The Opioid Crisis in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is facing a horrific opioid crisis. In 2017, there were over 1,500 opiate-related deaths in the city, which is only increasing. This crisis is having a devastating impact on families and communities across the city.
Several factors have contributed to the opioid crisis in Los Angeles. One factor is the over-prescription of opiate pain medication. In the past, doctors often prescribed opiates pain medication for minor injuries and illnesses. This led to an increase in the number of people addicted to opiates.
Another factor that has contributed to the opioid crisis is the availability of heroin. Heroin is a cheaper and more potent opioid, and it has become increasingly available in Los Angeles. This has made it easier for people to get hooked on opiates.
The opioid crisis is having a devastating impact on families and communities across Los Angeles. People who are addicted to opiates often lose their jobs, their homes, and their relationships. They may also turn to crime to support their habit. The opioid crisis also leads to an increase in the number of people who are homeless and living with HIV/AIDS.
With the rise in usage of cheaper opiate drugs such as Fentanyl coming over the border of Mexico into the Los Angeles area, the crisis has seen a much larger amount of deaths.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than heroin. It has a rapid onset of action, with effects occurring within minutes of administration. Doctors most commonly prescribe fentanyl for managing severe pain, such as that experienced after surgery or from a cancer diagnosis; however, it is also often used in illicit forms for recreational use.
Many things can be done to address the opioid crisis in Los Angeles. One thing that needs to be done is to reduce the over-prescription of opiates for pain medication. Doctors need to be more cautious about prescribing opiate pain medication, and they need to make sure that patients are only taking the medication for short-term use.
Another thing that needs to be done is to increase access to treatment for opiate addiction. Many effective treatment options are available, but many people do not have access to these options. Increasing access to treatment will help people addicted to opiates get the help they need.
The opioid crisis is a serious problem, but it is not insurmountable. With the right approach, we can address this crisis and save lives.
Steps to a more hopeful future
There are a number of steps that can be taken to create a more hopeful future for people who are struggling with opiate addiction. These steps include:
Increasing access to treatment: There are a number of effective treatment options available for opiate addiction, but many people do not have access to these options. Increasing access to treatment will help more people get the help they need.
Reducing the stigma associated with addiction: Addiction is a disease, not a moral failing. Reducing the stigma associated with addiction will help people who are struggling with addiction get the help they need.
Providing support for families and friends: Families and friends of people who are struggling with addiction often feel isolated and alone. Providing support for families and friends will help them cope with the challenges of addiction.
LA Valley Recovery is a Los Angeles-based drug and alcohol treatment center. We are dedicated to helping rid people of their addictions one by one. We are here for you if you or someone you know needs help.
Contact us today.
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