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Treatment

Substance misuse is a significant public health challenge and a priority for our nation to address. If you are looking for treatment resources in our community, please visit findtreatment.gov or call SAMHSA’s National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889.

All across the United States, individuals, families, communities, and health care systems are struggling to cope with substance use, misuse, and substance use disorders. Substance use disorders treatment is designed to help individuals stop or reduce harmful substance misuse, improve their health and social function, and manage their risk for relapse. Substance use disorder treatment is effective. Research shows that treatment also improves individuals' productivity, health, and overall quality of life. Studies show that every dollar spent on substance use disorder treatment saves $4 in health care costs and $7 in criminal justice costs.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, which is useful in the treatment of opioid use disorders (OUD) and can help some people to sustain recovery. The FDA has approved three drugs to treat opioid dependence: buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. In combination with cognitive behavioral therapy and psychosocial support, these treatments are effective. Due to the chronic nature of OUD, the need for continuing MAT should be re‐evaluated periodically. According to the FDA, there is no maximum recommended duration of maintenance treatment, and for some patients, treatment may continue indefinitely. For more information, visit the link to the FDA website listed below.

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/information-about-medication-assisted-treatment-mat

The Coalition strives to improve access to evidence-based treatment services that are integrated with mainstream health care. The Coalition supports the following programs.

Project Leave Behind

Project leave behind is a resource for individuals who are treated for a suspected overdose as well as families and friends who need information about substance use disorder treatment resources. Project Leave Behind materials are distributed by Orange County Fire Rescue personnel and hospital social workers following intervention for a suspected overdose. Please see (add PDF link Here) to download the Project Leave Behind resource guide.

Adult Drug Court

Orange County Drug Court is a voluntary court program that provides for the identification, evaluation, case management, and placement of persons with serious substance abuse addiction. Drug Courts use a team of professionals to provide substance use disorder treatment to eligible people involved in the criminal justice system. The Court provides review and oversight with swift and effective consequences for violating program rules and incentives and rewards for compliance. Although consequences such as detention may occur, the focus and goal remain to modify behavior to eliminate the cycle of substance abuse and recurring crime.

https://www.ninthcircuit.org/about/divisions/drug-court

Corrections

The Orange County jail works with inmates addicted to opioids who want treatment. Medication-assisted treatment is available from community providers. Inmates who start or continue substance use disorder treatment in county jail receive follow-up care in the community by selected providers.