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Opioid Addiction Treatment

Opioid addiction has deeply impacted individuals and families throughout California, leaving many struggling to find safe, lasting help. It often starts quietly—with a prescription or a few pills—and can quickly take over. Many people feel trapped by the physical and emotional pull of these drugs, but recovery is possible.

At Peak Path Health in Los Angeles, California, we provide compassionate, personalized care to help people break free from opioid addiction. Our opioid rehab offers residential treatment, combining medical support, therapy, and real-life tools to help patients rebuild their lives.

What are Opioids?

Opioids are strong drugs that reduce pain. Doctors often prescribe opioids to help with pain after surgeries, accidents, or when someone lives with long-term discomfort. Common types include oxycodone, morphine, and hydrocodone. Heroin and fentanyl are also opioids, though they are often illegal and more dangerous.

Opioids are highly addictive because they create a strong feeling of relief and calm. As someone keeps using opioids, their body adapts, and it takes larger amounts to get the same pain relief or effect. This leads to misuse and, in many cases, addiction.

Every year, over 10 million people misuse opioids in the United States. Nearly 50,000 people die from opioid overdoses. Opioids play a role in at least 7 out of every 10 overdose deaths.

Opioid Epidemic and Prescription Drug Abuse

The opioid crisis affects people from all walks of life. It impacts teens, parents, veterans, and seniors—anyone who uses opioids for pain or other reasons. Many people start with legal prescriptions, but end up misusing them after building dependence.

In 2023 alone, nearly 8,000 Californians lost their lives to opioid-related overdoses. Most of these deaths were linked to synthetic opioids, especially fentanyl. Fentanyl is up to 100 times stronger than morphine and is often mixed into other drugs without warning. In 2021, California saw a 594% spike in fentanyl seizures, with authorities removing more than 28,000 pounds from circulation.

This crisis is not about weakness—it’s about access, risk, and the power of these drugs. But help is available, and no one has to face this alone.

Types of Opioids Abused

Opioids come in many forms. Some are prescribed legally. Others are made and sold illegally. All can lead to addiction if misused.

Oxycodone

A strong pain pill often given after surgery. People may know it by brand names like OxyContin or Percocet.

Hydrocodone

Found in pain medicines like Vicodin. It’s often used for dental or injury-related pain.

Morphine

Used in hospitals for severe pain. It works quickly but can be very habit-forming.

Codeine

A weaker opioid sometimes found in cough syrup or headache pills. It can become addictive if used the wrong way.

Fentanyl

A synthetic opioid that’s much more powerful than most others. It’s used medically, but illegal versions are driving many overdose deaths.

Heroin

An illegal street drug made from morphine. It’s fast-acting and highly addictive.

All of these drugs can lead to serious health risks when misused. Even those with legal prescriptions can become dangerous when taken in the wrong way.

How Do Opioids Affect the Brain and Body?

Opioids change how your brain and body feel pain. They block pain signals and create a sense of calm or euphoria. Opioids stimulate the release of dopamine, which can contribute to their addictive nature. This is the same chemical linked to feelings of pleasure and reward. The more you take opioids, the more your brain expects that reward. Over time, your body builds tolerance. You need more of the drug to feel the same relief.

When someone stops taking opioids suddenly, withdrawal symptoms kick in. They may feel anxious, achy, sweaty, or sick to their stomach. This creates a cycle that makes it hard to quit without help. Opioids are addictive because they not only relieve pain but also change how the brain handles stress and pleasure. This can trap people in both physical and emotional dependence.

Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction often starts quietly. Prolonged opioid use can change a person’s mood, thinking patterns, and behavior. These signs may show up in daily life, making it harder to function.

You might notice someone taking more pills than prescribed or running out early. They may seem distant, tired, or overly alert at odd times. Some people begin to lie about their use or avoid family and friends.

Addiction also shows up in the body. People may get sick when they stop using it, even for a short time. This process is called withdrawal, and it often feels like a severe case of the flu.

Common signs of opioid addiction include:

Needing more pills to get the same relief
Using opioids even when not in pain
Changes in mood, like irritability or sadness
Losing interest in activities or hobbies
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Poor concentration and memory issues
Pulling away from loved ones
Sudden money problems or legal issues
Nausea, sweating, or shaking when not using
Trying to stop but failing repeatedly

Early detection of these symptoms can make a big difference. Addiction isn’t about weakness or failure—it’s a recognized medical issue. Treatment works, and recovery is always possible.

Causes and Risk Factors of Opioid Abuse

Opioid abuse can affect anyone, regardless of age, income, or background. For many, it begins with a legal prescription for pain relief. Over time, repeated use changes how the brain responds to stress, pain, and reward. Some people are more vulnerable than others due to medical, emotional, or environmental reasons.

Several things can increase the likelihood of an addiction to opioids:

A family history of substance use
Past or present mental health conditions
Long-term use of prescription painkillers
A history of trauma or abuse
Peer pressure or social isolation
Lack of access to safe pain management

Prescription opioids still play a major role in opioid overdose deaths. They are linked to 32% of opioid-related fatalities across the country. Meanwhile, synthetic opioids—mainly fentanyl—account for 68% of all overdose deaths. These drugs are extremely potent and often hidden in other substances.

Another growing concern is the rise in babies born with opioid withdrawal. About 0.7% of all hospital births involve neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOW), caused by exposure to opioids during pregnancy.

These numbers show how deep and widespread the problem has become. But behind every statistic is a person who needs support, not shame.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction is a medical condition, not a personal failure. It’s diagnosed through a full evaluation of a person’s symptoms, substance use, and physical health. Spotting opioid addiction early can help someone access the care they need before the situation becomes harder to manage.

Effective treatment looks different for everyone. At Peak Path, we offer a range of care options tailored to each person’s needs.

Our opioid rehab programs focus on both physical and emotional healing. Treatment may include medications that ease withdrawal, talk therapy to work through emotional triggers, and group support to build connections during recovery. Each part plays a role in helping someone rebuild their life.

Often, people with an addiction also have some form of mental illness. Co-occurring mental conditions are best treated together in a dual diagnosis treatment program. This beneficial process is done to address all parts of one’s substance abuse and mental conditions, and avoid missing any underlying factors that could be exacerbating symptoms.

Addiction counseling is a vital part of healing. It helps people explore why they may have turned to opioids and teaches them better ways to handle stress or pain. Therapy services can consist of one-on-one individual therapy sessions or group therapy, depending on what works best.

No single approach fits everyone. That’s why personalized care matters most.

Opioid Detox: Talk about Withdrawal Symptoms

Drug and alcohol detox is the first step in the recovery process. It helps the body get rid of opioids safely and with medical support when needed. Stopping opioids suddenly can trigger strong withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be uncomfortable, but they are temporary and treatable. Common withdrawal symptoms include:

Muscle and joint pain
Chills or sweating
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Trouble sleeping
Anxiety or irritability
Runny nose and teary eyes
Fast heartbeat or high blood pressure
Strong cravings for the drug

These symptoms can feel overwhelming, but they do not last forever. With the right care, people can move through detox safely and prepare for long-term recovery.

Our Opioid Rehab Can Help You Break the Cycle of Addiction

We understand how heavy addiction can feel—physically, mentally, and emotionally. At Peak Path Health in Hollywood Hills, CA, we offer care that caters to healing the whole person, not just the addiction.

Our opioid rehab program combines medical treatment, therapy, and support to guide you through every step of recovery. We don’t just treat symptoms—we help you build a life that makes long-term healing possible.

You don’t have to fight this battle alone. Contact us today. We support you through recovery at your own pace, without judgment. There is a way forward, and we can help you find it.

References

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/opioids/Pages/Data.aspx

Contact Peak Path For Private Detox in LA

Peak Path Health is committed to helping you access the care you need. While we are not in-network with insurance providers in LA, our admissions team will work closely with you to explore payment options, including private pay, which simplifies the admission process. Let’s discuss how we can make rehab possible for you. Contact us today to verify your insurance coverage or learn more about flexible solutions tailored to your needs.