amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, to help regulate brain chemistry and alleviate cravings and other discomfort associated with addiction and early recovery.

12-Step Meetings

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)/Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings follow a proven 12-step program that helps individuals develop coping strategies for managing addiction in a healthy way.

Meditation

Meditation at BTG helps manage stress, reduce anxiety and depression, improve sleep, and enhance mental focus. This centering practice promotes calm and well-being, aiding clients in addiction recovery.

Creative Expression

At Bridging the Gaps, we provide art and music therapy to help clients explore and resolve core issues, understand their addiction, express themselves healthily, and develop coping skills.

AcuDetox

Acudetox is a non-verbal approach to healing that involves the placement of up to 5 sterile, disposable needles into specific points in the ear. This helps with emotion regulation, enhances detoxification, and a discovery of inner quiet, strength, and resiliency. 

Massage/Reiki

Stress is a serious barrier to healing from the disease of addiction. Massage therapy is very effective in reducing stress and promoting deep relaxation. Reiki is a form of energy healing which has many physical and emotional benefits.

Group Education

Group education allows clients to learn more about the disease of addiction and develop cognitive and behavioral tools to avoid relapse, mend relationships, and establish healthy habits in recovery.

Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback (EEG biofeedback) is used to help patients break free from harmful patterns of thinking and behavior. In those with cannabis addiction, we target the alpha and theta brain waves and train them to function more efficiently. This can help reduce cravings, improve impulse control, and promote emotional stability.

Nutrition Education

Nutrition Education teaches our clients the importance of a healthy and balanced diet, as well as how certain foods can impact their physical and mental health.It also address the specific dietary needs of those struggling with addiction, such as vitamin deficiencies or food sensitivities that may contribute to cravings and relapse.

Brainspotting

Trauma-informed care takes into account the potential impact of past trauma on an individual’s current mental health and well-being. This approach recognizes that traumatic experiences can significantly contribute to addiction, and therefore aims to address these underlying issues utilizing trauma treatment techniques.

Yoga and Exercise

Yoga and exercise have been shown to be beneficial in addiction recovery. These activities not only promote physical health, but also mental and emotional well-being.

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Beyond Sobriety

Navigating Life's Challenges with Confidence and Sobriety

In our accepting community, you'll be supported and surrounded by a tight-knit group that ensures personalized care. By focusing on healing the mind, body, and spirit, we go beyond mere symptom management. Our program equips you with crucial life skills and resilience to face life's challenges, forge significant relationships, and confidently tackle the duties of sober living. It isn’t just about overcoming addiction—it's about thriving in every aspect of life.

    Individualized treatment plans tailored to your goals and lifestyle
    Experienced staff dedicated to your recovery journey
    Comprehensive support throughout the treatment for heroin addiction process

Help is Available

How Heroin Addiction is Treated

Learn how addiction to heroin impacts overall health and wellness and the varied effects of addiction on the body and mind, from increased heart problems and liver damage to severe mental health issues and cognitive impairments. 

Neurochemical rebalancing for heroin addiction involves several key components. First, a comprehensive neurochemical deficiency assessment, spanning across four pages, is conducted. This assessment helps identify specific areas of neurochemical deficiency. Next, a personalized approach is taken to provide individuals with tailored amino acids and supplements.

Additionally, an abstinence-based symptom sheet is utilized to monitor and track 25 different symptoms that are correlated with neurochemical imbalances. Based on the information gathered, the amino acid protocol is then adjusted accordingly to address individual needs. Clients will receive the amino acids and cofactors they need to help restore healthy brain chemistry. For those recovering from heroin addiction, it is common to receive D-phenylalanine to balance endorphins. This helps to reduce or eliminate cravings and eradicate uncomfortable side effects of recovery, also known as post-acute withdrawal.

Excessive use of heroin can be damaging to the body. In order to repair this damage, it’s important to prioritize restoring physical health and wellness:

Improve Nutrition and Teach Healthy Habits: Heroin can suppress appetite, leading to decreased food intake and weight loss. This can be especially problematic for individuals who are already struggling with malnutrition or chronic diseases that require proper nutrition for management. Heroin also interferes with the absorption, metabolism, and utilization of essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. This can lead to deficiencies that can have long-term consequences on overall health and well-being. At Bridging the Gaps, we understand that healthy eating is essential for those recovering from opioid addiction to replenish their bodies with essential nutrients. Proper nutrition helps to stabilize mood, reduces cravings, and improves energy levels, cognitive function, and overall well-being. Our clients work with a nutritionist to create healthy, balanced meals and learn how to shop for healthy foods and effectively read nutrition facts. The goal is to establish healthy eating habits here that will help our clients when they eventually leave and navigate recovery outside of our walls.

Exercise Regularly:
Exercise is another crucial aspect of restoring physical wellness during recovery from heroin. Long-term heroin use leads to muscle atrophy, which is the wasting away of muscle tissue. Our clients exercise every morning and attend a private Yoga class once a week with a certified instructor. We prioritize exercise for several reasons. First, exercise releases endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression – common triggers for relapse. It can also help regulate sleep patterns and improve quality of sleep. Lastly, engaging in physical activity also provides a healthy outlet for emotions, reducing the risk of turning to heroin as a coping mechanism.

Promote Healthy Sleep Hygiene: Sleep is essential for the body to heal and repair itself. However, heroin disrupts normal sleep patterns, inhibiting rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and the deeper restorative stages of non-REM sleep, leading to insomnia and trouble staying asleep. Incorporating good sleep hygiene practices is crucial for those recovering from opioid use to improve their overall health. Establishing a regular sleep schedule and avoiding caffeine, heavy meals, and electronics before bed can help regulate sleep patterns. Getting enough quality sleep can also aid in mood stabilization, reducing cravings and improving overall mental health. We encourage our clients to maintain proper sleep hygiene.

People who have experienced trauma may develop coping mechanisms such as substance use to deal with the overwhelming emotions and feelings associated with their trauma. This can include turning to heroin as a way to self-medicate and numb painful memories or emotions. The clinicians at Bridging the Gaps are dedicated to helping our clients work through these painful events and uncover the hope that lies within.

The first few weeks of group psychotherapy and individual sessions aim to educate the client about their disease, help them begin to address some of the behaviors or thoughts that lead them to use, and begin to build community.

After about 4-6 weeks of stabilization, clients who have suffered significant trauma will begin working on processing these events. The caring, compassionate clinicians at BTG are trained and experienced in trauma-informed care and trauma treatment techniques. Instead of asking, “what’s wrong with you?”, trauma-informed clinicians instead seek to understand what happened to you. Using trauma treatment tools like Brainspotting and DBT, we help our clients to work through their trauma and understand what they need to adequately heal.

Empowering You: Flexible Treatment Options for Sustained Sobriety

Residential Treatment Program

Immerse yourself in our supportive community and beautiful environment, where our comprehensive treatment center offer the structure and supervision you need to focus on your recovery journey and build a strong foundation for lasting sobriety.

Partial Hospitalization Program

Our residential treatment programs provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals seeking to overcome alcohol addiction. With a team of experienced professionals, we offer personalized care and evidence-based therapies to help our clients achieve lasting sobriety.

Outpatient Treatment Programs

For individuals who require a higher level of care, our partial hospitalization programs offer intensive treatment for alcohol addiction. With a focus on individualized care and comprehensive support, we help our clients build the foundation for long-term recovery.

Recover

Our Treatment Process For Addiction

We have developed a straightforward, three-step plan to help you overcome addiction. Our process is designed to provide you with the support, resources, and tools you need for a successful recovery.

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Step 1: Assessment

The first step in our addiction treatment process is the assessment phase. During this stage, our experienced team will conduct a comprehensive assessment to understand your unique needs, the treatment options, and develop a personalized plan that’ll work for you.

Step 2: Treatment

Once your personalized treatment plan is established, you will begin the treatment phase. This may include a combination of individual therapy, group counseling, holistic activities, and evidence-based practices to address the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction.

Step 3: Recovery

The final step in our addiction treatment process is the recovery phase. During this stage, we will provide you with ongoing support, relapse prevention strategies, and aftercare resources to help you maintain long-term sobriety.

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Reach Out

You’re Not Alone: Connect with Our Admissions Director

We know that recovery isn’t just possible – it’s also magical and life-
changing. That being said, we know it’s often difficult to take the first step. Contact our Admissions Director today – 24/7 – if you or a loved one needs help. We’re here to listen.

  • Compassionate Support

    Let Bridging the Gaps assist you or a loved one on the dedicated path to recovery and a brighter future.

  • You Matter!

    Our team will work to understand you and your situation. You’re never “just another client” because we value your individuality. 

Effects of Heroin Addiction

Learn how addiction to heroin impacts overall health and wellness and the varied effects of addiction on the body and mind, from increased heart problems and liver damage to mental health issues and cognitive impairments. 

Respiratory Problems

Heroin slows down the central nervous system, affecting breathing and potentially leading to respiratory failure.

Digestive Issues

Heroin can cause constipation and other gastrointestinal problems, leading to chronic pain and discomfort.

Organ Damage

Heroin can harm the liver, kidneys, and other vital organs, leading to chronic health problems.

Hormonal Imbalances

Heroin can disrupt the hormonal system, leading to infertility, sexual dysfunction, and other problems.

Chronic Pain

Heroin addiction can lead to chronic pain conditions, as the body becomes dependent on the drugs to manage pain.

Depression

Heroin can cause depression and other mood disorders, leading to feelings of hopelessness and isolation.

Anxiety

Heroin can cause anxiety and panic attacks, leading to increased stress and mental health problems.

Memory Problems

Heroin addiction can cause memory problems and cognitive impairment, affecting daily life and overall functioning.

Psychosis

Heroin can lead to hallucinations, delusions, and other psychotic symptoms, potentially leading to psychiatric hospitalization and long-term mental health problems.

Know What to Look For

Signs of Heroin Addiction

Knowing how to recognize the physical, behavioral, and social signs of heroin addiction can help individuals seek the support and treatment they need to overcome it.

  • Physical Signs of Heroin Addiction

    Constricted pupils, disorientation or confusion, lack of coordination, slowed breathing, nausea and vomiting, and sweating and flushing are all physical signs of heroin addiction.

  • Behavioral Signs of Heroin Addiction

    Social isolation and withdrawal from friends and family, neglecting responsibilities such as work, school, or family obligations, lying or being dishonest about drug use and activities, engaging in criminal activities to obtain drugs, mood swings and irritability, and a decrease in personal hygiene and grooming habits are all behavioral signs of heroin addiction.

  • Social Signs of Heroin Addiction

    A decline in social activities and hobbies, socializing with people who use drugs, loss of interest in activities and hobbies, change in friends and social circle, and financial struggles are all social signs of heroin addiction.

Insights for Your Recovery Journey

Explore our latest blog articles on addiction treatment, mental health, and holistic recovery strategies.

Client Testimonials

Read what our clients have to say about us

FAQs

Find answers to commonly asked questions about addiction and recovery.

  • What is the first step I should take if myself or a loved one wants to stop using heroin?

    The first step towards recovery from heroin addiction is seeking professional help to detoxify the body safely. Symptoms of withdrawal may include nausea, fever, sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, and hypertension, among others. If not addressed, persistent vomiting and diarrhea can lead to heart failure due to high blood sodium levels and severe dehydration.

    Neglecting to monitor and treat heroin withdrawal symptoms can be fatal, so receiving proper medical care during this time is crucial. Once the detox process is complete, it’s highly encouraged to participate in a residential treatment facility to assist you with the vulnerable early stages of recovery. At Bridging the Gaps, we offer residential treatment that is designed to help your mind, body, and soul begin to heal from the devastating effects of heroin addiction.

  • How is a holistic approach to heroin addiction treatment different from Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT)?

    Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT) utilizes prescription medications to help individuals recover from heroin addiction. There are four medications commonly used in MAT for heroin addiction: methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, and suboxone. Methadone is a full opioid agonist, meaning it activates the same receptors in the brain as other opioids. Methadone is mind altering, but because of the long half life of the chemicals, the “high” is more attenuated and subtle. Methadone therefore helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings while also blocking the effects of other opioids.

    Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it also activates the same receptors but to a lesser degree. It helps to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while also preventing other opioids from producing their full effects. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, meaning it blocks the effects of opioids by binding to the same receptors without activating them. It helps to prevent relapse by stopping the effects of any opioids that may be taken. Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, which work together to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone, like Methadone, does activate a mind altering response and has its own complex withdrawal process.

    While MAT may be an effective method for managing withdrawal symptoms, it does not address the underlying causes of heroin use, like mental health issues or brain chemistry imbalances. Some of the medications used in MAT treatment also often have strong side effects that stem from its mind altering attributes as well as physiological impacts, that include headaches, nausea, and constipation, and liver problems. In fact, some of the MAT medications are highly addictive and are often very difficult to stop using. 

  • How can I or a loved one expect to feel in the early stages of recovery from heroin addiction?

    Early recovery from heroin addiction is an important and often difficult process. It can be an emotionally draining experience as well as a physically exhausting one. As with other opioids, when someone stops using heroin, they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, sweating, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches and pains, and insomnia. Mentally and psychologically, they may experience depression, anxiety, and difficulty with memory and concentration.

    At Bridging the Gaps, we understand the struggles of early recovery and provide integrative treatment plans to assist our clients as they navigate the physical and emotional pain of these first few weeks. Within the first week of treatment, the client is assigned their counselor, attends group psychotherapy, receives medical treatment, and begins a customized amino acid therapy protocol that has been proven to calm withdrawal symptoms as it works to restore healthy brain chemistry. Clients are provided a safe, non-judgemental space to share their struggles as they begin to build community with others traveling the same journey. Lastly, plenty of time is given for rest as the body and mind begin to heal.

  • What types of therapies and interventions does Bridging the Gaps use to help treat heroin addiction?

    At Bridging the Gaps, we integrate traditional treatment modalities with innovative and holistic methods to ensure we are adequately treating the whole person, bridging the gaps between traditional and progressive forms of treatment. While we utilize traditional and effective methods like psychotherapy and 12 step programs, we also utilize cutting edge technology, like neurofeedback, and integrative, holistic medicine, including amino acid therapy and AcuDetox, to support all aspects of wellness as our clients transition into recovery and beyond.

  • How can family and friends support someone who is in treatment or in recovery from heroin?

    Supporting someone in treatment or recovery from heroin can be a difficult task, but there are some key steps that family and friends can take to provide support and encourage recovery.

    The first thing family members should do is educate themselves on the disease of addiction. Understanding how addiction affects the brain will help you to better understand the symptoms and behaviors your loved one exhibits, and will empower you to help them through this process. At Bridging the Gaps, we offer a family education program that meets virtually one night each week to educate family members about the disease of addiction so they can develop a thorough understanding to aid them through this process.

    Next, adhere to the boundaries that your loved one in recovery puts in place. Certain social events like weddings can be very triggering for someone in early recovery, so adopting an understanding mindset towards your loved one as they decline invitations to these types of events is critical. This can be difficult, but try not to take this personally – they are doing what they need to do to stay sober. Encourage your loved one as they begin to navigate life without prescription drugs, avoid triggers, and uphold their boundaries.

    Most importantly, make sure to take care of yourself. Addiction is an insidious disease that can have detrimental effects to the mental health of family and friends of those who are struggling. Bridging the Gaps also offers comprehensive outreach to family members to help you navigate your loved one’s treatment and recovery journey. Our family program includes weekly psychoeducation, the opportunity to participate in therapeutically facilitated conjoint sessions with your loved one, and an extended family aftercare program to help you process your emotions and gain insight from other family members.

  • After treatment, what kind of support is available to help myself or a loved one sustain recovery?

    At BTG, we offer a long-term continuum of care, where clients can receive services from us often up to a year, and sometimes longer. Our level of care adjusts to the stage of recovery the client has achieved, slowly and safely progressing them to independent life free from alcohol or drugs.

    Upon completion of treatment with us, we offer an Aftercare Program, as well as an Alumni group, to help build a supportive sober community for those who have completed our program. We also encourage our clients to continue to attend AA or NA meetings to help support them through continued recovery.

Insurance

Your Addiction Treatment Could Be Covered

If you do not see your provider listed, please contact us to learn more about obtaining coverage. We do not accept Medicaid at this time.

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Contact Us

Reach Out to Us

We welcome you to call our Admissions Director, Sue Dennis, at (540) 535-1111 to discuss admitting yourself or a loved one fortreatment. However, if you would first like us to verify your insurance, use this form or get in touch via phone or email.

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