How to Get Help for Addiction in LA

Resources for Addiction & Recovery in Los Angeles

At Harmony Place, we feel it’s our duty to educate the general public about addiction and issues that are currently affecting American society. More than that, we want to educate the public on the state of drug and alcohol addiction in Los Angeles and how residents can get help from the right addiction treatment facility. Unfortunately, many residents of Los Angeles (LA) suffer from an alcohol or drug use disorder.

Research indicates that Los Angeles, in combination with the surrounding metropolitan areas, has a higher rate of illicit drug use than the nation overall (not including prescription medications). This affects the state of California as a whole resulting in increased incarceration rates and an increased economic burden. Residents of Los Angeles struggling with addiction should be aware of treatment options and how to choose the best ones for them. 

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Understanding How Addiction Affects Our Community

Facts About Addiction in Los Angeles, California

Statistics from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) show that Los Angeles, CA suffers from issues with opioids/opiates and methamphetamine. In particular, data highlights the fact that a large number of LA residents’ addiction treatment admissions were related to heroin (almost 20%). The statistic is similar for methamphetamine admissions (almost 19%). 

However, poison reports from the county reveal that there are other substances that law enforcement deems a problem. Opiates (aside from heroin) and prescription opioids made up 17% of drug reports from the poison control system in 2013. Additionally, about 22% of these reports were due to benzodiazepines (aka benzos). 

Addiction by the numbers

Top 10 Los Angeles Addiction Statistics

  • 18% of LA residents ages 18-25 met the criteria for a substance use disorder from 2014-2016.
  • Almost 6% of LA residents ages 12-17 met the criteria for a substance use disorder from 2014-2016.
  • There were 32,106 driving under the influence (DUI) arrests in Los Angeles County (LAC) approximately every year.
  • One-sixth of LA residents ages 18-25 admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol in the past year.
  • Annually, there are about 132,682 alcohol or drug-related emergency department visits in the LAC.
  • In California, 65% of those incarcerated met the criteria for a substance use disorder.
  • From 2014-2016, 2.4% of LA residents ages 12-17 met the criteria for an alcohol use disorder.
  • Los Angeles recently ranked the fifth-worst city in the nation for mental health.
  • LAC investments in addiction prevention resulted in up $36.00 in savings per dollar.
  • Each year, LAC spends almost $13 billion each year on drug and alcohol-related tangible costs.
Understanding Your Options for Treatment

Levels of Care in Addiction Treatment

Addiction treatment centers across the nation offer similar addiction treatment programs. However, not all of them offer programs that may be suitable for each patient. It’s important to understand what addiction treatment programs in LA exist to decide on the right one. 

There are levels of care in addiction treatment programs in Los Angeles. Each one requires a different amount of time commitment, and some are more restrictive than others in terms of privileges. Some or all of these programs may be offered at addiction treatment facilities in Los Angeles. 

Detoxification in Los Angeles

Detox is typically the first step in any addiction recovery program. Patients undergoing detox at an addiction treatment facility or detox clinic are supervised around the clock while they refrain from drinking or consuming psychoactive substances. However, there are detox services where a patient doesn’t live at the facility. 

Quitting drugs or alcohol cold turkey can present problems both physically and mentally. For this reason, a detox helps quell the withdrawal symptoms associated with a severe substance use disorder. Whether oxycontin, benzos, or another drug, withdrawal symptoms can range from depression to seizures. That is why most detox clinics and addiction treatment facilities offer 24/7 supervision. Medications may be used to help with the discomfort and any symptoms that arise. 

Residential Inpatient Treatment in LA

Inpatient or residential treatment programs in California offer the most intense level of care in comparison to other programs. The reason is that patients within these sorts of programs will live at the facility. This is likely the best option for those who have tried other forms of treatment and suffered from a relapse. Residential programs allow patients to completely focus on recovery instead of external factors and responsibilities. 

There is a distinction between regular inpatient programs and residential treatment. Standard inpatient programs in LA are more structured and don’t allow patients some of the same liberties as residential treatment. On the other hand, residential treatment provides less structure, yet patients will live at the facility like a standard inpatient program.

Benefits of Inpatient Treatment  

The benefit of inpatient programs is the fact that virtually all triggers are removed. Also, the staff at an addiction treatment center helps patients with tasks they might have difficulty with, like preparing nutritious meals and remaining physically active. Plus, patients are surrounded by like-minded individuals working toward the same goal. 

What might be the most beneficial factor is that inpatient treatment programs are usually longer than other programs. This allows staff the time to adjust treatment as necessary and lets patients have more time cementing recovery and coping skills they learn within treatment. 

Outpatient Treatment in Los Angeles, California

Alternatively, outpatient treatment in Los Angeles might be a better option for some people struggling with an alcohol or substance use disorder. While inpatient treatment is a great option for many, it can be costly and simply not possible for those with responsibilities.

Outpatient treatment programs in Los Angeles CA allow those suffering from an addiction to get the help they need without living at the facility. Some people with an addiction may have a job that provides them health insurance or family members to take care of. For those in these scenarios, it may be best to consider one of the outpatient treatment programs listed below. 

Outpatient Treatment Levels of Care

Fortunately for those who are unable to attend inpatient treatment, there are different levels of care for outpatient programs. They include partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), and general outpatient programs (OPs). The varying levels of care within outpatient programs exist to accommodate different people’s lifestyles. 

For instance, partial hospitalization programs require the most amount of time. This makes them the most intense version of outpatient care. Patients will typically dedicate at least 40 hours a week toward the program. 

Intensive outpatient programs are aptly named this way because they are also very intense. Patients within this kind of program usually spend a few days a week, receiving treatment for a few hours at a time. 

Finally, general outpatient programs are the least intense. Hence, they require the least amount of time. General outpatient programs are best for those who have already received some form of addiction treatment. Usually, patients will only spend a few hours a week working toward recovery (or a continuation of it) each week. 

Addiction Therapy Options in LA

Both residential and outpatient programs in LA offer addiction recovery therapy options. Popular therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Both ultimately help patients overcome their self-destructive behaviors and develop positive coping strategies. 

What to Do When Your Loved One is Addicted

Resources for Families

Addiction is a family disease for a reason. While an alcohol or substance use disorder affects the person suffering from it, loved ones must experience the pain of watching them go through it. Plus, addiction is a chronic brain disorder that often causes individuals to lie and steal from loved ones. 

Parents of individuals struggling with an alcohol or substance use disorder have to watch their baby grapple with the law, medical issues, and broken relationships. They want the best for their child and might turn a blind eye in an effort to help them. However, enabling a child will only set them further into self-destructive habits. 

Also, siblings are affected by addiction indirectly. They may blame themselves for their brother or sister’s addiction or become a scapegoat for their problems. Whatever the relationship, all family members can get emotionally hurt when trying to help a loved one with an addiction. In instances like these, it’s best to hold an intervention quickly. 

Alcohol Assessment

For Families

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Treatment for Professionals

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Health Consequences

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Treatment Options

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Addictions We Treat

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Treatment Outcomes

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    What to Do When a Loved One Needs Help

    Intervention For Family Members With An Addiction

    When people are dealing with an addiction, they may not be aware of how much harm they are causing to themselves and the ones they love. Sometimes, it takes a measured effort to help a family member to see how much they need help. An intervention is a strategy put in place to incite a change for the better. 

    These basic tips can help get a family member to consider treatment: 

    • Let them choose the time and place to meet up 
    • Don’t invite too many people to it 
    • Ask everyone to write a statement to show how much they care about the family member with an addiction and how they’ve been hurt 
    • Try to avoid blaming them (it’s a medical disorder after all) 
    • Provide a list of options for addiction treatment 
    • Follow up with them after the intervention 
    • Consider hiring a professional interventionist in LA if it doesn’t work out
    • Absolutely the best recovery center around.

      I am forever grateful to have had this experience. I would recommend anyone who wanted help to come here. This place literally saved my life. I have overcome so many obstacles that always stood in the way of my recovery. It’s not just because I was ready… the approaches the therapists use come from an empathetic, compassionate, and understanding place. They were able to hold the mirror up and help guide me through making solid changes.

      Daniel H.
      August 2017
    • This place literally saved my life.

      After overdosing, my parents forced me to check into rehab.After interviewing many other facilities, I decided to go to Harmony Place from my home in Phoenix. I was struggling with…a drug addiction and had been trying for years to recover. In the past, left 2 treatment centers AMA and 1 AWOL. I had very negative experiences in the other treatment facilities, especially with my therapists, so I didn’t go in with an open mind or good attitude- even though they worked with my parents regarding finances. However, the staff was patient with me. The techs were kind, knowledgeable, and many were in recovery themselves.

      Mary M.
    • They Answered on the First Call

      When I called Harmony Place…I knew immediately that this was the right place for my child… Harmony Place is specifically designed for…and tailored to providing a safe environment. The staff [are knowledgeable and some are in recovery]. The staff knew each client and were on top of each client’s progress. Harmony Place has a small clientele and each client are able to receive all the help they were entitled to. I would recommend Harmony Place to anyone who is looking for a small setting… My daughter is currently going into sober living and her counselors did a wonderful job in finding a right fit for her – affordable, safe and a good environment for her.

      Robyn
      Loved-One
    • I’ve Been Searching for the Perfect Words…

      I left Harmony Place in August of 2015 and I have been searching for the perfect words to describe my experience during my stay; and still I can’t really find them. How do you really describe a place with a staff and a program that saved you? Addiction is a terrible thing to go through and a heart breaking thing for your loved ones to watch. Many people, including myself go into different treatment centers throughout their addiction searching for ways to find recovery. Nothing worked for me, not the 5 rehab stays I had, then, I came here.

      Dominique C.
      Alumni
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    Harmony Place Provides Resources for Addiction in Los Angeles

    If you’re suffering from an alcohol or substance use disorder in or near Los Angeles, you’re not alone. Thousands of individuals have found out the danger of drugs and alcohol in the worst possible ways. Yet, both an alcohol or substance use disorder are treatable with the right help. Contact us now to receive the treatment you or a loved one deserves now.