What Is Heroin & Opioid Addiction?
Opioid use disorder (OUD) encompasses addiction to heroin, prescription pain medications (oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine), and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. The opioid crisis has been devastating across the Southeast — states like West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia consistently rank among the hardest-hit in the nation for opioid overdose deaths. The rise of illicit fentanyl has dramatically increased overdose risk, as street drugs of any kind may be contaminated with fentanyl without the user's knowledge.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs of opioid use disorder include using opioids in larger amounts or for longer than prescribed, persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down, spending significant time obtaining opioids or recovering from their effects, strong cravings, failing to fulfill major responsibilities, continued use despite social or interpersonal problems, giving up important activities, using in physically hazardous situations, using despite knowing it causes health problems, and tolerance or withdrawal symptoms.
How Treatment Works
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the gold standard for opioid use disorder and significantly reduces overdose risk, criminal activity, and disease transmission. FDA-approved medications include methadone (administered daily at licensed opioid treatment programs), buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone, Subutex — prescribed by certified providers), and naltrexone (Vivitrol — monthly injection). These medications work best in combination with behavioral therapy and counseling. Medically supervised detoxification from opioids is generally safer than alcohol detox but should still occur under clinical supervision.
📞 Need Help Now?
If you or a loved one needs immediate help, call or text 988 — the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — available 24/7, free and confidential. For substance use crisis support, call SAMHSA's National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357.
What to Look for in a Treatment Center
Look for opioid treatment programs certified by SAMHSA, facilities that offer MAT (not just abstinence-only programs), integrated mental health treatment, and case management services. In rural areas of the Southeast, telehealth MAT providers have expanded access significantly — ask facilities if telehealth follow-up is available after initial treatment.
Levels of Care
Care options include opioid treatment programs (OTPs) for methadone, office-based opioid treatment (OBOT) with buprenorphine, residential treatment, PHP and IOP programs, and long-term sober living.
| Level of Care | Intensity | Typical Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Detox | Highest | 3–10 days | Physical withdrawal management |
| Residential (Inpatient) | Very High | 28–90 days | Severe addiction, unstable environment |
| Partial Hospitalization (PHP) | High | 2–6 weeks | Step-down from residential, high support |
| Intensive Outpatient (IOP) | Moderate | 6–12 weeks | Work/family obligations, strong home support |
| Medication-Assisted Treatment | Ongoing | Months to years | Opioid and alcohol use disorders |
| Sober Living | Low | 3–12+ months | Transition support, peer community |
Insurance and Cost
Federal and state law requires insurance coverage for opioid treatment, including MAT medications. Medicaid in all 12 Southeast states covers at least some MAT services. The Ryan Haight Act and telehealth expansions post-COVID have made MAT more accessible.
Find Heroin & Opioid Addiction Programs Near You
Use the directory below to search for facilities in your state that offer opioid treatment. Filter by insurance, level of care, and city.
60 facilities found
Related Treatment Information
Medical Detox
Safe, supervised withdrawal management from substances.
Residential Treatment
24/7 structured inpatient care for serious addiction.
Intensive Outpatient
Flexible intensive treatment while living at home.
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