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Los Angeles County, home to over 10 million residents, offers a diverse range of addiction treatment options for those struggling with substance use disorders. With more than 1,500 substance abuse treatment facilities across California, many located in the Los Angeles area, individuals seeking help have access to various levels of care tailored to their specific needs. This comprehensive guide explains the treatment options available, helping you make informed decisions about recovery pathways in Los Angeles.
Substance use disorders remain a significant public health concern in Los Angeles County. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the percentage of Los Angeles residents over age 12 who used illicit drugs (15.4%) is slightly higher than the national average (14.7%) [1].
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated substance use problems in the region, with concerning increases in overdose rates. In 2020, Los Angeles County experienced 2,202 overdose deaths involving opioids—a 46.7% increase from 2019—with fentanyl involved in over 75% of these fatalities [2].
Despite the high need for treatment, there remains a significant gap between those requiring help and those receiving it. While approximately 37,770 people in Los Angeles County participate in publicly funded substance abuse treatment programs, an estimated 725,000 people need treatment services [3]. At Create Recovery Center, we’re committed to helping bridge this gap by providing comprehensive, evidence-based treatment options.
Addiction treatment follows a continuum of care model, with services ranging from intensive, medically supervised interventions to ongoing community support. Understanding this continuum helps individuals identify the appropriate entry point and progression through recovery services.
Detoxification, often the first step in addiction treatment, helps individuals safely manage withdrawal symptoms when they stop using substances.
What to expect:
Medical detox is particularly important for alcohol, benzodiazepine, and opioid dependencies, where withdrawal can be potentially dangerous or even life-threatening. In Los Angeles, detox services are available in hospital settings, dedicated detox facilities, and some residential treatment centers.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Detoxification is the process of allowing the body to rid itself of a drug while managing the symptoms of withdrawal; it is often the first step in a drug treatment program and should be followed by treatment with a behavioral-based therapy and/or a medication, if available” [4].
Residential treatment provides 24-hour structured care in a non-hospital setting. Los Angeles offers various residential options, from basic programs to luxury facilities in upscale neighborhoods like Malibu.
Key features:
Los Angeles is known for its wide range of residential treatment options, including specialized programs for professionals, those with co-occurring disorders, and programs catering to specific populations. The concentrated focus on recovery in a distraction-free environment makes residential treatment particularly effective for those with severe addiction or unstable living situations.
Partial hospitalization represents a step down from residential care while still providing intensive treatment.
Program structure:
Los Angeles-based PHPs offer structured daytime programming while allowing individuals to maintain connections with family and practice recovery skills in real-world settings during evenings and weekends.
IOPs provide concentrated treatment while allowing participants to maintain work, school, or family responsibilities.
Typical format:
According to SAMHSA, IOPs are defined as providing “a minimum of 9 hours of service per week in three, 3-hour sessions; however, some programs provide more sessions per week and/or longer sessions per day” [5].
Los Angeles offers numerous IOP options throughout the county, making these services accessible to residents across the metropolitan area.
Regular outpatient treatment involves scheduled sessions with addiction professionals, typically once or twice weekly.
Common elements:
Outpatient care works best for individuals with stable living environments, strong support systems, and the ability to maintain abstinence with less intensive structure.
Medication-Assisted Treatment combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to provide a “whole-patient” approach to treating substance use disorders, particularly for opioid and alcohol dependencies.
Several medications are available in Los Angeles for treating opioid use disorders:
Methadone:
Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex):
Naltrexone (Vivitrol):
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Research has shown that methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone can reduce opioid use and other negative health outcomes” [6].
For alcohol dependency, these medications are available in Los Angeles:
Acamprosate:
Disulfiram:
Naltrexone:
Many Los Angeles treatment providers integrate MAT into comprehensive treatment plans, though availability varies by facility. The FDA has approved these medications as evidence-based interventions for substance use disorders. Create Recovery Center specializes in integrated treatment approaches that may include MAT when clinically appropriate, ensuring clients receive the most effective care for their specific needs.
Los Angeles’ diverse treatment landscape includes specialized programs addressing unique needs:
Many facilities in Los Angeles specialize in treating co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. These programs offer:
According to NIMH, “About half of the people who experience a substance use disorder during their lives will also experience a co-occurring mental disorder and vice versa” [7]. At Create Recovery Center, our specialized dual diagnosis programs address both conditions concurrently, providing comprehensive care that leads to better outcomes.
Los Angeles’ multicultural population is served by programs designed for specific communities:
Many Los Angeles facilities incorporate complementary approaches:
Ongoing support following formal treatment is crucial for sustained recovery:
Los Angeles has numerous sober living homes providing:
Many treatment centers offer alumni programs and continuing care:
Los Angeles has robust recovery communities:
Treatment access in Los Angeles varies based on financial resources:
Most Los Angeles facilities accept some form of insurance:
For those without insurance or with limited coverage:
The Los Angeles County Substance Abuse Service Helpline (SASH) at 1-844-804-7500 can help connect individuals to services based on their coverage and needs [8].
With so many options available, finding appropriate treatment involves consideration of several factors:
Professional assessment helps determine the appropriate level of care:
When exploring options, consider:
Several resources can help navigate the Los Angeles treatment landscape:
Los Angeles offers one of the nation’s most comprehensive arrays of addiction treatment options, from medically supervised detoxification to long-term recovery support. The variety of programs available means that individuals seeking help can find treatment that aligns with their clinical needs, personal preferences, and financial situation.
Recovery from substance use disorders is possible with appropriate treatment and support. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, understanding the options available in Los Angeles is the first step toward finding effective care that can lead to lasting recovery.
is a boutique outpatient treatment program catering to mental health, dual-diagnosis and substance abuse addiction.
