Prescription drug abuse is one of the most serious problems in the United States, especially opioid painkiller abuse. Like other places in the country, small cities like Encinitas, California, have residents who receive too many prescription medications that may be misused or abused.
San Diego County reported 267 overdose deaths in 2011 due to prescription drugs. That number declined to 248 in 2015, which hopefully indicates better monitoring of prescription medications like opioids and benzodiazepines, along with better screening of patients before and during the treatment process to reduce the risk of misuse and addiction to these drugs. Opiates were still responsible for a large amount of hospitalizations from overdose. In 2011, there were 3,278 admissions for overdose treatment, and by 2014, that number rose to 6,866 people.1
Fortunately, the number of admissions to treatment programs is also on the rise, suggesting more people understand they need help to end abuse. In 2011, 13,696 people entered treatment in San Diego County for prescription drug abuse, and by 2015, that number rose to 15,177 people.1
Medication-assisted treatment interventions may include the daily administration of medications like buprenorphine to manage opioid withdrawal and stabilize someone in recovery as well as tapering plans to ease one off physical dependence. In addition to medications, comprehensive therapy is needed to address the issues underlying the substance abuse. Call our helpline today to speak with a treatment advisor about your options in addiction treatment.
There is no obligation to enter treatment and you can opt out at any time.