Opioid & Fentanyl Detox & Treatment in the Los Angeles Area

What is opioid use disorder?

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic, treatable medical condition involving the compulsive use of opioids despite harmful consequences (National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIDA). Opioids include prescription painkillers (such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine), heroin, and, increasingly, fentanyl, a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin that now drives the majority of overdose deaths in the U.S. OUD changes brain chemistry in ways that make stopping extraordinarily hard without help, which is why it's treated as a medical condition, not a choice.

Left untreated, opioid use disorder carries a serious risk of overdose, especially in the fentanyl era, when the potency of the illicit supply is unpredictable from one use to the next. But it is also one of the most treatable substance use disorders: with medically supervised detox, FDA-approved medication, and genuine support, most people can stabilize and rebuild. The earlier treatment begins, the more options, and the more life, you protect.

Signs of opioid use disorder

Common signs include:

• Using more, or longer, than intended
• Strong cravings to use
• Needing more to feel the same effect (tolerance)
• Withdrawal symptoms when not using
• Failed attempts to cut down or stop
• Neglecting responsibilities or relationships
• Continuing to use despite clear harm

Physical withdrawal and tolerance alone don't mean addiction (they can occur with prescribed use), but combined with loss of control, they point to OUD.

MAT for opioid use disorder

NIDA recognizes FDA-approved medications for OUD, buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone, as effective, evidence-based care. At Regain Hope Detox and Recovery Center, our physicians lead with naltrexone, including the long-acting injection Vivitrol, which is non-narcotic and blocks the effects of opioids; we often start it before discharge to protect against relapse. We are not a methadone clinic. We provide medication-assisted treatment within physician-led detox and residential care.

When to seek help for opioid use

With fentanyl in nearly the entire illicit opioid supply, the risk of a fatal overdose has never been higher, and there's no safe amount of time to wait. If you or someone you love is using opioids (prescription or illicit), can't stop despite wanting to, or is experiencing withdrawal between uses, reach out now. Treatment works, and the first call is free and confidential. If someone is overdosing, call 911 and use naloxone (Narcan) if available.