Complete Opioid Addiction Treatment
Level of care:
Multiple
Ages: 18+
Program Length: 30-90 days
Location: Orange County, CA
The Opioid and Fentanyl Epidemic in Southern California
Like many locations across the country, Southern California is currently dealing with the negative consequences of drug addiction—and especially opioid addiction. The following data provided by the California Overdose Surveillance Board paint a clear picture.
In Orange County, in 2023, there were 576 opioid-related deaths, with 1,518 emergency room visits related to opioid overdoses. In Alameda County, there were 309 opioid-related deaths in 2023, with 764 emergency room visits.
The San Diego County Drug Overdose Quarterly Report showed a decline in deaths in 2023 and then an uptick due to opioid and fentanyl overdoses and poisoning. So opioid and fentanyl-related drug addiction is and will continue to be a major health and social issue for residents of Southern California as well as the rest of the nation.
What Are Opioids?
Opioids are a class of natural (morphine, codeine, opium), semi-synthetic (heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, oxymorphone), and synthetic (fentanyl) drugs. These include both prescription medications used to treat pain (such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, codeine, and fentanyl) and illegal drugs like heroin and fentanyl.
Of these, fentanyl stands out in the opioid crisis because it is a synthetic drug illegally made in labs and, therefore, much cheaper than other opioids. Most importantly, it is often cut into other drugs so the user doesn’t know that they are taking it. Many overdose deaths are the result. Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. This means that even small doses of fentanyl can be fatal.
Opioids relieve pain by attaching to the mu (μ), delta, and kappa opioid receptors located in the membranes of nerve cells in the brain and nervous system, collectively called the reward system. They block pain signals and at higher doses create feelings of pleasure or euphoria.
The Dangers of Opioid Use Disorder
Opioids are highly addictive. They carry inherent risks of dependence and overdose due to their strong effects on brain chemistry. Higher doses of opioids can slow breathing and heart rate, which can lead to death.
Heroin depresses the Central Nervous System, causing slowed and slurred speech, slow gait, constricted pupils, droopy eyelids, impaired night vision, vomiting, and constipation, among other side effects.
Unfortunately, the pleasure or feeling high resulting from taking opioids can make you want to keep taking them more often and then at higher doses to achieve the same effect. This is called tolerance. It can result in addiction or opioid use disorder, in which your brain and body are so affected that your use becomes out of control. The next risk is increasing the dose even further which could lead to an overdose that can be fatal, especially with fentanyl.
Signs You or a Loved One May Need Help
The signs and symptoms of opioid use disorder (OUD) are defined as follows in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5), used by mental health professionals to diagnose mental health conditions. Two or more of these within a 12-month period indicates OUD.
Behavioral and Psychological Signs
- Taking larger amounts of opioids or using them over a longer period than intended.
- Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control opioid use.
- Spending a great deal of time obtaining, using, or recovering from opioid use.
- Craving or a strong desire to use opioids.
- Failing to fulfill obligations at work, school, or home due to opioid use.
- Continued opioid use despite recurring social or interpersonal problems.
- Giving up social, occupational, or recreational activities because of opioid use.
- Using opioids in physically hazardous situations (e.g., driving).
Physical and Clinical Symptoms:
- Tolerance—needing more opioids to achieve the same effect or experiencing diminished effect with continued use of the same amount (except for those using them as prescribed under medical supervision).
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using opioids, or using opioids to avoid withdrawal (again, not counted if under prescribed medical use).
- Experiencing opioid withdrawal: body aches, diarrhea, runny nose, nerve excitability, chills, restlessness, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, dilated pupils, and strong cravings.
Other Observed Signs:
- Doctor shopping or obtaining multiple opioid prescriptions from different prescribers.
- Drug-seeking behaviors and possible legal issues.
- Social withdrawal and neglect of personal responsibilities.
Our Approach to Opioid Addiction Treatment
With over 25 years of experience offering treatment options for opioid addiction, Northbound Treatment Services has earned a reputation for successfully providing evidence-based therapies combined with the 12-step program. We create a path to long-term sobriety for our patients participating in medical withdrawal management (detox) and treatment for opioids in our program.
Medical Detox for Opioid Withdrawal
If you or a loved one is seeking a heroin addiction detox and rehab in Orange County, Northbound may be the right fit. The first steps are detoxification and stabilization, under 24-hour medical supervision in our Withdrawal Management center. You will be made comfortable and attended to by our licensed medical staff on a 24/7 basis.
Withdrawal symptoms usually start within 8–24 hours after the last dose, peak in 1–3 days, and generally resolve within 7–10 days. Long-acting opioids (such as methadone or extended-release medications) produce withdrawal symptoms beginning up to 36 hours after the final dose, potentially lasting at least 10–14 days or longer.
Ongoing monitoring by healthcare professionals is vital, and psychosocial support—including counseling and addiction treatment referrals—is available during the withdrawal phase.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Opioid agonist therapies such as methadone and buprenorphine are first-line medication-assisted treatments—they relieve withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and can be gradually tapered over time.
Other medication is sometimes prescribed to address withdrawal-related anxiety, sweating, and muscle aches but does not address cravings. Supportive medications may also be used to treat diarrhea, nausea, and insomnia.
Therapy and Support at Northbound
At Northbound, we offer a wide range of evidence-based therapies and trauma-informed support to assist you in your healing. We personalize each treatment plan around the needs of our patients. These include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization andReprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
- Experiential therapies
- Family therapy
- Music program
- Christian rehab services
- Men’s residential programs
- Women’s residential programs
Inpatient vs Outpatient Treatment Options
Our inpatient residential program offers 24/7 live-in treatment for substance abuse. It includes medical detox, therapy, counseling, and support groups in a structured, drug-free environment. Programs typically last 30-90 days, helping individuals build coping skills, prevent relapse, plan for successful discharge, and achieve long-term recovery. We also introduce our aftercare program for alumni, involving weekly sessions, connection with support groups, and mentors.
Our outpatient treatment for opioid treatment provides a step-down from our residential program. It offers flexible therapy while living at home. It includes counseling, group therapy, and medical support, allowing you to maintain work or family life. Suitable for mild to moderate addiction, it focuses on relapse prevention and coping skills without requiring overnight stays. Sessions are typically several hours per day, 4-5 days a week.
Opioid Addiction and Mental Health
It is not uncommon that patients may have co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD alongside addiction. This is also known as dual diagnosis. Each condition worsens the other, complicating treatment. Integrated care—combining therapy, medication, and support—addresses both issues simultaneously for better recovery outcomes.
Relapse risks increase without proper treatment. Tailored programs focus on holistic healing for lasting, stable recovery.
Why Choose Northbound for Opioid Addiction Treatment?
Our compassionate, highly experienced, trained team is ready to help you overcome your opioid addiction now. We have over 30 years experience helping people in similar situations and a staff with over 200 years combined clinical experience. After all, it’s our people who set us apart.
With several locations in beautiful Orange County, in Garden Grove and Newport Beach, where you can take advantage of the amenities we have to offer, including visits to local beaches and hikes in the nearby parks and ravines. If you are from the vicinity, you don’t have to travel far to begin your healing journey today.
Everyone deserves second chances to realize their greatest potential. At our addiction treatment center in Orange County, quality and attention to detail are our founding principles.
Offering a team of top doctors, therapists, psychologists, and addiction counselors, we make sure that all of our clients will receive the best treatment possible as soon as they walk through our doors. Our staff makes sure that all of our patients are given personalized treatment, attention, and guidance so they can reach their greatest version of themselves— one that’s free of addiction. Contact us today
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FAQs
Opioids are powerful pain-relieving drugs, including prescription medications (oxycodone) and illegal substances (heroin). They work by blocking pain signals but carry high addiction and overdose risks.
Dual diagnosis means having both a mental health disorder (e.g., depression) and a substance use disorder simultaneously. Integrated treatment is essential for effective recovery.
Opioid detox typically lasts 5–7 days for acute withdrawal, but post-acute symptoms (PAWS) can persist for weeks or months. Medically supervised detox improves safety and comfort.
MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment) uses FDA-approved medications like methadone or buprenorphine, combined with therapy, to treat opioid/alcohol addiction, reduce cravings, and prevent relapse.
Residential opioid treatment typically lasts 30–90 days, depending on severity. Some programs extend to 6+ months for long-term recovery support, therapy, and relapse prevention.
Outpatient treatment provides addiction therapy (counseling, groups, MAT) while living at home. Flexible schedules allow work/school, ideal for mild-moderate addiction or step-down after residential care.
We work with most major providers, including Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross, and Medicare/Medicaid, to maximize your benefits. Our team handles the verification process—quickly and confidentially—so you can focus on recovery. Call now to check your coverage and start your journey today!
Simply call or text us.
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