Opioid addiction remains a serious issue. It is estimated that over 2 million people suffer from opioid addiction in the United States alone. California is not immune to this epidemic. California experiences some of the highest rates of opioid prescriptions in the nation. Overdose deaths connected to opioid addiction are not going down in Orange Count. People need help with opioid addiction now more than ever. The good news is recovery centers like Oceanfront Recovery in Laguna Beach offer high-quality opioid addiction treatment.
Learn more about Oceanfront Recovery’s opioid addiction treatment in California by calling 877.296.7477 today. We can help you or your loved one take the first step toward a successful recovery. Located right next to the ocean, Oceanfront Recovery provides clients with a peaceful, calming environment to heal. We offer evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and trauma resolution. Our experienced clinicians are dedicated to helping our clients overcome the challenges of opioid addiction and live healthier lives.
The Need for Opioid Addiction Treatment in Laguna Beach
California experienced over 7,000 overdose deaths in 2021.1 Nearly 6,000 of the deaths involved fentanyl. The rise of fentanyl is perhaps the biggest shift in the opioid epidemic in the past few years. While all opioids remain an issue to some extent, fentanyl is by far the biggest culprit for addiction and overdose.
While all of California is struggling with the opioid crisis, Orange County is in particular need of help for opioid addiction. Over 10% of opioid deaths in 2021 took place in Orange County. Moreover, while the number of annual opioid prescriptions has decreased in the past decade, there were still more than 1,000,000 opioid prescriptions given out in Orange County in 2021.
What Is Opioid Addiction?
Opioid addiction is a chronic brain disorder where someone compulsively uses opioids and is unable to control their drug use. Opioids are often prescribed for pain relief or after surgery. They have valid medical use but can be highly addictive. Hence the serious issue of opioid addiction, which often begins with a prescription form of opioids before progressing to illicit substances like heroin or fentanyl.
There are several physical and psychological effects of opioid addiction. These include:
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Disorientation and difficulty concentrating
People who stop using opioids often experience withdrawal symptoms. They can be uncomfortable and are often a reason that people continue to take opioids so that they don’t experience them. Managing withdrawal is an essential component of opioid addiction treatment.
Getting Help for Opioid Addiction
Even though opioid abuse and addiction remain major public health issues, solutions are available. Evidence-based treatments like behavioral therapies and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) are the gold standard in addressing opioid addiction. Seeking professional help for opioid addiction is the best way to approach recovery.
The first component of addiction treatment is behavioral therapy. When it comes to opioid addiction, some of the best medicines are cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and contingency management. People can also benefit from twelve-step facilitation, which is built on involvement in support groups.
The second component for treating opioid addiction is MAT. Buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone are all medications that can be used to aid treatment. Buprenorphine is one of the most common medications used in MAT. It blocks the opioid receptors in the brain, reducing withdrawal symptoms. The key is that it does not produce any of the effects of an opioid like heroin or fentanyl. Thus, this method is not replacing one opioid with another substance that is habit-forming.
Access Help for Opioid Addiction Today at Oceanfront Recovery
Oceanfront Recovery is here to support you in overcoming opioid addiction. Recovery is not an instant fix. It requires dedication and commitment. But no matter where you have been, healing is possible with support from the expert staff at Oceanfront Recovery.
You have a whole life ahead of you. Start your journey to healing by reaching out to 877.296.7477.