Residential treatment is often recommended for people wanting to step away from heroin use, as it offers space, structure and holistic care. The program draws on evidence-based approaches and covers the physical, emotional, social, psychological and spiritual areas that influence long-term recovery.
The residential rehabilitation program includes a stay of 4, 8 or 12 weeks in treatment that involves a comprehensive assessment, detox (if required) and participation in Hader Clinic Queensland's psychoeducation program that delves into:
- Addictive Behaviours
- Mental Health Mastery
- Relapse Prevention
- Trauma, and
- Strength & Resilience.
Our heroin addiction program is designed to support recovery at every stage in a safe and structured environment. Below is a breakdown of the program’s stages and supports:
Detox
The first stage of treatment is detox, which involves clearing heroin and other substances from the body in a supported setting.
When you arrive, you’ll meet with members of our clinical team for an assessment and to address any immediate needs. The GP and nursing staff will review your physical health and prescribe medication that may be needed during this stage. A counsellor will also check in on your mental state and explore your treatment goals.
Detox timeframes vary, though most people spend one to two weeks in this phase. It’s common to experience side effects during detox as the body adjusts to the absence of heroin. These reactions are a natural part of the process.
Throughout detox, our team is on hand to support you and help you move through this stage as safely and comfortably as possible.
Find out more about detox.
Psychological treatment
During residential rehabilitation, you’ll work with a team of clinicians including a psychologist, social worker and clinical counsellor. Their role is to support you as you work toward your treatment goals. Individual counselling gives each person the time and space to look beneath the surface and explore the factors that drive their substance abuse.
Clinicians also run group psychoeducation sessions that focus on building practical tools and strategies to help manage cravings, withdrawal patterns and mental health concerns.
Psychological support is valuable not only during your stay but for the long term. The skills and insights developed in these sessions can help you maintain stability, rebuild routines and improve your overall wellbeing once you move beyond residential care.
Find out more about Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Heroin use frequently occurs alongside mental health conditions, a combination often referred to as dual diagnosis. This term describes when someone experiences both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition at the same time.
In Australia, co‑occurring disorders are common. National research indicates that nearly half of people with a substance use disorder also meet criteria for another mental health condition such as anxiety or depression. In alcohol and other drug treatment settings, 50–76% of clients present with at least one co‑occurring mental illness, making dual diagnosis more the rule than the exception.
Conditions such as depression, anxiety and trauma‑related symptoms are frequently reported alongside heroin and other substance use. These overlapping issues can influence how substance use develops, complicate recovery and make it harder to reduce or stop use without comprehensive support.
Effective treatment for dual diagnosis involves an integrated approach, addressing substance use and mental health together. Integrated care is considered best practice because it acknowledges that each condition can influence the other, helping to create steadier progress and clearer long‑term recovery pathways.
Find out more about dual diagnosis treatment.
Physical Therapy
The value of exercise as part of your life in recovery and staying sober cannot be underestimated. Physical exercise helps to boost mood, reduce stress and build self-esteem and confidence, whilst providing opportunities to interact with the therapeutic community, enhancing social connection.
We offer regular exercise programs including walks, yoga, and boot camps, with an exercise physiologist attending the clinic each week to facilitate structured sessions, as well as assess individuals’ capacity to exercise in the onsite gym. A structured fitness routine supports better sleep patterns, while freshly prepared, nutritious meals are served three times a day. Balanced eating and restful sleep play an important role in physical recovery.
Find out more about Physical Therapy.
Counselling
It’s common for people to experience strong feelings such as guilt, shame, trauma and remorse during recovery. Counselling helps you work through these feelings in a safe and supportive environment.
Individual counselling gives you the opportunity to talk openly about your life and your relationship with heroin. Our counsellors are trained in this area and can help you understand how heroin use has affected you and those around you.
By talking with your personal counsellor, you can challenge negative and unhelpful thinking. Your counsellor will help you identify ways to break down overwhelming and damaging thoughts into smaller, more manageable pieces.
Find out more about counselling.
Group Therapy & Education
Group therapy helps you understand your heroin use and your path to recovery by hearing the experiences of others. While everyone’s story is different, many people notice common thoughts and feelings that arise during heroin dependence and recovery.
In group and education sessions, residents are encouraged to be open about their experiences in a setting that is safe and supportive. These conversations can help you feel less isolated and give you insight into patterns that others have also faced.
Find out more about group therapy.
Family Therapy & Education
As part of the treatment program, a family therapist may work with your family to identify and address underlying issues that may be caused by or contributing to your alcohol or drug dependence. Counselling sessions can help the family overcome these problems and support the whole family through the recovery process.
Find out more about family therapy.
Social Therapy
Once rehab is finished, returning to a “normal” life can be challenging, so we ensure that while in treatment, you are in a community that is safe and therapeutic and encourages people to be social.
The therapeutic community approach is a major component of our residential treatment program. It is designed to expand our clients’ support network and give them a sense of belonging in a secure, non-judgemental peer group.
The basic philosophy is simple: Aiding long-term recovery through peer support, social learning and mutual self-help.
Find out more about a therapeutic community.
12 Step
High-quality evidence-based research has demonstrated that 12 Step facilitation increases abstinence rates both during and following treatment. During residential rehabilitation, residents will participate in daily Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings to support recovery and develop sober support networks that extend beyond their time in treatment.
12 Step programs like AA and NA provide a supportive and understanding group of people who are also committed to living a drug and alcohol free life. They offer a similar environment to group therapy and recognise that recovery is an ongoing process.
Find out more about 12 Step.
Meditation
Meditation is a valuable and effective way of reflecting on your thoughts and controlling anxiety and cravings. Many people think of meditation as a religious or spiritual habit, but it can also be simply about creating a safe environment that allows you to channel your thoughts in a positive way.
Meditation sessions will teach you how to train your mind to become peaceful and calm when you need it, whether you’re at home or out in public.
Find out more about meditation.
Education
Our addiction education program is designed to provide you with the knowledge to support your ongoing recovery. Our program commences with a 4-week introduction to AOD recovery program, followed by an 8-week intensive program covering Addictive Behaviours, Mental Health Mastery, Relapse Prevention, Trauma, and Strength & Resilience. This bespoke program has been designed to support the individual across each phase of their recovery.
Find out more about addiction education.
Art Therapy
Art therapy can be effective in reducing stress and anxiety, and building confidence and a sense of achievement. It also relaxes you and allows your mind to focus on positive thoughts.
Whether you are a gifted artist or a willing amateur, art can help you deal with your emotions in a safe and non-threatening environment.
Find out more about art therapy.
