Drug Addiction Treatment
Heroin addiction treatment

Treatment for heroin addiction
Struggling with heroin use can feel frightening, isolating, and overwhelming, both for the person affected and for those who care about them. Many people who come to us describe a cycle they feel unable to escape, accompanied by shame, fear, or concern about withdrawal.
At Ibiza Calm, we provide specialised residential treatment for heroin addiction in a calm, private setting in northern Ibiza. With full-time medical and psychiatric care, an experienced multidisciplinary team, and a deliberately small client community, we offer structured, compassionate support designed to stabilise health and support long term recovery.
If heroin use is affecting your health, safety, relationships, or sense of control, support is available.
If you are unsure if treatment is for you, our online assessment tool may prove useful.
What is heroin addiction?
Heroin is an illegal and highly addictive opiate derived from morphine, which comes from the opium poppy plant. It may appear as a white or brown powder, or as a black, sticky substance known as black tar heroin. It is commonly injected, smoked, or snorted.
Heroin works by rapidly binding to opioid receptors in the brain, producing intense euphoria and pain relief. Over time, repeated use alters brain chemistry, leading to tolerance, physical dependence, and compulsive use despite serious consequences. Heroin addiction is a chronic medical condition, but with appropriate treatment, recovery is possible.
Signs and symptoms of heroin addiction
Heroin addiction can affect physical health, behaviour, and emotional wellbeing. Common signs include:

Why it’s hard to face heroin addiction alone
Heroin addiction can develop quickly and can be reinforced by both physical dependence and powerful psychological cravings. Many people attempt to stop on their own but find withdrawal symptoms overwhelming, leading to relapse.

Residential treatment becomes especially important when:
→ Withdrawal symptoms are severe or distressing
→ Use feels out of control
→ Previous attempts to stop have not lasted
→ Physical health or mental wellbeing is declining
→ There is a risk of overdose or unsafe use
Seeking help is not a failure. It is often a necessary step toward safety and recovery.
THE PATH TO RECOVERY STARTS WITH A SMALL FIRST STEP
Heroin addiction treatment at Ibiza Calm
Treatment at Ibiza Calm begins with a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment to understand substance use history, physical health, mental health needs, and personal circumstances. From this, we create a tailored treatment plan focused on stabilisation and long term recovery.
Where required, heroin detox takes place onsite under 24/7 medical supervision, with a team experienced in managing opioid withdrawal safely and compassionately.
We work with:
→ Individuals
→ Families
→ Professionals
→ Clients with co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or PTSD
Most clients benefit from a residential stay of several weeks, allowing time for detox (if needed), therapeutic work, and recovery planning.
Core pillars of heroin addiction treatment
Drug Addiction Treatment
Which drug addictions do we treat?
There are many different types of drug addiction. At Ibiza Calm, we specialise in the rehabilitation of all forms of drug addiction, including opioid, stimulant, depressant, and hallucinogen addiction. We offer a wide range of evidence-based treatments, including cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing, and 12-Step recovery, as well as group therapies.
Cocaine
Cocaine is a powerful and addictive stimulant that is obtained from coca leaves from the Andes mountains of South America. Although it has medical uses as an anaesthetic, cocaine is mostly used illegally for the extreme form of euphoria that it induces.
Heroin
Heroin is a drug synthesised from morphine and is one of the most addictive illicit substances available.
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is heroin’s synthetic cousin; it works by binding to the body’s opioid receptors increasing dopamine levels. The increase of dopamine leaves a feeling of euphoria, relieves pain and decreases the perception of suffering.
Methadone
Methadone is a long-acting opioid, often used as a heroin substitute to maintain opioid addicts. Its effects can be cumulative and may cause many long term issues.
Psychoactive addictive drugs
Chemsex drugs – crystal methamphetamine, GHB/GBL and mephedrone, also known as miaow miaow, are a group of addictive psychoactive drugs.
Ecstacy and MMDA
MDMA/Ecstasy (powder and pills) affects the brain and the body.
Addiction treatment
Life at Ibiza Calm
Ibiza Calm is set on a private 13-hectare estate surrounded by Mediterranean gardens, open space, and natural light. The environment is intentionally designed to promote calm, safety, and restoration.
A typical day may include:
→ Individual therapy
→ Group sessions
→ Time with medical and clinical staff
→ Nourishing meals prepared onsite
→ Restorative practices and structured downtime
The balance of structure, privacy, and space supports early recovery and emotional reset.
Bepoke treatment
Newest techniques
Experienced team
Our team and clinical approach
Heroin addiction treatment is delivered by a multidisciplinary team including:
– Psychiatrists
– Clinical psychologists
– Addiction specialists
– Nurses and medical staff
– Experienced therapists
With a carefully managed client community and a high staff-to-client ratio, we provide genuinely individualised care for complex opioid addiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is heroin addiction different from other opioid addictions?
Yes. While heroin addiction shares similarities with other opioids, its illegal status, variable purity, and common injection use significantly increase risks such as overdose, infection, and rapid dependence.
Can heroin addiction develop quickly?
Yes. Heroin can lead to physical dependence in a short period of time, especially with regular use. Many people are surprised by how quickly tolerance and withdrawal symptoms appear.
What is the risk of overdose with heroin?
Heroin carries a high risk of overdose, particularly due to inconsistent purity, contamination with fentanyl, and reduced tolerance after periods of abstinence. Medical supervision during treatment reduces these risks.
Do you treat heroin addiction if fentanyl is also involved?
Yes. Many clients have unknowingly or knowingly used heroin mixed with fentanyl. Our medical team is experienced in managing complex use involving multiple substances.
How severe is heroin withdrawal?
Heroin withdrawal can be physically and emotionally intense, particularly in the early stages. Because withdrawal from opioids places a great deal of strain on the body, medical supervision is essential. With professional support, withdrawal symptoms can be managed safely and more comfortably, reducing distress and the risk of complications.
Can I detox from heroin safely at Ibiza Calm?
Yes. Where required, detox takes place onsite with 24/7 medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms safely and reduce discomfort.
How long does heroin detox last?
Acute physical symptoms often last several days to a week, though this can vary, with sleep disturbances, changes in mood, and cravings lasting longer. Ongoing therapy addresses cravings and psychological recovery.
Will I experience cravings after detox?
Cravings are common after detox and are addressed through therapy, medication management where appropriate, and relapse-prevention strategies during residential treatment.
Is medication-assisted treatment (MAT) part of heroin treatment?
Medication options may be considered where clinically appropriate. This is discussed during assessment and carefully managed by our medical team.
What if I’ve relapsed before?
Relapse is common in addiction and does not mean treatment has failed. Many clients come to us after previous attempts to stop.
What infections are associated with heroin use?
Heroin use, particularly injection use, can increase the risk of infections such as hepatitis C, HIV, abscesses, and endocarditis. Medical screening and care are part of our assessment process.
Can I receive heroin addiction treatment if I also take prescription medication?
Yes. Our medical team reviews all current medications and adjusts plans safely.
How long should I stay in residential treatment for heroin addiction?
Most clients benefit from a stay of four or more weeks, as this allows enough time for safe stabilisation, therapeutic work, and building the strategies needed for long term recovery. During your assessment, our clinical team will recommend an appropriate length of stay based on your patterns, withdrawal risks, and emotional needs.
What happens if I leave treatment early?
Leaving early can increase overdose risk due to reduced tolerance. Our team prioritises safety planning and ongoing support if a client chooses to leave before completion.
How private is the heroin addiction treatment programme?
Our estate is discreet and fully private, with a limited number of clients to ensure confidentiality and space.
What therapies will I receive?
Your programme is tailored, but typically includes individual therapy, group therapy, medical care, and holistic modalities.
Will I be able to contact my family?
Yes. Family contact is arranged in a way that supports recovery and emotional stability. Family therapy can also be included when appropriate. In addition, family members are welcome to join a weekly online family support group from the beginning of treatment.
Can you help if I have depression or anxiety as well?
Yes. Co-occurring mental health conditions are assessed and treated alongside addiction.
What happens during the admissions process?
After an initial confidential conversation, our clinical team gathers relevant medical and psychological information to ensure we can support your specific needs. On arrival, we complete a full medical and psychiatric assessment and create your personalised treatment plan. Our admissions process is discreet, supportive, and designed to reduce stress at what can be an emotionally difficult moment.
Can I work remotely while in treatment?
We encourage clients to prioritise their recovery while at Ibiza Calm. In certain programmes, remote work may be possible.
Do you accept insurance?
We accept a number of international insurances, such as Cigma International and Bupa Global. We can also assist with documentation for clients seeking reimbursement, though coverage depends on individual policies.
What happens after I leave Ibiza Calm?
Before discharge, you will be introduced to the aftercare support group, and you will receive a detailed aftercare plan tailored to your needs. This may include ongoing therapy, psychiatric support, community-based groups, or outpatient treatment. We also coordinate with trusted professionals to ensure continuity of care once you return home.
Ask yourself…
If you or someone you love is struggling with heroin addiction, you don’t have to face it alone. Help is available. Contact our team in confidence to learn more about treatment options or to discuss whether residential care at Ibiza Calm is the right next step.
Does someone I know need help?
If family doesn’t intervene, who will?
We help families get their loved ones into addiction treatment.
Do I have a problem with addiction?
Our international team of professionals uses the latest therapeutic approaches to help you regain control and begin your recovery journey.
Testimonials
What our clients say
You’re not alone on this journey.
The path to recovery starts with a small first step.
















































