Get Help for Substance Abuse in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, California is the second largest city in the United States, with a population of 13 million in the greater metropolitan area. The city's name translates to "œthe city of angels," however between drug and alcohol abuse the city also has a darker side. Many people in Los Angeles need treatment for the disease of addiction, luckily there are many high quality treatment centers to choose from. It is nothing to be ashamed of, many people have been in the same situation and are now in recovery leading successful lives. With some hard work you too can become a success story.
Myths About Addiction and Finding Truth Through Treatment
There are many myths out there relating to drug addiction and its treatment. Luckily, thanks to the substance abuse treatment centers in Los Angeles, CA, some of these myths have finally been lifted. This is important if you are intending to organize an intervention for a loved one because having the right information on hand is vital to it being successful.
The first big myth is that people choose to become addicted. In some cases, it may be true that someone chooses to take a drug for the first time, but once addiction sets in, choice has nothing to do with it anymore. This is because the chemicals in the brain have changed and stop a person from being able to function normally without the drug. This is why a period of detox is required, which is incredibly difficult to complete without the right levels of support. Addiction is a disease and not a moral failing or personality problem. This disease is centered in the brain and needs to be treated by medical professionals.
Many people become addicted to drugs that they have been prescribed by their physicians. Others have an unknown dual diagnosis, which means that they self-medicate with drugs to cope with the symptoms. Drug and alcohol abuse are merely a symptom of another underlying problem, and often that is a co-occurring mental disorder such as depression, anxiety or past trauma.
The essence of rehab treatment is to be non-judgmental and to offer a helping hand to people who, for whatever reason, have lost control over their lives. Drug and alcohol rehab facilities offer multi-pronged comprehensive treatment programs, ensuring that each person gets the individualized care that they need. Make sure to choose a treatment program that will tailor your treatment program to your individual needs, taking into account in co-occurring disorders and any other complications. With a little bit of hard work, you too can overcome the vicious cycle of addiction. There is help in Los Angeles, and you are not alone.
If you are struggling with substance abuse, find a Twelve Step meeting in your area today. Twelve Step programs have helped millions of people recover from the disease of addiction. They have proven one of the most, if not the most, effective method of treating substance abuse known. Those who are looking to get and stay clean and sober are strongly encouraged to find a sponsor and work the Twelve Steps. These steps are guidelines for how to live a happier, healthier and more fulfilling life. Regular meeting attendance is also strongly recommended as it allows people to get connected and form the necessary relationships to overcome cravings, temptation and stress. Fellow members of these programs often form strong bonds that last a life-time and each supports the others in times of struggle. If you are struggling with substance abuse, or just beginning to believe that you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, find a meeting in your area today and get the help you need and deserve.
- FENTANYL OVERDOSES IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY. (2022). : DATA REPORT.
- Official Government Website : FindTreatment.gov.
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. (2019). : Costs of alcohol and other drug abuse/abuse
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. (2017). : Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS): 2005-2015. State Admissions to Substance Abuse Treatment Services
- Winslow, B.T. and Hebert, M. (2016). : Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). : MAT Medications, Counseling, and Related Conditions
- California Legislative Information. (2021). : Bill Text.
- Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2005). : Substance Abuse Treatment for Adults in the Criminal Justice System
- America’s Health Rankings analysis of CDC, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, United Health Foundation. (2021). : Trend: Excessive Drinking, California, United States.
- America’s Health Rankings analysis of CDC, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, United Health Foundation. (2021). : Trend: Non-Medical Drug Use, California, United States.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. (2019). : Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS): 2009-2019
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2021). : Dual diagnosis, MedlinePlus
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). : Contingency Management Interventions/Motivational Incentives (Alcohol, Stimulants, Opioids, Marijuana, Nicotine).
- California Legislative Information. (2021). : Bill Text.
- California Drug Policy Alliance. (2013). : Understanding California’s 911 Good Samaritan Law.
- California Health Care Foundation. (2018). : https://www.chcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/SubstanceUseDisorderAlmanac2018.pdf
- 1 Overview, Essential Concepts, and Definitions in Detoxification. (2006, January 1). NCBI Bookshelf. : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64119/