Unfortunately, the United States is living through an opioid crisis. The LGBTQ community is disproportionately affected by opioids and other drug use. Often used for self-medicating chronic pain, trauma, bigotry, and mood disorders, many people in the community don’t have safe and effective access to opioid addiction treatment. While many people believe opioid use results in job loss, most people maintain work, school, and social lives while using opioids. Finding the right opioid detox and help is the first step on the road to recovery.
If you or someone you love is looking for an opioid addiction treatment center in Southern California, call La Fuente Hollywood today. Our LGBTQ rehab center provides greater Los Angeles with cutting-edge treatment and inclusive opiate addiction detox and treatment. Call us now at888.903.9898 to learn more and get started with our opioid rehab programs.
What are Opioids?
Opioids are highly effective painkillers derived from the opium poppy plant. Often confused with opiates, opioids are synthetic or partially synthetic. This means they are made in a lab and are much stronger than opium. Common opioids include Oxycontin, Vicodin, and fentanyl. Opioids work by blocking pain receptors in the brain and releasing high levels of dopamine. This release causes feelings of euphoria and joy, especially when taken in high quantities. Unfortunately, the brain and body build a tolerance to opioids quickly. This means that people need higher and higher doses for the same level of pain relief and euphoria.
Signs of Opioid Addiction
The more often someone uses opioids, the more likely addiction will occur. Opioids are highly addictive, meaning it’s very easy to develop an addiction to legal and illegal opioids quickly. The first sign of addiction is withdrawal. Also called “dope sickness,” withdrawal happens when the brain becomes dependent on opioids to function. Because opioids change brain chemistry, they can change a person’s mood, emotions, and behavior. This is often worsened when people suffer from co-occurring disorders. Signs of opioid addiction include:
- Increased alcohol consumption to make opioids stronger
- Mood swings
- Disturbed sleep
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Acting intoxicated without drinking
- Aggression
- Irritability
- Sweating
- Confusion
- Irrational, reactionary behavior
- Paranoia
- Flu-like symptoms during withdrawal
People legally use prescribed opioids every day. Some for chronic pain, others for minor surgery or procedures. Developing a dependency is still possible even when used as directed. While many people take opioids at every age, regular heroin users are usually in their 30s or older. Heroin usually needs to be taken every 6-12 hours to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Prescription opioids may need to be taken more or less frequently depending on strength, metabolism, and how long a person has taken them.
Safe and Inclusive Opioid Detox and Recovery in Los Angeles
Medically assisted detox is the safest and most effective approach to opioid detox. If you or someone you love is experiencing withdrawal symptoms and craving opioids, it’s time to seek detox support. Because opioids change brain chemistry, they can be almost impossible to stop using without medication management. Medically administered and prescribed drugs like Suboxone and methadone ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce opioid cravings. They can help people quickly return to normal lives while undergoing addiction therapy. Drugs like these are used in both inpatient and outpatient programs, making them accessible and affordable approaches to detox.
At La Fuente Hollywood, we know many people in the LGBTQ community do not have the opioid detox and recovery support they need. At La Fuente Hollywood, we believe in providing addiction treatment and mental health services right here in the Hollywood community. Our Southern California addiction treatment program is a leader in LGBTQ recovery. We treat:
- MDMA
- Cocaine
- Meth
- Opioids and prescription drugs
- Alcohol
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Alumni programs
- Outpatient programs
Many of the staff at La Fuente are in recovery themselves. This means we understand the challenges and successes of addiction recovery first hand.
Begin Opioid Addiction Treatment at La Fuente Hollywood Today
Don’t quit using opioids at home. Call La Fuente now to learn more about our opioid detox center. Reach our staff at 888.903.9898 to learn more and get started today.