According to the California Health Care Foundation, around 8.5 percent of the state’s population of people aged 12 and older live with a substance use disorder, which is the clinical term for addiction. The highest prevalence of addiction in the state is among those aged 18 to 25, for whom the rate of substance use disorders is 15 percent.
Given the rates of substance use disorders in California, there is a need for addiction treatment among state residents. In Los Angeles County, there is an average of 361.2 non-fatal emergency room visits per year, per 100,000 people, related to alcohol and drugs other than opioids, and 19,4 visits per 100,000 people due to opioid use. Substance abuse treatment in Los Angeles can help people to recover from addiction and reduce the risks associated with drug and alcohol abuse.
Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Those seeking addiction treatment in Southern California may need help for an addiction to heroin or other opioids like pain pills. According to recent data, 8 percent of Californians age 18 to 25 and 4.3 percent of those age 26 and above abuse pain medications. In addition, 0.4 percent of those aged 18 to 25 and 0.2 percent aged 26 and up use heroin within a given year.
Abuse of heroin and prescription opiates has both short-term and long-term consequences. Over the short term, heroin abuse can cause nausea and vomiting. It can also slow a person’s breathing and even lead to overdose. Long-term consequences of heroin addiction include infection of the heart valves, liver and kidney disease, collapsed veins, development of abscesses, and infections from using soiled needles.
Prescription opioids may seem harmless but can also lead to addiction and overdose when abused. Both heroin and prescription opioids can cause uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, including severe pain, sleep disturbances, diarrhea, vomiting, involuntary leg movements, and cold flashes.
Behavioral therapies, such as counseling, are often combined with medications like methadone and buprenorphine to help people overcome opioid addiction. For those looking for substance abuse treatment in Los Angeles, a treatment center offering counseling and medications is a good option for treating opioid addiction.
Cocaine Addiction Treatment in Southern California
Those seeking substance abuse treatment in Southern California may also need services for cocaine addiction. According to data from the California Health Care Foundation, cocaine abuse is particularly problematic for Californians in the age range of 18 to 25, as 7.2 percent of those in this age group use cocaine in a given year, compared to 1.8 percent of those aged 26 and above.
As a highly addictive stimulant, cocaine comes with significant risks. For example, cocaine abuse is associated with elevated heart rate and blood pressure and narrowing of blood vessels, which can lead to serious problems like heart attack and stroke. Cocaine users may also become violent or paranoid and suffer from periods of psychosis or erratic behavior. In some cases, cocaine abuse can even lead to seizures or coma.
Over the long term, users may develop serious health problems alongside cocaine addiction. These can include lung damage from smoked cocaine, bowel damage, malnutrition, and nasal damage. Those who need cocaine addiction treatment in Southern California may benefit from behavioral treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy or recovery groups, such as 12 Steps programs.
Southern California Treatment for Marijuana Addiction
There is a strong need for marijuana addiction treatment in Southern California, especially among those aged 18-25, as recent data show that 34 percent of Californians in this age range use marijuana within a given year. Furthermore, 13.5 percent of Californians age 26 and older use marijuana over the course of a year.
Marijuana use may seem harmless, especially given the increase in states legalizing it for recreational use. Still, people who abuse the drug over the long term may develop breathing problems, chronic cough, and mental health conditions. Like cocaine addiction, marijuana addiction can be treated with cognitive behavioral therapy.
Southern California Addiction Treatment for Alcoholism
Alcohol abuse is another problem that can lead to the need for addiction treatment in Southern California. Statistics show that 36 percent of California residents age 18 to 25 engage in binge drinking within a given month, and 24.2 percent of those age 26 and over binge drink over a month. Binge drinking is associated with injuries, car accidents, risky sexual behaviors, and alcohol poisoning, increasing the risk of alcohol addiction. Over the long term, heavy alcohol use can lead to serious health problems, including heart and liver disease, stroke, cancer, dementia, and learning problems.
What this means is that alcohol may be legal, but it is not harmless. If you cannot cut back on your alcohol use or find that you begin to experience serious consequences from drinking, substance abuse treatment in Los Angeles may be needed to help you address the reasons you are unable to manage your drinking. Behavioral treatments like counseling can help you to address problematic drinking, and you may also take medications to manage alcohol use. In addition, you can find support for alcohol addiction through groups like AA.
Substance Abuse and Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Southern California
If you are seeking dual diagnosis or addiction treatment in Southern California, Mission Harbor Behavioral Health is here to help. We have locations in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, and we are proud to offer treatment for both mental health conditions and addictions, whether they occur alone or together. We offer multiple therapy types, including cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma therapy, and family therapy, to help clients work through the underlying issues leading to addiction. Contact our admissions team today for a 100% confidential phone call to get started with your treatment.
The facilities at Mission Harbor are staffed with trained experts to best assist patients with their mental health issues. We are capable of dealing with any and all cases with a licensed staff, equipment, and approved techniques. Our mission is to help those who want to help themselves, and we support your decision in seeking help.
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Alcohol addiction is extremely difficult to overcome on your own.. Seek specialized help and let professionals guide you in your recovery.
