The opioid epidemic continues to devastate communities across the United States, including Orange County, CA. What began as the widespread prescription of painkillers has evolved into a crisis marked by addiction, overdose, and the rise of illicit opioids like fentanyl. Understanding the scope of this epidemic is vital to addressing its impact and offering solutions.
At Surf City Detox in Huntington Beach, CA, we specialize in providing opioid addiction treatment to help people overcome drug addiction. Contact us to learn more about recovery.
Opioid Addiction Statistics
This initiative seeks to reduce the number of opioid-related deaths and emergencies in California. According to the California Department of Public Health, there were 570 opioid-related deaths in 2023 within Orange County alone.
Surf City Detox is located in Orange County, CA. Our dedicated services extend past county lines and prevent future opioid deaths in California.
What are Opioids?
Opioids bind to brain and nervous system receptors, blocking pain signals and releasing dopamine. This creates feelings of euphoria and is helpful for pain management, but it can also lead to physical dependency and addiction over time.
After prolonged use or abuse, the dopamine increase in the brain may cause harmful behaviors and worsen brain function when it lacks this excessive dopamine. To understand what opioids are and how they work, it’s helpful to consider the short-and long-term effects:
- Short-term effects: The short-term side effects of opioids can vary from person to person, but typically provide pain relief, which is why they are prescribed, drowsiness and slowed breathing. Some may also experience digestive changes like constipation.
- Long-term effects: At Surf City Detox, we specialize in providing opioid addiction treatment to help people overcome drug addiction. Contact us to learn more about recovery. The longer someone uses opioids, the more their brain chemistry changes. This develops a tolerance to the substance, thus requiring higher doses to work, reduces natural dopamine production, and increases pain sensitivity.
Types of Opioids
These are medications prescribed by healthcare professionals to manage moderate to severe pain. Common examples include oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and morphine. Prescription opioids are intended for short-term use, but prolonged use increases the risk of dependency and addiction.
Heroin, derived from morphine, is a highly addictive illegal drug. Unlike prescription opioids, heroin is often injected, which increases the risk of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis. Its potency and unpredictable composition make it particularly dangerous. Heroin addiction is a life-threatening condition that requires professional help.
Synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl and its analogs, are man-made drugs designed to mimic natural opioids. One of the most popular and dangerous synthetic opioids is fentanyl. Fentanyl is much more potent than morphine and is often mixed with other drugs, increasing the likelihood of overdose and addiction. Even small doses of synthetic opioids can be lethal.
Why Are Opioids Addictive?
Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Addiction
The physical signs of opioid use include constricted pupils, drowsiness, and slowed breathing. Individuals who abuse this substance may also have flushed skin and experience sudden weight loss. If you notice yourself or a loved one exhibiting these signs, consider contacting a doctor.
Due to its effect on brain chemistry, opioids can cause behavioral changes in addition to physical symptoms. Behaviors to look for include mood swings, secrecy, and irritability. Individuals may also neglect responsibilities and isolate themselves from their usual social groups.
When someone who is suffering from opioid addiction cannot access the substance, they will begin exhibiting withdrawal symptoms. These signs include nausea, sweating, muscle aches, and severe cravings. If you or a loved one is suffering from withdrawal, contact an addiction specialist immediately.
Causes and Risk Factors of Opioid Abuse
- Biological: Biological risk factors include genetic predisposition and brain chemistry. Those who already have dysregulation brain chemistry or a family history of opioid abuse may have a higher chance of developing an addiction.
- Environmental: Access to opioids, peer influence, and socioeconomic factors all increase one’s risk for opioid addiction.
- Psychological: Dual diagnosis, which is when a person has both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition, often complicates treatment but highlights the importance of addressing both issues simultaneously. Managing these risk factors involves integrated care that combines mental health support with addiction treatment to reduce the likelihood of opioid abuse and improve overall outcomes.
Opioid Addiction by Gender
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, men are more likely to use an illicit drug than women, but doctors are more likely to prescribe an opioid to women of reproductive age due to their higher likelihood of having chronic pain.
Despite their usage differences, both men and women are susceptible to opioid addiction. However, due to societal differences, there is often a need for differing treatment approaches among genders. Surf City Detox offers both rehab for men and rehab for women to address the differences in use and therefore, different necessities in care.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Opioid Addiction
Detoxing from opioids is a crucial first step in the recovery process. It helps individuals safely manage withdrawal symptoms while clearing their bodies of harmful substances. This process not only reduces the immediate physical risks associated with withdrawal but also lays the foundation for long-term recovery by stabilizing the individual physically and mentally. The benefits of a medically supervised detox include round-the-clock care, symptom management, and reduced risk of relapse during this vulnerable phase.
Withdrawal from opioids can be challenging, but medical detox programs like ours provide a safe and supportive environment to manage these symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse.
Located in the serene landscapes of Huntington Beach, CA, Surf City Detox’s residential treatment program guides individuals through the road to recovery. With medical support, therapy, and a customized treatment plan, individuals can trust our program to help them recover from opioid addiction. Additionally, residential provides a higher level of support than an outpatient program does and helps patients build social skills and better mental health habits.
Pursuing support after rehab is crucial to prevent relapse. Our aftercare program continues therapies and helps maintain a support system for those in recovery. By attending support group meetings, continuing behavioral therapy, and staying accountable, individuals can create a relapse prevention plan that helps them stay in recovery.
Our Opioid Addiction Treatment Center Can Help You Break the Cycle
Contact us today to learn more about our programs and begin your journey to recovery.
Surf City Detox Accepts Insurance
We accept many insurance plans to help cover the cost of addiction treatment. Contact your provider to get more information or call our office to reach an intake specialist.
