Prescription Drug Use in Simi Valley, CA

In the United States, abuse of prescription drugs, including opioid pain relievers, is of growing public health concern. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that drug-induced deaths have exceeded all other causes of injuries and deaths such as deaths due to firearms and vehicular accidents. Non-medical use of prescription drugs has been seen as the main culprit for the increase in drug overdose deaths in recent years.

Simi Valley is found in Ventura County, where opioid overdose deaths reportedly rose from approximately 90 in 2008 to more than 120 in 2015. From January 2017 to August 2018, about 214 opioid overdose-related calls were responded to by the Ventura Police Officers. The particular opioid that is of great availability in Ventura County is fentanyl. This drug is considered to be more dangerous than any other opioids. To reverse its effects, naloxone spray is needed, which Ventura Police Officers are now equipped with. 

Opioids Intended Use and Availability

Prescription opioids are mainly used to treat acute and chronic pain. One of the most common reasons why people in North America go to hospitals or other health care providers is to relieve pain. Some of the common prescription opioids are hydrocodone, oxycodone, oxymorphone, codeine and fentanyl. In the previous years, prescription opioids have been falsely claimed to be of low risk and non-addictive when treating moderate pain. However, its use can well in fact lead to addiction and even death due to overdose. 

The non-medical use of prescription drugs happens when individuals use them in a different manner contrary to its intended purpose or when other individuals take them instead of the patient to whom it was prescribed to. There are different ways by which these drugs can be obtained. It can be from a prescription from one doctor or several prescriptions from multiple doctors who were unaware of the individual’s prior visits with other doctors, prescription fraud or forgery. Individuals can also purchase them from street drug markets, on the internet or through theft. 

Opioids’ Addictive Effect

There are many opioid receptors on cells found in the brain, spinal cord and other organs in the body. When opioids bind to these receptors, the perception of pain is blocked. Subsequently, a large amount of dopamine is released in the brain that puts individuals in a state of euphoria. This intense pleasurable feeling makes them want to use it more and more until they become dependent on it. 

Short term use of opioids has some side effects. These include drowsiness, confusion, nausea and constipation. The intake of a large, single dose of opioids can potentially lead to drug overdose.  Some of the signs to observe when this takes place are shallow breathing, cold or clammy skin, bluish lips, pinpoint pupils, convulsions, decreased vital signs and coma. 

It is difficult to decrease or discontinue the use of opioids. Individuals may feel intense anxiety, shakes, muscle cramps and joint or deep bone pain at the hype of their withdrawal.

Treatment Options in Simi Valley

Individuals who are undergoing opioid withdrawal should seek the help of medical professionals. The Restore Drug Treatment in Simi Valley has pharmacological therapies in the form of over-the-counter medications and supplemental therapies ready to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. These remedies are especially helpful for opioid withdrawal since they are sustainable and can prevent relapse in the long run. 

A residential rehab program is highly recommended for those individuals. This program offers more structure, supervision, interaction, and active engagement in therapeutic healing. The intense course treatment is meant to manage complications due to cravings or triggers. In the Restore Treatment LA, they have access to support and guidance from the clinical staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

They offer other traditional therapies such as individual, group and family therapy as well as alternative addiction treatment programs to help them get back on their feet. The variety of treatment programs addresses the fact that there is no one-size-fits all solution to alcoholism and drug addiction. Through those different programs, they are handed down with several tools and skills necessary to achieve long-term sobriety as they leave the drug rehab center.

To learn more or to start your alcoholism and addiction recovery, visit Restore Health and Wellness Center at 6918 Owensmouth Ave Canoga Park, CA 91303.