Heroin dependence develops when the body and mind adapt to regular heroin use, making it difficult to function without the drug. The signs can vary from person to person, but common indicators include:

• Using heroin more often or in larger amounts than intended

• Craving heroin or feeling preoccupied with when you’ll use next

• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms—such as sweating, nausea, or anxiety—when you don’t use

• Needing higher doses to feel the same effect (tolerance)

• Struggling to cut down or stop, even when you want to

• Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home

• Withdrawing from friends, family, or social activities

• Continuing to use despite health, financial, or relationship problems

• Spending increasing amounts of money and time obtaining heroin

Recognising these signs is an important first step. At Malvern Private Drug & Detox Hospital in Melbourne, our specialist team provides safe heroin withdrawal and rehabilitation programs in a supportive, hospital-based environment to help you or your loved one take back control of life.

At Malvern Private Drug & Detox Hospital in Melbourne, our heroin addiction treatment program is designed to provide safe withdrawal, therapeutic support, and long-term recovery planning in a private hospital setting.

Here’s how it works:

1. Pre-Admission Assessment

   • A confidential assessment that is usually face-to-face which helps us understand your history, current challenges, and treatment goals.

   • We explain the program in detail and confirm it’s the right fit for your needs.

   • Private health insurance and out-of-pocket costs are also discussed upfront.

2. Inpatient Heroin Withdrawal (Detox)

   • Patients are admitted to our boutique hospital environment.

   • Withdrawal is managed under 24/7 medical supervision from doctors, nurses, and psychiatrists.

   • Medications may be used carefully, only when clinically necessary, to reduce discomfort and manage symptoms safely.

3. Therapeutic Treatment

   • Individual and group therapy, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), helps address the psychological side of heroin dependence.

   • Complementary therapies such as art therapy, yoga, and relaxation support emotional healing.

   • Access to support groups like NA (Narcotics Anonymous) provides peer connection and accountability.

4. Holistic Care & Family Support

   • Programs are designed to care for the whole person including the mind, body, and soul.

   • Families are supported with education and guidance, encouraging them to be part of the recovery journey.

5. Discharge & Aftercare Planning

   • Before leaving, patients receive a tailored recovery plan focused on relapse prevention.

   • Ongoing support may include day programs, outpatient care, or referrals to community services.

Our goal is not only to help individuals safely withdraw from heroin, but to give them the tools, strategies, and confidence to build a healthier, more sustainable future.

The length of heroin detox can vary depending on the individual, but most patients at Malvern Private Drug & Detox Hospital in Melbourne complete the initial withdrawal phase within 5 to 10 days. During this time, our medical team provides 24/7 support to manage symptoms and ensure safety.

However, detox is only the first step. At Malvern Private, heroin withdrawal is usually part of a structured 28-day inpatient program, which includes:

• Medically supervised detoxification

• Individual and group therapy

• Holistic therapies such as yoga, art therapy, and relaxation

• Support groups like NA and in-house programs

• Relapse prevention and discharge planning

This extended program allows patients not only to stabilise physically but also to begin addressing the psychological, emotional, and social aspects of heroin dependence creating a stronger foundation for long-term recovery.

When someone who is dependent on heroin reduces or stops using, the body and brain react to its absence. This process known as heroin withdrawal can be very uncomfortable and is one of the reasons people find it hard to stop without support.

Common heroin withdrawal symptoms include:

• Intense cravings for heroin

• Sweating, chills, and flu-like symptoms

• Runny nose, watery eyes, and frequent yawning

• Muscle aches, joint pain, and abdominal cramps

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea

• Anxiety, agitation, and irritability

• Restlessness or insomnia

• Rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure

Symptoms usually begin 6–12 hours after the last use, peak around 2–3 days, and may last up to a week or more depending on the level of dependence. Psychological symptoms—like cravings, low mood, or anxiety—can last longer.

At Malvern Private Drug & Detox Hospital in Melbourne, heroin withdrawal is managed in a safe, hospital-based program with 24/7 clinical supervision. Our team provides medications when needed, emotional support, and holistic therapies to ease discomfort and reduce the risk of relapse.

A dual diagnosis occurs when someone is living with both a substance use disorder such as heroin addiction and a mental health condition at the same time. Common examples include heroin dependence alongside depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder.

Heroin use can sometimes begin as a way to cope with underlying mental health symptoms. Over time, the drug may make these issues worse, creating a cycle where both the addiction and the mental health condition feed into each other. This can make recovery more complex if only one issue is treated in isolation.

At Malvern Private Detox Hospital in Melbourne, we provide integrated dual diagnosis treatment. This means our programs address both heroin dependence and co-occurring mental health concerns together. Our approach includes:

• Medical detox and withdrawal support

• Psychiatric care and medication management (if required)

• Evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Holistic support including mindfulness, yoga, and relaxation therapy

• Group and peer support programs like NA

Treating both conditions at the same time gives you the best chance of achieving lasting recovery and rebuilding your wellbeing.

Your privacy is a priority at Malvern Private Hospital. All aspects of your Heroin detox treatment are managed in line with strict medical and hospital confidentiality standards.

This means that:

• Your personal information and medical records are kept secure and only shared with the healthcare professionals directly involved in your care.

• Details about your treatment are not disclosed to anyone outside your care team without your consent, except where required by law.

• Family involvement in your treatment only occurs if you choose to include them and provide permission.

Confidentiality helps create a safe and respectful environment where you can focus on your recovery knowing your information is protected.

Detox is an important first step, but recovery is more than simply stopping alcohol use. After the initial withdrawal phase, ongoing care is vital to help maintain progress and support long-term wellbeing.

At Malvern Private Hospital, alcohol detox takes place within a 28-day residential program. This means that after detox, patients continue with structured therapies and support designed to address the psychological, emotional, and social aspects of recovery.

After detox, the program includes:

• Individual counselling and group therapy to build coping skills

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based approaches

• Holistic activities such as art therapy, yoga, and relaxation

• Participation in support groups such as AA, NA, GA, and in-house meetings

• Relapse prevention planning and strategies for maintaining recovery

• Family education and involvement where appropriate

The aim is to provide the right balance of medical supervision, therapeutic support, and practical planning so that recovery extends beyond detox and into everyday life.

Heroin dependence develops when the body and mind adapt to regular heroin use, making it difficult to function without the drug. The signs can vary from person to person, but common indicators include:

• Using heroin more often or in larger amounts than intended

• Craving heroin or feeling preoccupied with when you’ll use next

• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms—such as sweating, nausea, or anxiety—when you don’t use

• Needing higher doses to feel the same effect (tolerance)

• Struggling to cut down or stop, even when you want to

• Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home

• Withdrawing from friends, family, or social activities

• Continuing to use despite health, financial, or relationship problems

• Spending increasing amounts of money and time obtaining heroin

Recognising these signs is an important first step. At Malvern Private Drug & Detox Hospital in Melbourne, our specialist team provides safe heroin withdrawal and rehabilitation programs in a supportive, hospital-based environment to help you or your loved one take back control of life.

At Malvern Private Drug & Detox Hospital in Melbourne, our heroin addiction treatment program is designed to provide safe withdrawal, therapeutic support, and long-term recovery planning in a private hospital setting.

Here’s how it works:

1. Pre-Admission Assessment

   • A confidential assessment that is usually face-to-face which helps us understand your history, current challenges, and treatment goals.

   • We explain the program in detail and confirm it’s the right fit for your needs.

   • Private health insurance and out-of-pocket costs are also discussed upfront.

2. Inpatient Heroin Withdrawal (Detox)

   • Patients are admitted to our boutique hospital environment.

   • Withdrawal is managed under 24/7 medical supervision from doctors, nurses, and psychiatrists.

   • Medications may be used carefully, only when clinically necessary, to reduce discomfort and manage symptoms safely.

3. Therapeutic Treatment

   • Individual and group therapy, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), helps address the psychological side of heroin dependence.

   • Complementary therapies such as art therapy, yoga, and relaxation support emotional healing.

   • Access to support groups like NA (Narcotics Anonymous) provides peer connection and accountability.

4. Holistic Care & Family Support

   • Programs are designed to care for the whole person including the mind, body, and soul.

   • Families are supported with education and guidance, encouraging them to be part of the recovery journey.

5. Discharge & Aftercare Planning

   • Before leaving, patients receive a tailored recovery plan focused on relapse prevention.

   • Ongoing support may include day programs, outpatient care, or referrals to community services.

Our goal is not only to help individuals safely withdraw from heroin, but to give them the tools, strategies, and confidence to build a healthier, more sustainable future.

The length of heroin detox can vary depending on the individual, but most patients at Malvern Private Drug & Detox Hospital in Melbourne complete the initial withdrawal phase within 5 to 10 days. During this time, our medical team provides 24/7 support to manage symptoms and ensure safety.

However, detox is only the first step. At Malvern Private, heroin withdrawal is usually part of a structured 28-day inpatient program, which includes:

• Medically supervised detoxification

• Individual and group therapy

• Holistic therapies such as yoga, art therapy, and relaxation

• Support groups like NA and in-house programs

• Relapse prevention and discharge planning

This extended program allows patients not only to stabilise physically but also to begin addressing the psychological, emotional, and social aspects of heroin dependence creating a stronger foundation for long-term recovery.

When someone who is dependent on heroin reduces or stops using, the body and brain react to its absence. This process known as heroin withdrawal can be very uncomfortable and is one of the reasons people find it hard to stop without support.

Common heroin withdrawal symptoms include:

• Intense cravings for heroin

• Sweating, chills, and flu-like symptoms

• Runny nose, watery eyes, and frequent yawning

• Muscle aches, joint pain, and abdominal cramps

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea

• Anxiety, agitation, and irritability

• Restlessness or insomnia

• Rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure

Symptoms usually begin 6–12 hours after the last use, peak around 2–3 days, and may last up to a week or more depending on the level of dependence. Psychological symptoms—like cravings, low mood, or anxiety—can last longer.

At Malvern Private Drug & Detox Hospital in Melbourne, heroin withdrawal is managed in a safe, hospital-based program with 24/7 clinical supervision. Our team provides medications when needed, emotional support, and holistic therapies to ease discomfort and reduce the risk of relapse.

A dual diagnosis occurs when someone is living with both a substance use disorder such as heroin addiction and a mental health condition at the same time. Common examples include heroin dependence alongside depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder.

Heroin use can sometimes begin as a way to cope with underlying mental health symptoms. Over time, the drug may make these issues worse, creating a cycle where both the addiction and the mental health condition feed into each other. This can make recovery more complex if only one issue is treated in isolation.

At Malvern Private Detox Hospital in Melbourne, we provide integrated dual diagnosis treatment. This means our programs address both heroin dependence and co-occurring mental health concerns together. Our approach includes:

• Medical detox and withdrawal support

• Psychiatric care and medication management (if required)

• Evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Holistic support including mindfulness, yoga, and relaxation therapy

• Group and peer support programs like NA

Treating both conditions at the same time gives you the best chance of achieving lasting recovery and rebuilding your wellbeing.

Your privacy is a priority at Malvern Private Hospital. All aspects of your Heroin detox treatment are managed in line with strict medical and hospital confidentiality standards.

This means that:

• Your personal information and medical records are kept secure and only shared with the healthcare professionals directly involved in your care.

• Details about your treatment are not disclosed to anyone outside your care team without your consent, except where required by law.

• Family involvement in your treatment only occurs if you choose to include them and provide permission.

Confidentiality helps create a safe and respectful environment where you can focus on your recovery knowing your information is protected.

Detox is an important first step, but recovery is more than simply stopping alcohol use. After the initial withdrawal phase, ongoing care is vital to help maintain progress and support long-term wellbeing.

At Malvern Private Hospital, alcohol detox takes place within a 28-day residential program. This means that after detox, patients continue with structured therapies and support designed to address the psychological, emotional, and social aspects of recovery.

After detox, the program includes:

• Individual counselling and group therapy to build coping skills

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based approaches

• Holistic activities such as art therapy, yoga, and relaxation

• Participation in support groups such as AA, NA, GA, and in-house meetings

• Relapse prevention planning and strategies for maintaining recovery

• Family education and involvement where appropriate

The aim is to provide the right balance of medical supervision, therapeutic support, and practical planning so that recovery extends beyond detox and into everyday life.