Substance Abuse Stats in Los Angeles, CA
Curious about substance abuse stats in Los Angeles? A 2018 report says that:
- L.A. County ranked #4 in California for nonfatal emergency room visits related to substance abuse
- L.A. County also ranked #4 for opioid treatment program demand
- For every 3.6 people in residential rehab, there are 3.4 people in detox programs in L.A. County
Why are there so many people in detox programs in L.A.? It’s likely because of the prevalence of opioid abuse. Opioids are addictive and they’re all over the County.
Choosing Between an Outpatient and Inpatient Rehab
Choosing between inpatient vs. outpatient for substance abuse rehab in Los Angeles? Each type has its own benefits.
Outpatient treatment lets you live at home while you go to treatment. You’ll go to regular appointments and take drug tests. You’ll go to therapy in between work and family time.
Inpatient treatment is residential and its biggest benefit is the environment. Being in a place that’s totally treatment-focused is a game-changer for recovery.
Your care team will help you choose the right type of rehab.
How Long Can Treatment at a Rehab Last?
There’s no set treatment length that works for everyone. Still, we know that rehab works best the longer you stick with it.
In fact, substance abuse treatment should last at least 90 days. For opioid treatment, the minimum is at least a year.
That sounds like a long time, but it takes time to recover from the changes caused by drug addiction. Leaving rehab early can put you at risk for relapse.
What to Expect at Rehab
Your care team will fill you in on what to expect at rehab because it’s different for everyone. Some of the best substance abuse treatments include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
- Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous
All of these treatments have something in common. They work best when they’re combined with other treatments. It’s common to have CBT, MAT, and 12 Steps all in the same treatment plan.
When Would You Need to Go to Detox?
If you’re wondering whether you should go to detox in Los Angeles, the answer is probably yes!
You should go to detox if:
- Your doctor recommends it
- Your rehab care team recommends it
- You’re physically dependent on drugs
- You have withdrawal when not using drugs
Skipping detox puts you at risk for relapse. Withdrawal is the most intense phase of recovery. Without medical help, you’re more likely to experience cravings that you can’t control. ‘
You’re more likely to need detox if you’re discontinuing opioids, alcohol, or benzos.
How Long is Detox?
No two detox periods are the same. The length of detox depends on some predictable factors and some unpredictable ones.
Those factors are:
- Your drug use
- Your health history
- Your metabolism
How well you adhere to treatment is a big factor, too. The better you take care of yourself, the more likely that detox goes according to plan.
Many treatment centers offer detox programs lasting five, seven, 14, or 21 days. Your care team will help you choose the right program.