Why is heroin so addictive?

Heroin binds to opioid receptors in the brain, creating intense pleasure and euphoria. Over time, the brain becomes dependent on heroin to feel normal, leading to addiction.

How long does heroin rehab usually take?

The length of treatment varies, but detox typically lasts 7–10 days, while inpatient rehab lasts 30–90 days. Long-term support is encouraged for sustained recovery.

Is treatment covered by insurance?

Many insurance providers cover heroin addiction treatment. Contact our facility for assistance verifying your insurance coverage.

Do I have to travel to Atlanta if I live out of state?

While our treatment center is located near Atlanta, GA, we welcome people from all over the country. Many choose to travel for rehab to avoid facing triggers.

Home / Programs / Residential Addiction Treatment / Heroin Treatment

Heroin Addiction Treatment in Georgia

Q: Is heroin a depressant?

Yes. Heroin is a central nervous system depressant, which slows down your breathing, heart rate, and cognitive function.

At Mount Sinai Wellness Center in Dahlonega, Georgia, you’ll explore a structured path toward recovery. You’ll receive a safe continuum of care, led by qualified professionals, and personalized to meet your needs.

Why Choose Mount Sinai Wellness Center

Expert heroin care with 24/7 support

Our doctors and nurses stay with you through withdrawal. We use proven methods and medication to ease symptoms and keep you comfortable.

Comfortable space for heroin recovery

You'll stay in a private or semi-private room and receive chef-prepared meals daily. With mountain views and serene rooms, you can focus on healing.

Dual diagnosis care from day one

Depression, anxiety, or trauma can accompany addiction. We offer integrated support to help you recover from co-occurring conditions in tandem.

Family involvement and whole-person focus

Rebuild relationships and strengthen communication. You'll try methods like yoga and learn about nutrition to set up habits that support long-term wellness.

What Heroin Addiction Looks Like

Heroin influences your brain’s natural reward system. It floods your brain with dopamine, the chemical that makes you feel good. Over time, your brain stops making enough dopamine on its own. That’s why it’s so hard to stop once you start. Many people turn to heroin after prescription opioids stop working or become too costly.

Signs and Symptoms of Heroin Use

Physical: pinpoint pupils, itching, track marks, weight loss
Psychological: anxiety, depression, mood swings
Behavioral: secrecy, missing work or school, financial problems

Dangers of Untreated Heroin Addiction

Untreated heroin addiction carries serious health risks. Overdose risk increases significantly when heroin contains fentanyl, which is much stronger than heroin alone. Long-term use can damage your heart, lungs, and brain function. In the US, roughly 14 thousand people die each year due to heroin overdose. Getting treatment early reduces these risks and improves your chances of recovery.

Heroin Detox in Georgia

Medical detox for heroin can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be unbearable. Our medical team watches you around the clock. When it makes sense, we’ll give you FDA-approved medications to help you get through the early-stage symptoms.

First 6–12 hours:

might feel restless, start sweating, or get muscle aches

Days 1–3:

peak symptoms like nausea, vomiting, chills, insomnia, cravings

Days 4–7:

symptoms improve; mood and sleep might need more time to settle

Inpatient Heroin Rehab Near Atlanta

Once detox is done, residential rehab teaches you how to live without drugs. You’ll have a tailored schedule with therapy and holistic activities. If you’re dealing with depression or anxiety, too, we’ll work on that at the same time with dual diagnosis care.

Therapies That Help

One-on-one therapy where you learn CBT and DBT skills to navigate emotions and reframe negative thinking

Group sessions where you talk with others in recovery, practice new skills, and develop relapse prevention

Trauma-informed and family counseling to fix relationships, set boundaries, and work through tough memories.

Medication-assisted treatment, which can include buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone if clinically needed

One Look at Your First Week

Days 1–2: medical and clinical evaluation, detox or stabilization plan

Days 3–5: skill building for sleep, stress, and cravings; nutrition and movement

Days 6–7: relapse-prevention plan, family touchpoints, aftercare setup

Aftercare and Ongoing Support

Treatment doesn’t end when you leave our facility. With our help, you’ll have coordinated outpatient services, alumni programming, peer groups, and local resources so you stay connected and supported. Our veterans program provides extra help for those dealing with PTSD and military-related issues.

Reviews

“The community at Mt Sinai is like a family and patients feel loved and supported immediately!”

This treatment facility is perfect for anyone that wants to get sober. If you have the will they have the tools you need to get and stay sober. The therapist care about their patients and their recovery. The community at Mt Sinai is like a family and patients feel loved and supported immediately!

S.W.

“Not only did Mt. Sinai save my life, but they have helped me enhance the quality of the rest of my life.”

I can honestly say that not only did Mt. Sinai save my life, but they have helped me enhance the quality of the rest of my life. The facilities are incredible, the staff is genuine and I they truly care about the quality of your stay and the success of your recovery. I also have to give a special thanks to the owner, my main man Dan. The guy goes above and beyond to help his patients/clients feel like they matter. I will never be able to thank everyone there enough.

S.L.

“I'm beyond grateful that I found MS.”

Mount Sinai changed my life for the better. I was in a spot that I couldn’t find my way out of and this place gave my life a new meaning. I’m beyond grateful that I found MS. Everyone who was working there, showed great empathy and kindness, especially Marshall. I could’t have asked for a better experience

K.S.

“They offer A lot of different pathways to recovery and do some great activities.”

Absolutely amazing facility! They offer a lot of different pathways to recovery and do some great activities. I was definitely impressed! Thank you Lake!

C.D.

Cost and Insurance

Many insurance plans and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) cover medically necessary detox and residential programs. Our admissions team can verify your benefits and explain what’s covered before you start.