Muse Treatment: The Impact of the Opioid Epidemic on Los Angeles Communities

The opioid crisis has significantly impacted communities throughout the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reporting around 82,000 opioid overdose deaths in 2022. Like many urban cities, the opioid crisis in Los Angeles has led to a complex mix of public health, social, and economic challenges, including increased rates of addiction and overdoses.

Moreover, the opioid epidemic has placed an enormous burden on Los Angeles’s healthcare infrastructure. Hospitals, clinics, and emergency services are inundated with the increasing number of opioid-related emergencies. Many individuals grappling with opioid use disorder (OUD) often delay seeking help until they reach a critical point, which is contributing to the high rates of emergency room visits and hospitalizations. The financial burden on public health systems is immense as the costs of treating addiction, overdose, and related health continue to rise.

Drug addiction, in general, has far-reaching effects, impacting a person’s physical and mental health, finances, job security, and the well-being of families and communities. The opioid crisis has also had wider social and economic repercussions in Los Angeles, contributing to challenges such as poverty, homelessness, and limited access to mental health services. Additionally, the crisis has led to an uptick in crime rates, particularly in drug-related offenses and property crimes, with lower-income neighborhoods facing higher incidences of drug-related criminal activity, further destabilizing these communities.

That’s why Muse Treatment is working to combat the opioid epidemic in Los Angeles with accessible and compassionate care. Our addiction treatment center offers different levels of care, including medical detox, inpatient and outpatient rehab, aftercare services, and sober living to help anyone who needs it.

24/7 support availability,
start your recovery today!

Call Now, We Can Help

Is There an Opioid Crisis in California?

The opioid epidemic in Los Angeles has spread throughout the state, significantly impacting California. Despite the state’s efforts to combat this issue through harm reduction strategies like the distribution of Narcan (naloxone) and the enforcement of stricter opioid prescription regulations, California continues to face many health, public, and economic challenges. The opioid crisis has been growing for years in the state, fueled by the widespread use of prescription opioids, heroin, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

According to the California Department of Public Health, nearly 6,000 opioid-related deaths occurred in the state in 2021, representing a significant share of overdose fatalities. Fentanyl has emerged as a leading cause of these deaths, often found mixed with heroin, counterfeit prescription medications, and other illegal substances, where even minuscule amounts can prove deadly. Furthermore, the combination of different drugs heightens the risk of harm, as their interactions can be unpredictable and amplify their effects, increasing the likelihood of overdose.

What is the Most Popular Drug in California?

California was one of the first states to legalize medical marijuana in 1996, and later, in 2016, it legalized recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and over. Since then, marijuana has surged in popularity, becoming the most commonly used recreational drug, with alcohol following as the second most consumed substance, according to the California Health Care Foundation.

The conversation around marijuana’s potential for addiction remains contentious. While it generally does not lead to physical dependence like other substances, it can still be psychologically habit-forming. In the United States, alcohol use disorder stands as the most prevalent substance addiction, with nicotine and marijuana trailing behind. Approximately 10% of individuals aged 12 and older in the U.S. struggle with alcohol use disorder.

Meanwhile, prescription opioids, though not as commonly used as marijuana or alcohol, have seen a troubling increase in both use and misuse, contributing to a significant public health crisis. Despite the higher usage rates of alcohol and marijuana, opioids have emerged as the primary driver of the drug problem in Los Angeles and across California, primarily due to their overdose risks.

the opioid epidemic in los angeles

What is the Current State of the Opioid Epidemic?

As of 2024, the opioid epidemic in the United States remains a severe public health crisis, with alarming rates of opioid overdose-related deaths. The opioid crisis has evolved, with a significant shift from prescription opioids to illicit fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. Various initiatives implemented to combat overprescribing and increase awareness of the risk of opioid dependence and addiction have led to a decrease in prescription opioid use. However, addiction rates remain high.

While prescription opioid deaths have decreased in recent years, fentanyl has largely taken over as the primary driver in fatal overdoses. Fentanyl is widely available in the illicit drug market because of its high potency and relatively inexpensive method of production, making it a popular cutting agent among drug producers and dealers who mix it with substances like heroin, cocaine, and MDMA.

The CDC reported over 100,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2022, with opioids involved in the majority of cases. There have been several federal, state, and local initiatives aimed at combating the opioid epidemic, including harm reduction techniques, increased access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and public education campaigns. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on long-term recovery support, including comprehensive treatment programs, sober living facilities, and recovery coaching like what can be found at Muse Treatment.

What is Causing the Opioid Crisis?

The drug overdose crisis began 40 years ago, driven by crack/cocaine use. During the 1990s, the crisis shifted to widespread overprescription of opioids for pain relief due to false reports from pharmaceutical companies that misled doctors and the public about the addictive nature of these medications. Many individuals who were initially prescribed opioids for legitimate medical reasons became addicted, which led them to seek out illicit forms of opioids like heroin when their prescription ran out.

Currently, the opioid epidemic in Los Angeles is being fueled by fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is far stronger than heroin. Even minuscule doses (as little as 2 milligrams) can prove fatal for most individuals, and many are unknowingly ingesting it when it is mixed with other illicit drugs. Furthermore, fentanyl’s high potential for addiction means that users can quickly develop a dependency, creating a vicious cycle of abuse. Those struggling with opioid addiction may seek out fentanyl for a more powerful and longer-lasting high, increasing their risk of overdose.

How Muse Treatment Can Help You Break Free from the Opioid Epidemic in Los Angeles

Opioid use disorder presents significant challenges because of its profound psychological and physical grip on individuals. Fortunately, Muse Treatment offers comprehensive programs that tackle the complex nature of addiction through a blend of evidence-based therapies and holistic methods. Our approach begins with medical detoxification, ensuring that individuals safely navigate withdrawal symptoms under the supervision of a dedicated team of medical professionals.

Following detox, patients transition into tailored treatment plans designed to uncover and address the underlying causes of their addiction, utilizing counseling and psychotherapy techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This process empowers patients with the tools and skills needed for sustained recovery, allowing them to confidently reintegrate into their everyday lives.

If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, reach out to Muse Treatment today at 800-426-1818 to discover how our programs can help you escape the grip of the opioid epidemic in Los Angeles.