California Substance Abuse Treatment

For the past decade, opioids and other drugs have continued to affect the people of California. It is estimated that in California, nearly 45% of drug overdose deaths were associated with opioids in 2018. This equates to around 2,400 overdose deaths in 2018. Additionally, heroin-related deaths rose to 778 in 2018. 

To respond to this ongoing problem with opioids and overdose death, California implemented several acts that have helped to reduce this number over the years. The California Overdose Treatment Act in particular allows healthcare professionals to distribute naloxone as a way of treating opioid overdoses. This act allows liability for healthcare providers using naloxone for overdoses. 

To help further combat Califonia’s opioid overdose problem, The Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Law was also introduced the same year. This protects those who call in to report an overdose. It encourages those who witnessed an overdose to call for help without the fear of being arrested or fined. While these acts have helped to lower the numbers, there are still many cases of drug addiction and overdose. 

What is an Intervention?

Before continuing onto one of the many California detox centers available to you or a loved one, the very first step is admitting change. Interventions are commonly used to help get a person struggling with addiction the proper help they need. To do this, an intervention is typically a gathering (friends, family, and a professional interventionist). During this meeting, the person struggling with addiction is guided towards getting treatment. 

An Intervention is a planned and structured event. The goal is to help a person realize they have a problem and need to get professional help from a trusted California substance abuse treatment facility.

An intervention requires planning and sometimes some guidance from a professional. There are many things you want to keep in mind when conducting an intervention. The main steps/pointers of a drug intervention include the following:

1. Make a plan – Set up a planning group and consult with a professional interventionist to make sure the process goes smoothly and successfully.
2. Research information – Do your research beforehand to make sure you are prepared with possible treatment options and have the proper people in the intervention
3. Create the intervention team – Consider inviting close friends and family to the intervention and give them ample time to prepare
4. Set specific boundaries/consequences – This will help set the ground rules for their failure to get proper help (this can be moving out or other consequences).
5. Plan out what will be said – Everyone involved should have a set of notes on what they will say when the time comes
6. Following up – After the intervention has taken place make sure to follow up with them. Make sure they are continuing their treatment and staying committed. 

What is Addiction and How Does it Affect a Person?

Addiction is considered a disease; one can end up ruining a person’s life if they don’t get the proper treatment. Addiction occurs when a person loses control of their drug and alcohol use. This is met with different side effects, withdrawal symptoms when not using, and behavioral changes. Many people may look at addiction and physical disease but it is much more than that. Addiction can impact a person’s mental and social state as well. 

It’s essential to know the full impact that addiction can have you on and your loved ones. To put it in perspective here are several negative effects addiction can have on a person’s life:

• Worsened performance at work, school, and home
• Aggressive and sometimes impaired judgment
• Loss of interest in hobbies and other activities
• Weakened immune system and a higher risk of illness
• Seizures, stroke, and overall mental confusion
• Memory problems
• Other negative health effects on the mind and body (disease, nausea, loss of appetite, lung disease, etc.)

Addiction is a disease that doesn’t only affect the addict but everyone around them. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction it may be time to look towards one of the many detox facilities in California so you can take the first step. 

Addiction Treatment Programs in California

There are many trusted California residential treatment centers, whether you are living in San Diego or Los Angeles. However, before you can take the first step toward treatment in one of the many California detox centers, you must know the different addiction treatment types available to you. With this in mind, everyone’s journey towards recovery is different – some of these treatment methods may be more preferable or effective than others. 

Detoxification 

Detoxification or detox is one of the most vital parts of addiction treatment, no matter the drug in question. Medical detox is a process that gets rid of all the toxic substances in a person’s body (specifically drugs and alcohol). Additionally, detox helps tame some of the intense physical and psychological symptoms associated with addiction. This process is usually done with medical supervision because it can be a bit unpredictable at times. Additionally, medical supervision can allow mental and physical support through the process. 

There are dozens of California detox centers that can help you take that first step towards recovery. Relying on professionals is much safer and more effective than trying to detox alone. The length of detox depends on a variety of factors and the dosage of drugs in the system.  Many California residential treatment centers offer comprehensive treatment starting with detox and working down to more personalized treatment. 

Residential Treatment

After detox, it is time to get started with more specialized and personal treatment. Residential treatment (or inpatient treatment) usually involves staying at a facility with around-the-clock support and supervision. Having this constant stream of support can be crucial in more intense cases of addiction. 

Co-occurring/dual diagnosis cases of addiction are some of the cases that require inpatient/residential treatment.  Many dual diagnosis treatment centers in California provide residential treatment and help towards both mental health conditions and drug addiction. Inpatient/residential treatment offers the most effective treatment and ensures a higher chance of long-term sobriety with a lower risk of relapsing. 

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment is also commonly used for cases of drug addiction. This program doesn’t require someone to stay at a facility for an extended period of time. Instead, outpatient treatment is made up of weekly visits with each session being around an hour. Outpatient treatment is often used as a transitional method after residential treatment. 

Outpatient treatment lets you live your life while attending school, work, and maintaining a home life all while still getting help. This makes it a great option for those who want to start their new life without losing touch with treatment and support. Since outpatient treatment lacks 24/7 support, it is not recommended for complex cases of addiction. 

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)

Partial hospitalization programs are a step up from outpatient treatment but are not necessarily as comprehensive as residential programs. As the name suggests, PHPs allow you to live in a California sober living home or a treatment center close by. A person will continue attending therapy but with fewer hours overall. You may find that a California substance abuse treatment facility uses a combination of different therapies and sober living homes during the process. 

Online Addiction Treatment (Telehealth/Telemedicine) 

As technology continues to advance so have many addiction and mental health treatment centers in California. Online addiction treatment, also referred to as telehealth, allows a person to get help online from their home. They may speak with a qualified therapist through a video or text chat. 

This can be a great option for those who are uncomfortable traveling far or have conditions that don’t allow them to go in person. While this isn’t recommended for those with severe cases of addiction, telehealth and telemedicine can be a great addition to treatment. 

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Many detox facilities in California use a mixture of medication in combination with therapy and treatment. This is considered medication-assisted treatment. Medication can help relieve some of the physical and psychological symptoms associated with withdrawals. 

Additionally, medication can be used for specific symptoms of anxiety and depression in cases of co-occurring disorders as well. MAT may not be the best option for certain cases so it’s best to consult with a medical professional. 

Addiction Treatment Therapy Options in California

What many people don’t realize is that addiction is both a physical and mental problem. Getting physical help is a great start but recovery is not possible without a new mindset. There are many different types of therapy – each helping the person overcome negative thoughts and addiction. No matter what California substance abuse treatment facility you attend, therapy will be part of the process. 

Let’s break down some of the most common forms of therapy for addiction treatment:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Is a commonly used form of short-term therapy that focuses on changing a person’s thinking patterns. CBT helps people understand and alter their negative and inaccurate thoughts. This can help build confidence while helping a person confront their feelings instead of ignoring them.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) – DBT is also another commonly used therapy in many mental health treatment centers, California included. DBT focuses on the emotional aspects of addiction. DBT helps you learn new skills to cope with these feelings and cravings. This is especially important during the early stages of recovery.
• Family Therapy – Addiction tends to affect the person and everyone around them. This usually includes the family and sometimes relationships can be severed because of this. Family therapy is often used to help a family heal while practicing healthy habits.
• Group Therapy – Group therapy is often used to help people open up to others while listening to their peer’s stories. It can be therapeutic and effective, especially since you realize you aren’t alone in your struggles towards sobriety.  

What Are Co-Occurring Disorders? 

Co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis refers to cases where a person is dealing with two or more medical illnesses or mental health disorders. This typically comes in the form of a mental illness and a substance use disorder. These two disorders can begin to overlap with each other which creates a vicious cycle of addiction. A person may drink or use drugs to relieve the symptoms of their mental disorder. This ends up making the situation worse through addiction and dependency. 

Co-occurring disorders are much more complex than addiction cases. Co-occurring disorders are complex and require a high level of support and guidance. During dual diagnosis treatment, both the mental illness and addiction will be treated at the same time – however, both will be treated separately. Co-occurring disorders can be especially complicated and stressful but with the help of dual diagnosis treatment centers, California is the place where recovery is possible.

Paying for Addiction Treatment in California

When it’s time to officially get treatment, there are several insurance options that can help you cover parts of treatment. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act is a law that requires health insurance providers to offer the same amount of coverage for addiction treatment in California and around the nation. Many California substance abuse treatment centers accept many of the major insurance providers when it comes to paying for treatment.

Another way you can pay for treatment is to take out a personal loan or even saving up for treatment. No matter the cost, recovering from addiction may be the key to a happier life. During the early stages of the treatment process, a supervisor or counselor will help you weigh out your options and see what payment methods are available for you. 

Recovery Groups and Resources Available in California

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – Open meetings that focus on the 12-steps to sobriety 
• Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – NA meetings are very similar to AA meetings and are also open to the public
• SMART Recovery – A self-management and recovery training meeting focused on balance and fulfillment
• Celebrate Recovery – Focuses on the 12-steps and helps a person overcome their addiction
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) – This allows employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for medical reasons and treatment. 

Start the Journey at Addiction Intervention

There are many California residential treatment centers ready to help you turn things around. Don’t wait for your addiction to get worse. Start the journey today at Addiction Intervention. Give us a call today and start living the life you and your family deserve.