The opioid epidemic has deeply impacted communities across the United States. In particular, the cities of Long Beach, Riverside, and Rancho Cucamonga in Southern California have seen rising rates of opioid misuse, addiction, and overdose deaths in recent years. An opioid detox center provides supervised medical care to help individuals safely withdraw from opioids like heroin, prescription painkillers, and fentanyl. Detox is often the first step towards overcoming opioid addiction through comprehensive treatment and recovery services.
The Opioid Crisis in Long Beach, Riverside, and Rancho Cucamonga, CA
The opioid crisis refers to the widespread misuse and addiction involving both prescription and illicit opioid drugs. According to the CDC, overdose deaths involving prescription opioids have increased by nearly five times since 1999, and 45 people die every day from prescription opioid overdoses in the United States. Synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, are the main driver of the opioid crisis, as they were involved in nearly 88% of all opioid-involved deaths in 2021. California has been hit hard by this public health emergency, as it ranked among the top 10 states with the highest synthetic opioid-involved death rates in 2021.
Opioid overdose deaths have surged in California and across the nation, driven by the increasing presence of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. In Long Beach, first responders administered naloxone 336 times for suspected opioid overdoses from 2018-2019. Neighboring Los Angeles County saw a 12% increase in opioid overdose deaths from 2018 to 2019, and a 58% increase in 2021.
In San Bernardino County, which includes Rancho Cucamonga, fentanyl overdose deaths rose by over 1000% from 2018 to 2020, and by another 76% in 2021.
These alarming statistics show the urgent need for accessible and effective addiction treatment resources like pH Wellness’ detoxification. Detox serves as the first step towards overcoming opioid addiction through comprehensive treatment and recovery services.
We understand that getting help for addiction can be challenging. Start with a free addiction assessment today.
What Are Opioids?
Opioids refer to both prescription pain medications derived from the opium poppy plant as well as illicit drugs like heroin. Some common prescription opioids include:
- Oxycodone (OxyContin)
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Fentanyl
These medications work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain that regulate pain, reward, and addictive behaviors. With repeated use, the brain adapts to the presence of opioids by reducing its own natural opioid production. Over time, more of the drug is needed to achieve the same effect, leading to tolerance, dependence, and addiction.
When opioids are misused or taken without a prescription, it can easily spiral into substance use disorder. Those struggling with addiction compulsively seek out and use opioids despite negative consequences to their health, work, or relationships.
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What Is Opioid Detox in Riverside, Rancho Cucamonga and Long Beach?
Opioid detoxification (or detox) is the process of clearing opioids from the body while managing uncomfortable and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms. This is achieved under 24/7 medical supervision in order to monitor vital signs and administer medications as needed.
The objectives of opioid detox include:
- Safely tapering off opioids through dose reductions
- Providing medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms
- Preventing serious complications such as dehydration, seizures, or self-harm
Detox alone is not comprehensive addiction treatment. But it is a vital first step towards recovery that sets the stage for long-term sobriety through continued treatment.
Importance of Medically Supervised Opioid Withdrawal
Attempting to detox from opioids “cold turkey” often fails and can be extremely unpleasant and risky. Medically supervised detox provides a more comfortable and controlled process for clearing opioids from the body. Additional benefits include:
- Preventing dangerous complications – Trained medical staff can monitor for and respond to any cardiac, respiratory, or other health issues.
- Managing withdrawal symptoms – Medications are administered to reduce symptoms like muscle aches, nausea, anxiety, and cravings.
- Psychological support – Counselors and therapists offer coping strategies for the emotional stress of withdrawal.
- Transition to further treatment – Detox staff help patients prepare for and connect to rehabilitation programs after detox.
With 24-hour nursing care and physician oversight, opioid detox centers provide the safest environment for navigating this difficult stage towards recovery.
Contact our friendly staff today to create your path in addiction recovery! Call Now For Treatment: (888) 707-3880.
Effects of Opioids
Understanding the short and long-term effects of opioids makes it clearer why professional help is necessary for overcoming opioid addiction in Long Beach, Riverside and Rancho Cucamonga, California.
In the short term, opioids produce feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and pain relief by flooding the brain with dopamine. However, the body quickly builds up a tolerance, requiring more frequent or higher doses to achieve the same high. Continued use often leads to physical dependence and distressing withdrawal symptoms upon stopping.
Over the long term, opioids can severely impact physical and mental health:
Physical effects
- Breathing issues, seizures, or coma from overdose
- Liver or kidney damage
- Increased risk of infections like HIV or hepatitis
- Adverse effects on hormones and sexual function
Mental effects
- Depression, anxiety, aggression
- Impaired thinking, judgment, and self-control
- Difficulty feeling pleasure without opioids
Additionally, the compulsive drug-seeking behavior of addiction can destroy careers, finances, and personal relationships.
Clearly, opioid addiction has immense potential to wreak havoc on every facet of a person’s life. Professional detox provides the vital first step towards regaining health and control.
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If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use disorder, contact us to speak with a caring intake specialist.
How Long Does Opioid Detox Take?
The length of opioid detox can vary significantly based on individual factors like:
- Type of opioid used
- Frequency of use
- Duration of use
- Dosage amount
- Mixing drugs or alcohol
- Physical health
In general, detox lasts about 5-7 days but symptoms can persist at lower intensity for weeks or months after drug cessation, a protracted phase sometimes called “post-acute withdrawal syndrome” (PAWS).
Detox completion is marked by:
- Discontinuation of detox medications
- Stable vital signs and mental state
- Transition to ongoing treatment and support
Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
Opioid withdrawal symptoms can be severe, which is why detoxing in a medical facility is highly recommended. Symptoms usually start within a few hours of the last dose and peak within a day or two. Common symptoms include:
- Muscle aches and pains
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Runny nose and watery eyes
- Sweating
- Anxiety, agitation, and irritability
- Insomnia
- Intense cravings
Although opioid withdrawal is extremely uncomfortable, it is generally not life-threatening. However, symptoms can cause extreme distress and lead to relapse without medical support.
Get Help for Opioid Addiction in Southern California
Given the rise in opioid addiction and overdose deaths, getting professional help is critical. If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction in Long Beach, Riverside, or Rancho Cucamonga, pH Wellness can help. Our opioid detox and treatment programs offer comprehensive care to help you safely withdraw from opioids and begin the path to recovery.
Remember, recovery is possible. With the right help, you can overcome opioid addiction and reclaim your life. Call pH Wellness today at (888) 707-3880 to learn more about our opioid detox services and take the first step towards healing.
