Opioid Treatment Programs in California
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In 2022, close to 7,000 Californians lost their lives due to opioid-related overdoses. Opioid abuse and addiction is an ever-growing problem in California and throughout the United States. Unfortunately, much of this problem stems from prescription opioids such as Oxycodone, Morphine, and Tramadol. Opioids encompass a range of substances, including illicit heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and prescription painkillers. These drugs carry a high risk of addiction and can lead to dependence, even when used as prescribed. Overcoming opioid use disorder is extremely challenging on your own; however, California opioid treatment programs can help anyone break free from addiction and live a full life in recovery.
Comprehensive detox and rehab programs for drug and alcohol addiction combine various types of psychotherapies, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and holistic approaches to help patients overcome the physical and psychological aspects of their addiction. The most effective treatment programs utilize a step-down approach, offering multiple levels of care, including inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, and aftercare programs to guide people toward successful, long-term recovery. Patients can expect behavioral health therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, relapse prevention education, medication management, dual diagnosis, and holistic treatments like yoga and massage throughout their treatment program. One of the toughest aspects of opioid addiction is the withdrawal symptoms, which can be extremely painful and distressing. Fortunately, medical detox programs provide patients with support and medications to ease withdrawals and cravings, successfully stopping the use of opioids
What Is the Definition of Opioid Abuse?
Opioid use disorder is a chronic, relapsing mental health disease characterized by the continued use of opioids despite their harmful consequences of use. People often develop both physical and psychological aspects of addiction to opioids, making it difficult to overcome. Opioid use disorder usually develops from opioid abuse, which is using a prescription medication other than how it was prescribed — such as exceeding the recommended dosage, using someone else’s prescription, snorting, injecting, or combining opioids with other substances like alcohol. However, people can develop opioid dependence even when used as directed by their prescribing physician.
In certain cases, those who develop a prescription opioid addiction and no longer have access to their medication may turn to illicit methods to obtain them, such as doctor shopping or using illegal street heroin or fentanyl. Opioid use disorder has potentially serious consequences, including disability, relapse, overdose, and even death. To be diagnosed with this disorder, a person must exhibit at least two of the following criteria within a year:
- Taking more opioids or larger doses than first intended.
- Struggling to reduce or stop use despite efforts to do so.
- Spending large amounts of time obtaining, using, or recovering from opioid effects.
- Experiencing intense cravings for opioids.
- Difficulty fulfilling work, school, or personal responsibilities.
- Continued use despite recurring social or interpersonal problems.
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed due to opioid use.
- Using opioids in dangerous situations, such as while driving.
- Continued opioid use despite worsening mental or physical health.
- Developing tolerance to opioids.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using them.
Why Are Opioids so Addictive?
Opioids are powerful drugs designed to treat pain. They interact with opioid receptors in the brain and activate the reward center to trigger the release of endorphins. Users will feel pain relief and euphoria, which can lead to wanting to use the opioid over and over again. People do not develop an opioid addiction right away, and some may never have any issues taking the drugs. While it’s not clear what exactly causes someone to develop an addiction, risk factors include genetics, family history of substance abuse, environments, dosage, and length of use.
Over time, repeated opioid use changes the brain chemistry. The brain adjusts to the presence of opioids and begins to develop tolerance, meaning it needs more of the drug to feel the same effects. With regular use, the body eventually becomes dependent on opioids to function properly and experiences withdrawal symptoms when it is not present. Withdrawal symptoms are often the reason why people continue to use opioids. They can be extremely painful and uncomfortable, including symptoms such as body aches, chills, fever, diarrhea, anxiety, insomnia, and cravings. To offset these withdrawal symptoms, people will keep using them.
Addiction comes after developing tolerance and dependence. During this stage, opioids disrupt the brain’s judgment and decision-making skills, making opioid use uncontrollable. Loss of judgment and impulse control are the behaviors that indicate opioid use disorder. Dependence can happen to anyone, even when taken as prescribed. However, tolerance and dependence are not the same as addiction. Sometimes, people are ready to stop using their medications only to find they experience withdrawal symptoms and need professional help to wean off the drug.
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What Is the Opioid Policy in California?
In 2023, the California Medical Association published new opioid prescribing guidelines in an attempt to create greater safeguards for physicians prescribing opioids for pain. Before these guidelines were published, California already had one of the lowest opioid prescribing rates in the US. These guidelines are not intended to take away from individualized care but rather that initiating opioid therapy should be done when the benefits outweigh the risks. The state is also spending over $1 billion on a plan to combat the opioid epidemic in California. It includes cracking down on illegal opioids through law enforcement, preventing opioid misuse through education, and providing treatment and recovery services for patients experiencing opioid use disorders. There is also a new California law that requires prescribers to offer a prescription for naloxone, a life-saving medication that reverses the effects of opioid overdose.
What Happens After Opioid Addiction Treatment?
Effective drug addiction programs in California provide patients with the skills and tools needed to overcome addiction while also addressing its underlying causes. However, substance use disorders cannot be cured and require lifetime management. After completing addiction treatment, the person will return to normal life, which includes work, family, friends, and hobbies; however, that may look different from life before rehab. This transition can take adjusting, but aftercare programs can provide essential support and resources needed to navigate life in sobriety. Additionally, it is important to continue addiction treatment through therapy, support groups, and healthy lifestyle changes. Sober living housing can be particularly beneficial when adjusting to the real world, as it fosters an environment and community supporting sobriety. It is important to keep up with relapse prevention methods after rehab, especially the first year when you are at higher risk for relapse.
Comprehensive California Opioid Treatment Programs at Living Longer Recovery
Attempting to overcome opioid dependence and addiction on your own often proves unsuccessful. The highly addictive nature of opioids makes it difficult to break free, but with the right support, recovery is achievable. California opioid treatment programs at Living Longer Recovery provide the individualized and complete care needed for lasting recovery. Our medical detox program is an excellent first step for anyone struggling with opioid dependence. An expert team of specialists is available around the clock to ensure your safety and comfort while also administering essential medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Once you complete medical detox, you can access various care levels, including inpatient and outpatient treatment options. Our aftercare programs are designed to assist you in smoothly transitioning back into everyday life. Recovery is possible, and you can start the path to living your best life today by contacting Living Longer Recovery at 866-714-3294.