As the most populous state in America, with nearly 39 million residents, California will naturally be among the leaders in the country for many categories. Unfortunately, the state now leads the nation in drug overdose deaths, with 10,952 in 2022, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The California opioid epidemic has reached such high levels that the state government has stepped in to combat the crisis.

“We have an all-hands-on-deck strategy focused on preventing tragedy, connecting people with treatment and prioritizing harm reduction strategies to reduce overdoses and compassionately help those struggling with substance use and addiction,” California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “We’re fighting back together to protect our families.”

As a response, the state is investing more than $1 billion in a comprehensive strategy to stop the illegal opioid trade through law enforcement measures. It is also educating and raising awareness to prevent opioid misuse while offering treatment and recovery services for residents dealing with opioid use disorders. While the response is commendable, residents must learn the dangers of opioid abuse and where to find addiction treatment in California if signs of opioid addiction are occurring.

Does California Have an Opioid Problem?

The United States has an opioid problem, and as the most populous state, California is at the forefront of the nation’s opioid crisis. Despite efforts to combat the issue, the opioid epidemic remains a serious public health crisis that affects individuals, families, and communities across California.

Since its beginning as a prescription opioid problem, the opioid crisis in California has evolved. It began as doctors would prescribe opioids to help patients manage pain. Unfortunately, the high rate at which they prescribed the medications and the addictive nature of the drugs led many patients to develop substance use disorders.

Once this crisis became mainstream and the risks associated with prescription opioids grew, laws were enacted to tighten prescription medications. However, this only shifted the crisis towards illegal opioids like heroin. More recently, this has shifted to an increase in the use of synthetic opioids, especially fentanyl, which is up to 50 times stronger than heroin, leading to a significant increase in overdose deaths.

How Many Opioid Deaths Occur in California?

In 2021, nearly 6,000 people died from opioid-related overdose deaths in California, according to the California Department of Human Health. This is an increase from 2020, when 5,502 California residents died due to opioid overdose, with 3,946 killed from a fentanyl overdose. While the amount of deaths certainly points to a crisis, each fatality is preventable, and there is prescription opioid addiction treatment available to help those struggling with the disorder.

Why Are Opioids High-Risk?

Like any drug, the ability of the user to misuse the substance is possible. However, opioids are among the most dangerous drugs, with several significant risks that make them particularly dangerous. Opioids help reduce pain and produce feelings of euphoria, which trigger the brain’s reward system, causing a higher likelihood of dependency and addiction.

Over time, the body gets used to the presence of opioids, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. This tolerance and higher dosage amount increase the risk of overdose. Opioids also slow down breathing, which is the primary cause of overdose deaths.

When someone with a physical dependence on opioids stops using them, they experience uncomfortable and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms. These can include severe pain, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and intense cravings, leading them to want to start using again desperately. This can be a dangerous time as the body may not be ready for the previous dosage the user had been using when they stopped, increasing the risk of overdose.

What Is the Most Common Opioid Treatment?

Struggling with opioid use is not a problem people need to face alone. Addiction is a disease that requires professional care and support. When treating opioid addiction, the most common treatment combines detox, medication, and therapy for a personalized rehab treatment program. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is widely recognized as the common practice for opioid use disorder treatment. MAT involves the use of FDA-approved medications along with behavioral therapies for opiate addiction.

Treating the Opioid Epidemic in California

As a leading opiate treatment center in California, Living Longer Recovery has professional facilities and addiction treatment programs to help patients recover from their opioid addiction. Our personalized drug rehab programs provide the help needed to overcome the physical and mental side of prescription drug addiction. The opioid epidemic in California is a serious crisis, but help is available at Living Longer Recovery. Please reach out to us by calling 866-714-3294 today to discover how our addiction treatment services can help you or a loved one overcome a prescription drug addiction in a professional and caring environment.   

External Sources

• Encyclopedia Britannica — List of U.S. States by Population
• Government of California — California’s Opioid Response
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Drug Overdose Mortality by State
• California Department of Human Health — Fentanyl & Opioid Overdose Prevention