Opioid use has grown exponentially in the past few years, particularly in the state of California.
As a result, there has been an increase in opioid addiction and opioid-related fatalities. In California, opioids were involved in nearly 70% of overdose deaths in 2018.1 The opioid epidemic in California was sparked by the overprescribing of opioids as medications, and the use of heroin and fentanyl. Death rates in California are the highest in the country as a result, with over 2,000 California residents dying each year of an opioid overdose.2 California is now working to end this epidemic and prevent further deaths.
In Banyan Palm Springs, we provide various treatments for those who are suffering from opioid addiction. Here, you can begin your recovery with an opiate detox treatment.
Opioids: Wreaking Havoc in California
Opioids are usually prescription drugs that are used to treat severe pain. Prescription opioids include Vicodin, OxyContin, Percocet, codeine, and fentanyl. When misused, opioids can cause negative side effects including slowed breathing, change in heart rate, and stomach pains. Over time, the use of abuse of opioids can permanently damage a person’s health. Opioid addiction can be treated in our residential treatment program.
The California opioid epidemic is a terrifying experience for its residents. The first wave of opioid use in California began in the late 1990s. Eventually, this led to the use of heroin and other synthetic opioids, like fentanyl, at a higher rate.3 As the death rates continue to rise, the state of California is forming a plan to help its residents overcome addiction and prevent falling victim to opioid use.
California’s Plan Against Opioids
As a result of the opioid crisis in California, state officials are working hard to prevent further tragedies. California state officials, local policymakers, health plans, providers, pharmacists, and clinicians are working together in an attempt to bring down the overdose death rate by 20% by the end of 2020.2 The first step of action is to reduce the use of opiates in treating pain and other ailments. If they are to be prescribed, it would be at lower doses and shorter durations.
Changes in treating chronic pain and other illnesses will also change to conform to the decrease in opiate use. In instances where individuals have been taking opioids for a while, their ailments and doses will be reevaluated and adjusted. Officials also want to ensure that the antidote for opioid overdose, naloxone, is widely available throughout all of California.
Officials also want to change the social stigma of opioid use, and bring more awareness to the dangers of opioid addiction within the educational system, training state officials and other leaders, and partnering with state and federal leadership to safely and effectively address the California opioid crisis.
In our rehab facility in Palm Springs, we have a variety of programs for people to heal from their addiction and learn how to live a sober life.
If you or a loved one are suffering from addiction, get help today. Call us at 888-280-4763.
Sources:
