Anaheim, CA Drug and Alcohol Treatment Resources

Help for Addiction is Available in Anaheim: You’re Not Alone in Your Struggle

Founded in 1870 by grape farmers and winemakers, Anaheim, California is best known for being the home to Disneyland and hosting professional sports teams, such as the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks and MLB’s Los Angeles Angels.

Located in the metropolitan area of Los Angeles, Anaheim is the second-largest and most populated city within Orange County, with approximately over 340,000 residents as of 2019.

With the biggest employer being the city’s tourism, it is hard to imagine that hidden beneath the rush of activity on its palm-tree-lined streets, from sporting events to theme parks, that like many cities in Southern California of this size, Anaheim’s residents are hugely impacted by the epidemic of substance abuse and addiction.

Luckily, in Anaheim, CA, and the surrounding cities of Orange County, there is an abundance of rehab facilities available to receive treatment for people suffering from drug and alcohol addiction.

The disease of addiction does not discriminate, and people need to realize that there is help out there that caters to everyone’s unique needs. Therefore, if you are thinking of seeking treatment for yourself or a loved one, you are not alone in your fight!

Through various methods of comprehensive treatment, such as detoxification, inpatient/outpatient rehab, counseling/therapy, and various other addiction resources, LA Detox is committed to helping residents of all walks of life who are suffering from drug and alcohol addiction, recover, so they can maintain a healthy and sober lifestyle.

Anaheim, CA Addiction Overview

Why is Southern California a Hotspot for Substance Abuse and Addiction?

They always say location, location, location! While Los Angeles is seen as an area of success, fame, and fortune, addiction does not discriminate and takes an equal opportunity at destroying the lives of millions, no matter your age, gender, race, and socioeconomic status. The devastating consequences of substance abuse on all aspects of life, (mentally, physically, and socially), can be felt in communities from coast to coast.

While addiction to drugs and alcohol affect various cities throughout the United States, Southern California happens to be one of them. Truth is, addiction in this area is not much of a secret. While people may picture drug abuse and addiction to happen primarily in urban areas, substance abuse is still very present in areas of suburbs, even in the picture-perfect postcard cities such as Anaheim in Southern California.

Southern California has been an area where drug/alcohol abuse and addiction has flourished, and the main reason is its location. With all the people and different cultures within the area, this highly populated area is a melting pot, closely located to the Mexican border.

Thus, this makes it is the prime spot for local and international drug smuggling to take place, which it does. Southern California also has an extensive amount of transportation facilities, making it very easy for drugs to be distributed to the rest of the country.

To put things into perspective, many of the problems surrounding addiction and substance abuse within Orange County and cities such as Anaheim is due to the lack of resources and education about the dangers of using alcohol and drugs. As a result, this epidemic of addiction continues to surge throughout this metropolitan area of Los Angeles.

Substance Abuse Statistics in Anaheim, CA

Geographically, cities that are located along the region of Orange County, tend to have higher rates of hospitalizations and deaths than any other city in California, due to drug and alcohol abuse.

In the Los Angeles metropolitan area, evidence-based research has shown, that approximately over 1.6 million people (15.4 percent) of the population over the age of 12 mostly abuse alcohol and illicit drugs such as opioids each year. Out of that large number of people, about 892,000 qualified as being addicted and having a substance use disorder (SUD).

A report by the Orange County Coroner in 2016, showed that there was at least one accidental overdose due to substance use every other day. That same year, about 1,700 Orange County residents, 400 alone, died from overdoses in the past five years!

Since the turn of the century, overdose-related deaths due to drugs and alcohol have increased by a whopping 82 percent.

Other important statistics regarding substance abuse in Anaheim, CA include:

Nearly 5,500 hospitalizations and 700 deaths related to drug or alcohol abuse occur every year in Orange County.
Between 2005 and 2015, visits to the emergency room due to opioid-related incidences increased by 141 percent.
Heroin is one of the most common opioids abused in Orange County. The Coroner’s Office reported that 68 percent of overdose-related deaths involved opioids, such as heroin.

No matter how you look at it these numbers are frightening and alarming! These statistics show that without proper plans and procedures, resources and the demand for treatment, as a result of substance abuse, death rates will continue to rise.

Common Substances Abused in Anaheim, CA

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported, that according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), in 2017, 19.7 million American adults 12 years and older, battled a substance use disorder.

In Anaheim, CA, the use of alcohol and prescription painkillers known as opioids, are among the most commonly abused substances.

Alcohol Abuse

Approximately 88,000 people, more men than women die from incidences related to alcohol every year, making the substance the third leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States. To put this in perspective, underage drinking is the result of nearly half of all deaths of teens under the age of 21.

Alcohol addiction is a disease defined by a person having constant bouts of binge drinking, meaning drinking excessively in a short time, despite the negative mental, physical, and social consequences.

Alcohol abuse and dependence are now both included together under the diagnosis of an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Approximately 18 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder (AUD).

The rates of alcohol abuse and dependency in the state of California are higher than the average of the entire United States at 7.3 percent.

Risk factors of alcoholism include depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, family history of substance abuse, genetics, other disorders, etc. Depending on the person, symptoms of alcohol use disorders range from mild to severe, which requires professional help and a comprehensive treatment plan to fully heal and recover.

If you think you might have an AUD, see your health care provider for an evaluation. Your provider can help you get the right form of detox and treatment for addiction and any underlying mental illnesses.

Alcohol Abuse Statistics (Anaheim, CA)

With the largest alcohol market in the country, California consumes 14 billion alcoholic drinks annually.
According to a Health Community Health Needs Assessment by UCI Health, in 2019, approximately 35 percent of adults in Orange County had engaged in binge drinking in the past year.
In 2017, an average of one car fatality occurred every 48 minutes due to consuming alcohol.
In 2018, alcoholism was more prevalent in California than any other type of substance abuse.
Alcohol accounted for more nonfatal trips to the ER than all other diagnoses due to substance use combined.
The most significant increase in drinking problems in California and the whole United States is among people ages 65 years of age and older.
Approximately 23.5 million people throughout the United States are affected by alcoholism. Six Americans die every day from alcohol poisoning.
Over the last few years, trends in the consumption of alcoholic beverages have risen in the state of California. In 2016, about 16.5 percent of adults admitted to binge drink at least once a month.

Drug Abuse

Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, with over 52,000 lethal deaths occurring in 2015 due to drug use alone!

While Anaheim is primarily known for its amusement parks and sports stadiums, the city’s residents face problems similar to the rest of Orange County.

It is tough to imagine that in a place like Orange County in Southern California, that a major drug abuse problem afflicts the residents of the area, but, it does. Addiction to prescription opioids and other illicit drugs are very much present in Anaheim, and not a thing of the past.

Sadly, the drug addiction rate in Orange County has been following the same trend as other metropolitan cities throughout the United States. Common drugs that are frequently abused by the inhabitants of Anaheim CA include the following, but not limited to:

Marijuana
Prescription/synthetic opioids
Cocaine
Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth)
Heroin

According to the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA), from 2000-2017, there was about an 88 percent increase in deaths due to drug use. The agency discovered that men were twice as likely to end up in the hospital or die as a result of drug and alcohol abuse issues rather than women.

Opioid addiction is driving this drug abuse epidemic. In 2015, there were over 20,000 opioid-related deaths due to these prescription painkillers, and over 12,000 of those overdoses were attributed to heroin.

Opioid Addiction in Anaheim

Opioids are prescription painkillers known to relieve pain. When these medications such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, fentanyl, and others are taken, their chemical make-up interacts and binds to opioid receptors within the nerve cells in the brain’s nervous system, and works quickly to relieve pain.

As a result, the body feels the pleasure side effects. Since opioids relieve pain efficiently and effectively, this is the reason why people become dependant on them. What people misunderstand is that these medications only provide a short-term or temporary amount of pain relief. Therefore, with each use, the body requires a higher dosage to feel the same effects.

Eventually, tolerance turns into dependency, and dependency turns into an addiction called an opioid use disorder (OUD). A person and their body begin to need and crave these painkillers to be able to function properly throughout the day. Once a person becomes addicted to opioids, it is hard to break the cycle without professional help.

To prove how highly addictive opioids are, just look at what the statistics and evidence-based research behind it have already demonstrated. The opioid epidemic is still going strong throughout the United States, especially in Anaheim, CA.

The city in Orange County has a higher rate of overdose-related deaths due to prescription painkillers than the average of the whole state of California. Anaheim has 8.4 deaths per 100,000 people, while California as a whole is 4.9 deaths per 100,000 people.

Research shows that the addictiveness of opioids is extremely misunderestimated. These medications are so potent and their effects are a huge risk factor for addiction.

People between the ages of 18 and 34 were the most likely to visit emergency departments for opioid overdose, while people between the ages of 45 and 54 were said to be the most likely to die of an opioid overdose.

While the trend of opioid-related overdoses, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations have been on an incline, the number of deaths occurring from the use of prescription medications has started to decrease, but unfortunately, the start of a new epidemic of heroin abuse has begun to take lives.

Drug Abuse Statistics (Anaheim, CA):

In the United States, the leading cause of accidental deaths is drug overdoses, specifically opioids (78.6 percent). The prescription painkillers are deadly, as they kill 52,000 people each year.
34 percent of people have used one or more illegal drugs in their lives, including cocaine and meth.
Investigations by the OC Coroner found that prescription medications (opioids) were the most frequently used substances.
In 2017, with nearly 70,000 hospital bed-days, being hospitalized for the average stay of 4-days for drug-related incidents including overdose cost a total of $430 million.

Initiatives to Improve Addiction Treatment in Anaheim, CA

In Orange County, CA and the surrounding areas, the disease of addiction has continued to spread like wildfire. While the rate seems to be escalating rather than being brought under control, the good news is, despite the war on drugs, the government in Anaheim, CA has been making a huge effort to combat this epidemic.

In other words, drug and alcohol abuse in Orange County is still a cause for concern both at the government and national level. So much so, that numerous programs and initiatives have been introduced as a means to keep the rate of addiction under control, prevent relapse, and most importantly, reduce the number of overdoses and deaths.

Medication-Assisted Treatment Expansion Project

According to the American Society for Addiction Medicine (ASAM), in the United States, 2-3 million people are addicted to opioids, or prescription drugs (i.e., oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and fentanyl). Another 500,000 people (half-a-million) are addicted to illegal opioids such as heroin.

There are major steps that California’s state-funded programs are taking to reduce opioid-related deaths, especially in metro areas such as Anaheim. The answer is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).

To address the state’s opioid epidemic, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) implemented The California MAT Expansion Project. Unmet treatment needs and reducing opioid death rates have been underway through treatment and prevention methods.

The goal is to help those with drug addiction, specifically to prescription painkillers detox through medication-assisted treatment and taper off these addictive medications.

To save lives, better access to MAT and the FDA-approved medications used during the process, such as buprenorphine, will be granted. This MAT Expansion Project is funded through grants by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Sober Living Regulation

To improve addiction treatment facilities and processes, another way California is utilizing substance abuse resources to their benefit is regulating sober living homes.

Sober living homes are an integral part of a person’s addiction treatment program, and instrumental in providing a successful and effective outcome during recovery from substance abuse. After treatment or during, sober living homes are places that help people suffering from addiction maintain their sobriety.

As the opioid epidemic grows, so does the need for reliable treatment facilities in Southern California. However, according to the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADP), any residential facility that offers any type of non-medical services to help those who are in recovery for addiction to drugs and alcohol requires licensing by the state and local government.

Unfortunately, sober living homes are not protected under California state and federal law, which means these types of facilities are left unregulated.

To combat this opioid crisis and find ways to regulate sober living homes, congress wants to pass the Sober Living Act, which would do just that.

The implementation of the Sober Living Act would ensure patients receive the high-quality care that they need at reputable sober living homes, putting an end to fraudulent and unethical behavior by these types of facilities. Thus, providing a safe environment for people to continue their journey of maintaining sobriety and rebuilding their lives.

Finding the Right Addiction Treatment Facility in Anaheim, CA

Many people in Orange County have a hard time getting treatment for substance abuse and mental illness. Truth is only a small percentage of adults in Anaheim, CA who need addiction treatment services receive them.

People don’t know where to start, or they feel guilt, shame, or embarrassment, which deters them from finding the help that they need. Also, the cost is a major factor, and not knowing what to expect.

As everyone has unique needs, treatment methods will vary. Finding the right addiction treatment facility and types of treatments to help you recover from addiction can be challenging.

However, it doesn’t have to be, because Anaheim, California and the surrounding areas, has some of the world’s best addiction treatment centers. Fortunately, these facilities provide beneficial addiction treatments and resources, such as detox, evidence-based treatments, and therapy, as well as, addiction education.

The Treatment Process

Treatment for substance use disorders (SUD) has many components and services, which are commonly provided in outpatient and inpatient rehab facilities.

Intake

The first step of entering any rehab facility is a process called intake. It is a physical and psychological assessment where you will sit down with an addiction specialist for an in-depth interview to discuss your condition, history of drug use, family history, physical and mental health, recovery goals, etc. This information is extremely crucial as it sets everything up for a long-term recovery plan.

Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient or residential rehab facilities are for people with more severe cases of addiction. They live at the facility for however long they need and receive around-the-clock medical and psychological supervision. During an inpatient program, people can attend therapy sessions and gain another support system while going through their recovery process.

Outpatient Rehab

Outpatient rehab is different from an inpatient facility. This type of treatment is for people with more mild cases of addiction, or for those who have transitioned from inpatient to this less intense type of addiction management. During outpatient programs, people do not live at the facility but do attend various hours of treatment there during the week. Patients can live at home, maintaining their independence while going to school, work, etc.

Types of Treatment and Addiction Therapy Services

Although, everyone’s recovery requirements are different. In most cases, the process involves intake, detoxification, inpatient treatment, and aftercare.

While these main treatment settings operate differently, they do provide similar methods of treatment to help those suffering recover. The methods of treatment and therapy services commonly used include:

Medically-Assisted Detox

Detox or medically-assisted detox (MAT), uses FDA-approved medications to help rid the body of toxins from the drugs and alcohol consumed over time. In conjunction with cleaning out the system, other forms of counseling and therapies help to treat those especially with opioid use disorders (OUDs).

As a result, unpleasant withdrawal symptoms will occur, and detox can help efficiently manage these symptoms so that official treatment can begin.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Behavioral therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people resolve their internal dialogue and ambivalence about engaging in substance abuse to successfully create internally motivated change.

CBT teaches people with addictions the necessary skills they need to identify their addictive behaviors and other life challenges that may trigger substance use and be able to change them.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that helps individuals learn to cope with the issues of common roadblocks that contribute to triggering substance abuse and addiction behaviors.

DBT targets patterns of thought patterns. It uses methods to change how people think and behave, as well as, focusing on using good communication skills and improving self-esteem, as these are critical to having a successful recovery.

Family Therapy

Addiction does not only affect the person going through it but friends and especially family members as well. Relationships are often ruined or broken as a consequence of this disease. Sometimes the home environment and a family history of substance abuse can be a major risk factor and contributor to someone’s risky behaviors.

Therefore, family therapy can help address a person’s substance abuse problems while also factoring in family dynamics. During therapy sessions, issues are addressed, and the goal is to mend relationships.

Mental Health and Addiction: Getting Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Mental health and addiction go hand-in-hand. When they occur together, this is called dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders. Common mental illness includes:

Depression
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Schizophrenia
OCD

Oftentimes, people with underlying mental illness are at high risk for developing substance dependency and addiction. This is because individuals turn to drugs and alcohol as a means to cope with symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, this exacerbates things and causes severe complications mentally, physically, and socially.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

People suffering from co-occurring disorders need addiction treatment to help not only treat both mental illness and addiction but to help people manage and cope with the symptoms of these conditions, and understanding why they are occurring.

Treatment for dual diagnosis usually entails medication management and various methods of therapy. Coping and life skills are also taught at rehab facilities to help people with mental illness and addiction learn how to avoid possible substance abuse triggers.

Relapse prevention is also a huge part of dual diagnosis treatment. The goal is for people with co-occurring disorders to learn how to navigate through life during and after recovery and prevent relapse.

Does My Insurance Cover Addiction Treatment in Anaheim, California?

Only a small number of people receive the treatment that they need for addiction and mental health because of insurance and health costs.

Addiction treatment, including mental health and addiction services, are covered by insurance, thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The extent of your coverage will be based on your particular insurance company, which will require verification.

Medicaid

For lower-income families who need addiction treatment, but are restricted because of what Medicaid will pay for, you are not alone. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NIH), approximately 14 percent of Medicaid recipients are believed to have a substance use disorder.

The Affordable Care Act now has made it possible for residents of California who qualify for Medicaid, to be able to afford addiction treatment at a lower cost, as the law states that it is required for substance abuse treatment coverage to be more accessible to millions of people who need it.

As a result, this will give addicted individuals in the state of California, a better chance at recovery and maintaining sobriety.

At LA Detox, we accept most major insurance policies. If you have questions regarding your insurance options or what your policy covers, click here.

Beginning the Journey to Recovery At LA Detox

At LA Detox in Southern California, the number of people we see suffering from addiction in America is staggering. Although, unfortunately, substance use disorders are all too common.

While it may seem impossible and overwhelming to overcome drug and alcohol addiction particularly if you have attempted and have relapsed, we are here to help.

Our goal is to provide beneficial and knowledgeable resources and forms of treatment programs that help people successfully recover from addiction. Most importantly we teach our clients how to cope with their conditions, and ways to maintain long-term sobriety.

Our tailored and customized treatment programs take into consideration each individual’s unique medical history, learning styles and response to treatments. Most importantly, our philosophy of care is to have our clients be in a safe and controlled environment away from outside distractions, influences, and temptations.

We provide the most accessible, safest, and most effective ways to detox, overcome this deadly disease, and take back control over your life! To begin your journey of recovery, contact us at LA Detox today!