Why Choose Los Angeles Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center as Your Partner in Recovery?

Family Owned

Our facility is proudly family-owned and operated, ensuring a personal, compassionate, and caring approach to treatment, tailored to each individual's needs.

PTSD & Trauma Experts

Our team includes therapists with master’s degrees who specialize in PTSD and trauma, providing expert care.

Legitscript Certified

Our facility is Legitscript certified, ensuring adherence to ethical and professional standards.

State Licensed, JC Accredited

We are fully licensed by the state and accredited by the Joint Commission, demonstrating our commitment to high standards of care.

PhD Level Clinical Director

We have a Clinical Director with a PhD, bringing advanced expertise to our programs.

Sanctuary Model

At LA Rehab Center, we provide compassionate substance abuse treatment focused on enhancing lives, with dignity and respect for every individual we serve.

A Real Life Story:

How Kirk Foat Got Off Prescription Opioids

Kirk Foat's journey with prescription opioids began in 2008 after a severe injury to his right hand while on vacation. He underwent four surgeries in London, Ontario, which successfully saved his hand, but to cope with the intense pain, he was prescribed opioid medications. Over the course of eight and a half years, Kirk was prescribed over 600 opioid prescriptions. During this time, he experienced significant mental fog, emotional numbness, disrupted sleep, and an overall diminished sense of self. He was also concerned about his young children accidentally finding a stray pill, despite keeping his medication in a locked safe.

Kirk Boat's path to overcoming opioid addiction involved a disciplined seven-month tapering process, guided by insights from his psychologist. One of the critical turning points was learning to distinguish between physical pain and his mental response to it. Prior to this, Kirk had been caught in a cycle of medicating for pain that seemed to worsen with each dose. After adopting a new mindset, he was able to acknowledge the pain without immediately resorting to opioids.

The tapering itself was grueling, with Kirk reducing his dosage by 10 milligrams every three weeks. He planned for intense sickness over long weekends, experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and restless leg syndrome. Even after tapering to zero, the emotional and physical effects of withdrawal persisted, and it took nine months before he felt truly normal again. Despite the difficulty, Kirk persevered, understanding the long-term benefits of living opioid-free.

Today, Kirk Foat has successfully freed himself from opioid dependency and is eager to share his story with others. While he emphasizes that he is not a scientist or doctor, he takes pride in the fact that he made it to zero. His journey serves as a testament to the struggles and triumphs of overcoming opioid addiction, and he finds satisfaction in helping others by sharing what worked for him. Kirk's recovery was long and grueling, but he has regained control of his life and hopes his experience can inspire and guide others facing similar challenges.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-Assisted Treatment utilizes medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone to help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. Methadone and buprenorphine are often used in opioid treatment programs to stabilize patients. Naltrexone blocks the euphoric effects of opioids, helping to prevent relapse.

These medications are part of evidence-based treatment plans recognized for enhancing recovery efforts. It's crucial for individuals with a prescription opioid use disorder to access MAT through a certified opioid addiction treatment center, ensuring they receive proper medical direction.

Behavioral Therapies and Counseling

Behavioral Therapies play a significant role in addiction treatment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is commonly used to help individuals understand and change their drug-related behaviors. This therapy supports people in recognizing triggers and developing coping strategies.

Counseling sessions provide a safe space for individuals to discuss their thoughts and emotions. These interventions support patients in addressing the root causes of their substance use disorder. Embedding counseling in treatment programs leads to more effective treatment outcomes, integrating both emotional support and practical strategies.

Customized Care: Personal Recovery Plans

Personal Recovery Plans are tailored strategies that consider an individual's unique needs and circumstances. These plans often include goals concerning medication compliance, attendance at support groups, and participation in therapy sessions.

Creating a comprehensive recovery plan involves collaboration between the patient and healthcare providers, aiming to build a structured yet flexible roadmap to recovery. Effective treatment plans adjust over time as patients progress through their recovery journey, ensuring continuous adaptation and support. Personalization of care is imperative to foster long-term recovery and reduce the risk of relapse.

Taking a Closer Look:

What is Prescription Opioid Addiction?

Prescription opioid addiction occurs when the misuse of these powerful pain-relief medications leads to a loss of control over their use. These drugs, derived from the opium poppy plant or synthesized in labs, are primarily used to treat moderate to severe pain but can also cause euphoria, making them prone to misuse. Addiction develops as repeated use creates tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects, which can quickly lead to dependence. This cycle increases the risk of addiction, where individuals continue using opioids despite the negative impact on their health and life.

How Prescription Opioids Lead to Addiction

Common prescription opioids, such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, codeine, and morphine, act on receptors in the brain, reducing pain and producing pleasurable feelings. Fentanyl, a particularly potent synthetic opioid, is often used for severe pain, especially in cancer patients. Over time, using these drugs can lead to tolerance, requiring increased doses to maintain their effects. This raises the risk of developing a dependency and addiction. Chronic use can also result in side effects like drowsiness and nausea, as well as serious risks such as respiratory depression or overdose.

Recognizing and Treating Prescription Opioid Addiction

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) manifests when opioid misuse disrupts daily life, causing uncontrollable cravings, inability to reduce use, and continued usage despite harm. Factors like a history of substance abuse, chronic pain, or mental health conditions increase the risk of addiction. Treatment often involves medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms, complemented by behavioral therapies to support recovery. Recognizing the signs of OUD early is crucial, as timely intervention can prevent the severe consequences of misuse, like overdose, and help individuals regain control over their lives.