Los Angeles Drug Rehab Recovery Centers

Major Drug Problems in the City of Angels

As a major metropolitan hub and the subject of many reports about its place in the trafficking of drugs between Mexico and Canada, Los Angeles is at the epicenter of California’s prescription drug crisis. In a 2013 report from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, some troubling statistics were revealed:

• Between 2000 and 2009, 61% of the 8,265 drug-related deaths involved prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs
• In 2009, 5,382 people visited the ER and 3,048 people were hospitalized for prescription drug-related reasons
• Approximately 379,000 adults over 18 reported misusing prescription drugs in 2011
• In 2010, 11 percent of 9th graders and 14 percent of 11th graders reported using prescription drugs in a non-medical capacity
• Treatment admissions for opioid prescription abuse rose 609 percent between 2000 and 2010
• In the 6,500 treatment admissions between 2005 and 2010, 70 percent were for opioid pain relievers

And it’s not just prescription drugs that are causing problems in Los Angeles. The L.A. County Department of Public Health also revealed that 60,629 county residents entered publically-funded treatment programs between 2009 and 2010. The most commonly-cited drugs they were treated for included:

• Marijuana – 16,490 admissions
• Alcohol – 15,501 admissions
• Methamphetamines – 10,947 admissions
• Cocaine (and crack) – 7,854 admissions
• Heroin – 7,085 admissions

What many people might not realize is that there are number of different rehab centers in Los Angeles that can handle addiction treatment, no matter the substance that you or someone you love may be struggling with.

Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment in Los Angeles Rehab Centers

At Los Angeles drug and alcohol treatment centers, you’ll experience one-of-a-kind treatment that’s tailored to your unique needs. Based on your health history, past drug and alcohol usage, mental health, and other factors, your treatment team can tailor a treatment plan that will progress as you progress in treatment, meaning you’ll have the support you need throughout treatment.

When you've made the courageous first step in recovery by admitting a problem with drugs or alcohol, you might find yourself wading through what seems like an ocean of information about addiction treatment and what kinds of options are out there. You may not even know if you’re going to need inpatient or outpatient treatment. Here’s what to expect from both:

If you have a severe addiction that will require you to enter a residential facility, then inpatient treatment is the right choice for you. Inpatient treatment typically takes place in a clinic or a rehab facility that has a residential component, and is focused on helping you devote all of your attention on recovery away from the people and places that might trigger you.

When you enter the rehab facility, you’ll first go through an intake process. During the intake, you’ll undergo a physical and psychological exam, as well as be asked questions about your past usage from the medical staff. Answering these questions as honestly as possible is very important, because the information will help the treatment team form a better treatment plan.

You can develop ways to stay committed to the recovery process

Once you've finished the intake, you’ll start the detoxification process. In order to separate you from drug or alcohol dependency, the detox process will flush any residual substances from your body. You’ll eat healthy meals and have any withdrawal symptoms treated with medication by the medical staff. This kind of detox from professionals will take from a few days up to a week, depending on your level of addiction. Towards the end of your detoxification, you’ll start to talk with a therapist on a one-on-one basis.

When your body has been cleared of toxins, you then enter the rehabilitation phase, where you’ll continue therapy, but this time also meet in group therapy as well. During your individual sessions, you’ll be able to dig into the roots of your addiction and start to uncover the actions, places, and people that trigger your addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches you how to identify your triggers and what kinds of thought patterns and behaviors emerge from them, in order for you to learn how to change your thoughts and behaviors to be healthier and more positive. In motivational enhancement therapy, you can develop ways to stay committed to the recovery process and stay motivated to keep sobriety going post-rehab. You’ll also have the opportunity to talk with others in group therapy; there, you can share your experiences and listen to others, developing community and having the chance to offer support. Many rehab facilities also offer creative therapies based around art and music, fitness classes, recreational therapy, life skills training, and more.

The majority of stays in inpatient facilities last anywhere from 28 to 90 days or more, depending on your addiction and treatment needs. A number of studies have shown that if you stay longer in a rehab facility, the more likely you are to have a long-lasting, successful recovery.

Completing rehab doesn't mean that recovery is over. Aftercare programs are available to offer you support after you leave rehab, with a number of options for relapse prevention available.

Alternatively, if you have an addiction that is mild-to-moderate in nature, or if you’re entering an aftercare program, outpatient treatment allows you to keep to your job or school commitments as you get treatment. You can meet regularly with your therapist as well as your support group, live in a sober house as you transition back into your new life, get regular drug tests, take advantage of educational opportunities, and more.

Find the Right Los Angeles Rehab Center Today

The good news is that a number of addiction treatment centers in Los Angeles are ready to treat you or someone you love, no matter your addiction level or background. At Recovery Experts, we can help you in your search with our extensive drug and alcohol addiction center listings.