Opioid Addiction Treatment in Los Angeles

The opioid epidemic is a critical public health crisis in the United States, with Los Angeles among the hardest hit locations. Thousands of people every day face the challenges of opioid addiction, a complex and potentially life-threatening condition affecting individuals from all backgrounds. Whether addiction began with prescription painkillers or illicit drugs like heroin, effective treatment is crucial to breaking the cycle and beginning recovery.

If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, professional, personalized care is available. At Recovery Zone LA, we offer compassionate, expert treatment programs designed to support your journey toward lasting recovery.

What are Opioids?

Opioids are a class of drugs that attach to opioid receptors in the brain and body. They are mainly prescribed to relieve pain but can also create feelings of euphoria, which can make them highly addictive.

It’s important to differentiate between opioids and opiates. Opiates are natural substances derived from the opium poppy plant, such as morphine, codeine, and heroin. Opioids is a broader term that includes these natural opiates, as well as synthetic and semi-synthetic drugs that act similarly. Examples of opioids include prescription painkillers like oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), fentanyl, and methadone.

Addiction to opioids often develops unintentionally. Many people who become addicted initially receive opioids through legitimate prescriptions for pain management, sometimes after surgery or a one-off injury. Because opioid medications are potent, tolerance can develop quickly. This can cause some people to take higher doses than prescribed to address their pain, or to seek drugs illegally after their prescription ends. This accidental path to addiction highlights the dangerous nature of opioids.

Signs of Opioid Addiction

Recognizing the signs of opioid addiction is crucial for early intervention and seeking help. These signs may vary in intensity depending on the individual and the extent of their use.

Physical Signs

Constricted (pinpoint) pupils
Drowsiness or “nodding off” at inappropriate times
Slowed breathing
Constipation
Nausea and vomiting
Itching or flushed skin
Slurred speech
Poor coordination
Heightened tolerance, requiring higher doses of the drug to achieve the same effect
Withdrawal symptoms when the drug’s effects wear off (such as muscle aches, sweating, chills, diarrhea, and anxiety)

Behavioral Signs

Associating with new groups of people
Reduced interest in activities or hobbies they once enjoyed
Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
Financial difficulties, including borrowing or stealing money
“Doctor shopping,” i.e. visiting multiple doctors to obtain prescriptions
Forging prescriptions to receive more medication
Secretive behavior, such as lying about drug use or whereabouts
Possession of drug paraphernalia (such as pill bottles, needles, pipes)
Wearing long sleeves even in warm weather, to hide track marks from injection
Frequent and unexplained absences

Psychological Signs

Mood swings
Irritability or agitation
Anxiety
Depression
Difficulty concentrating or focusing
Memory problems
Euphoria or an exaggerated sense of well-being
Apathy or lack of motivation
Defensiveness (or denial) when confronted about drug use
Obsessive thoughts about obtaining and using opioids

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Short- and Long-Term Effects of Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction can have devastating short-term and long-term consequences, and can affect nearly every aspect of an individual’s life. This can include physical and mental health as well as social relationships and overall well-being.

Short-Term Effects

The immediate effects of opioid use can include:

Pain relief: This is the primary reason opioids are prescribed, and most do indeed deliver upon this promise.
Euphoria: This may lead to a “high” or intense feeling of pleasure and well-being.
Drowsiness and sedation: This can lead to a state of lethargy or “nodding off” (suddenly falling asleep) at random times.
Slowed breathing (respiratory depression): This is one of the most dangerous short-term effects and can lead to oxygen deprivation, brain damage, coma, or death (especially in cases of overdose).
Nausea and vomiting: These are common side effects, particularly at initial use or higher doses.
Constipation: Opioids slow down the digestive system, which can hinder this system within the body.
Itching and flushed skin: This is due to histamine release.
Confusion and impaired judgment: This side effect makes it unsafe for the person to operate machinery or make important decisions.
Changes in appearance: This can include pinpoint pupils.

Long-Term Effects

Chronic opioid use and addiction can lead to more severe and persistent health problems, including:

Physical Dependence and Withdrawal: The body adapts to the presence of opioids, leading to severe withdrawal symptoms if use is stopped or reduced. More severe symptoms may include muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold chills with goosebumps (commonly called “cold turkey”), and uncontrollable leg movements.
Increased Tolerance: An opioid user may find themselves needing increasingly larger doses of the opioid to achieve the desired effects, significantly increasing their risk of overdose.
Hyperalgesia: Ironically, long-term opioid use can sometimes lead to increased sensitivity to pain.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Chronic constipation can lead to more severe problems, such as bowel obstruction.
Liver Damage: This is a particular risk for people taking opioids combined with acetaminophen, taken in high doses.
Brain Damage: Due to hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the brain) from repeated respiratory depression or overdose, people may experience impaired decision-making, self-control, and emotional regulation.
Infectious Diseases: For individuals who inject opioids like heroin, the risk of contracting HIV, hepatitis C, and other blood-borne infections through shared needles can be very high. Bacterial infections may also develop in the skin, bloodstream, and heart valves.
Mental Health Disorders: Opioid addiction often co-occurs with and can exacerbate the symptoms of mental health conditions like depression disorders, anxiety disorders, and PTSD.
Sleep-Disordered Breathing: Examples of this include sleep apnea.
Sexual Dysfunction: This can include decreased libido and infertility in both men and women.
Malnutrition: This may occur due to poor diet and appetite suppression due to opioids.
Social and Economic Consequences: Damaged relationships, job loss, financial ruin, homelessness, and involvement with the criminal justice system can have far-reaching impacts on a person’s life.
Overdose and Death: This is the most severe long-term risk, especially with the increasing prevalence of highly potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl (sometimes added to opioids without the user’s knowledge).

Addressing these effects of opioid overdose requires comprehensive opioid addiction treatment that focuses not only on cessation of drug use, but also the healing of physical and psychological damage caused by addiction. Comprehensive treatment of this type usually lead to better outcomes and lower rates of relapse.

Treatment For Opioid Addiction

Evidence-based treatment options for opioid addiction vary, with the most effective approach combining therapies tailored to each individual’s needs.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides structured treatment while allowing individuals to live at home and maintain daily responsibilities. This can include commitments like work or school. Suitable for those needing more support than standard outpatient care but not full-time supervision, IOPs include staples of treatment like individual and group therapy, family counseling, addiction education, and relapse prevention. This approach offers a balanced level of care that supports recovery without disrupting daily life.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

PHPs provide intensive daytime treatment lasting five to eight hours per day, five to seven days a week. Clients return home or to a sober living environment each evening and do not live in a treatment facility, hence the “partial hospitalization” part of the title. PHPs can include medical monitoring, psychiatric care, medication management, and holistic therapies.

Outpatient Program (OP)

Outpatient programs for addiction (OPs) provide flexible therapy sessions once or twice weekly, allowing individuals to maintain their routines. Best for those with mild addiction or as post-treatment aftercare, services can include individual counseling, group therapy, and relapse prevention. This option supports long-term recovery by helping clients develop and practice coping skills in real-world settings.

Outpatient Detox

For mild to moderate withdrawal, outpatient detox lets clients safely manage symptoms at home with medical supervision and medications to ease discomfort. It’s not recommended for severe cases of addiction or people with complex medical needs. Careful medical assessment ensures the safety and suitability of this approach for each individual.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Dual diagnosis programs treat both conditions simultaneously through integrated therapy, medication management, and psychoeducation, improving recovery success and overall well-being. Treating both conditions can lower the chance of relapse and support comprehensive recovery.

Special Treatment Programs

At Recovery Zone LA, we proudly offer the following specialized treatment programs for groups with specific needs:

Older Adults: Focus on age-related health issues, medication management, isolation, and grief that may affect substance use.
Veterans and First Responders: Trauma-informed care addressing PTSD, high-stress jobs, combat experiences, and other potential transition challenges.
LGBTQ+: Affirming environments providing support for mental health, emphasizing identity and community support.
Athletes: Addresses stress, relapse prevention, support for anxiety and mental disorders, plus physical therapy to encourage physical healing.
Executives and Professionals: Discreet, flexible care with special emphasis on time-efficient methods.
College Students: Support regarding academic and social pressures, with emphasis on life skills education, academic support, and individualized treatment plans.

Contact Recovery Zone LA for Opioid Addiction Treatment

Overcoming opioid addiction requires courage, support, and expert care. At Recovery Zone LA, we understand the challenges you face and offer personalized, evidence-based treatment programs designed to meet your unique needs. Our dedicated team is committed to guiding you every step of the way toward lasting recovery.

Don’t let opioid addiction control your life or the life of someone you love any longer. Our confidential and supportive staff are ready to answer your questions and help you take the first step toward a healthier, brighter future free from opioids. Contact us today to learn more.

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