Substance abuse is one of the most critical public health crises in the United States, affecting millions of individuals, families, and communities. The United States has seen an alarming rise in substance abuse cases over the past two decades. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 46 million people met the criteria for substance use disorder (SUD) in 2021, yet only 6% received treatment [1].
The widespread misuse of opioids, alcohol consumption, marijuana dependence, stimulants, and abuse of prescription medications and other substances has led to devastating consequences, including a sharp rise in overdose deaths. The impact of addiction goes beyond the individual – families, workplaces, healthcare systems, and society suffers.
Despite the alarming statistics and challenges of addiction, recovery is possible. With the right addiction therapy and support system, many individuals have successfully overcome addiction. Addiction is an isolating disease, and the first step toward recovery is asking for help.
We are the trusted professionals for addiction therapy in the Los Angeles, California area. Call us today to get started.
The Substance Abuse Crisis in the United States
In 2021, more than 106,000 people died from drug overdoses, with most of these fatalities linked to opioids, particularly fentanyl [2]. Fentanyl, which is up to 50 times stronger than heroin, is often mixed into other drugs without your knowledge and is the primary driver of overdose deaths in the US.
Alcohol use disorder also continues to be a major concern, contributing to over 170,000 deaths annually [3]. The abuse of prescription medications, particularly benzodiazepines is also rising, with over 60% of adults who abused them reported they got them from family members or friends [4].
Understanding Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic medical condition characterized by the compulsive use of substances despite negative consequences [5]. It affects brain function, leading to impaired decision-making, cravings, and behavioral changes.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), SUD is diagnosed based on criteria such as cravings, inability to control usage, increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, continued use despite negative consequences, and failed attempts to quit [6].
SUD is a long-term condition that often requires treatment and lifestyle changes to manage effectively. SUD varies depending on the drug with the most common being alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder (heroin, fentanyl, prescription painkillers), stimulant use disorder (cocaine and methamphetamines), and benzodiazepine dependency (Xanax and Valium).
Related: Are There Different Types of Addiction?
The Impact of Substance Abuse
Substance abuse takes a significant toll on your physical and mental health. Physical health consequences of SUD can include heart disease, liver failure, respiratory problems, neurological damage, and increased susceptibility to infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis. Mental health implications from SUD include depression, anxiety, and psychosis as well as an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Addiction often leads to strained relationships with family, friends, and partners creating a loss of trust and social withdrawal. Many people struggling with SUD also experience job loss, legal problems, and financial distress. The most significant impact of substance abuse is death from accidental or intentional overdose and fatal accidents from driving under the influence.
Related: Substance Use Prevention: What You Need to Know
Understanding Overdose Risks
Nearly 108,000 persons in the U.S. died from drug-involved overdose in 2022, including from illicit or prescription drugs [7]. An overdose occurs when the body is overwhelmed by a toxic level of a substance, leading to life-threatening effects. Common causes of overdose include taking too much of a drug, mixing substances, and using substances after a period of sobriety when your tolerance has decreased.
Physiological consequences of overdose can include respiratory depression (common with opiates and sedatives), cardiac arrest (common with stimulants), and liver failure (common with alcohol overdose). Substances with the highest potential for overdose are opiates (particularly fentanyl and heroin) and when you use alcohol and benzodiazepines together. The CDC reports that opioid overdoses account for 75% of drug-related deaths in 2021 [8]. Young adults ages 18-45 with a history of relapse, overdose, or polysubstance use are most at risk for overdose.
Recognizing the warning signs of overdose and providing immediate medical intervention is crucial. Overdose warning signs include slow or absent breathing, loss of consciousness, blue-tinted lips, skin or fingernails, and seizures or irregular heartbeat. If you encounter someone displaying overdose symptoms, call 911 immediately, administer Narcan/Naloxone if opioid overdose is suspected, and perform rescue breathing if necessary.
Related: Overdose Awareness: Signs, Symptoms, and How to Get Help
The Importance of Professional Addiction Therapy
Professional addiction therapy is critical when looking for recovery support. This will help you transition to medical detox and continuing care through a treatment facility. Without professional guidance, addiction is something that can be incredibly life-threatening, disruptive, and hard to live with.
When being guided through professional addiction therapy you’ll receive the therapeutic support needed to transition on your sobriety journey. Normally in addiction therapy, they start by assessing your substance use history, your upbringing, and any emotional triggers. Once they can paint a picture of your history, you can begin to learn coping strategies, find the root of your reasoning to turn to substance use, and truly begin your healing journey.
Types of Therapy for Addiction
At Clear Behavioral Health we offer different types of therapy styles to support you in overcoming your struggle with substance use dependency.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
A method called dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is used to teach practical skills you can use every day to manage emotions, drug cravings, and behaviors.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is also offered since addiction is a disease that can affect the entire family. Working on the emotional bonds, trust and unpacking a lot of history together can create healing for everyone. Family therapy is also a great opportunity to see support from your family firsthand while going through substance abuse treatment.
Individual Therapy
Upon entering one of our addiction treatment programs, you will be matched with a therapist who you will have one-on-one sessions with throughout your stay. Individual therapy provides a safe and confidential space where you can engage in different types of therapy and share things you might not want to discuss on a group level.
Group Therapy
Group therapy offers a safe space to freely share with no judgment. This is helpful during a period where you would like to withdraw but instead, you can socialize and find solace in shared experiences.
Music and Art Therapy
Art and music are integral parts of healing. Finding a way to express your emotions when your words seem to never fully explain them is life-changing. You are also learning valuable skills that can help your brain function and contribute to a long-term healing practice. Art and music are ways to express yourself in what’s perceived to be unconventional ways.
Alternative and Holistic Therapies
Holistic modalities are extremely useful in reconnecting the body and mind, which is key when experiencing treatment. Understanding how your body feels, or if it’s disconnected from your emotions can help make your healing journey easier to navigate. Meditation, yoga, mindfulness, sound baths, and breathwork are all examples of the different methods we use at Clear Behavioral Health.
Choosing an Addiction Therapy Facility
Some key factors to consider when you’re looking for the right addiction therapy facility include; accreditation from a reputable organization, licensed medical staff with addiction specialists and evidence-based treatment approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing.
Depending on the substance you’re addicted to and the severity of withdrawal symptoms, you can consider inpatient treatment centers or outpatient treatment centers.
Inpatient treatment centers include constant medical supervision as opposed to an outpatient treatment program for milder to moderate withdrawal symptoms. Substance abuse often occurs in conjunction with mental health disorders in which case dual-diagnosis treatment would be most effective so that your treatment team can treat both conditions simultaneously. A high-quality facility will offer integrated mental health services, individualized treatment plans, and holistic recovery approaches.
Related: Find Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers Near You
The Detox Process: What to Expect
The first step of the recovery process is often medical detoxification which begins with an initial assessment that includes medical and psychological evaluations and the development of a personalized detox strategy for both alcohol detox and drug detox. The next steps are to address your immediate withdrawal symptoms followed by stabilization to ensure medical and emotional stability.
Related: The Glow Up Journey: Using Alcohol Detox Centers to Create Lasting Change
Post-Detox Recovery and Ongoing Addiction Therapy
Once stable, it is highly recommended to continue your care by transitioning into a residential level of care which involves more psychological support (typically individual and group therapy) as well as relapse prevention. Detox is crucial to safely remove the drugs and alcohol from your body and ongoing treatment is necessary to learn the skills needed to protect your sobriety when you go home.
Getting therapeutic care in ongoing addiction therapy is important to sustain sobriety. In addition to utilizing the relapse prevention and coping skills learned in treatment, it is also important to create healthy routines and maintain therapy and medication management if appropriate to support long-term recovery.
Learn more about addiction therapy programs in the Los Angeles, California area. Contact our experts to get started.
Start Your Recovery Process
Recovery from addiction is challenging but doable. A professional treatment facility is the safest and most effective first step toward sobriety where you can have ongoing care, along with addiction therapy.
If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse, contact Clear Behavioral Health to learn more about drug addiction treatment programs available throughout the Los Angeles, CA area including medical detox in Redondo Beach, drug and alcohol rehab in Gardena, dual diagnosis care, and outpatient substance abuse programs. With the right support, you can regain control and live a healthy, fulfilling life free of addiction.
Resources:
- NIDA IC Fact Sheet 2025 | National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2025, February 7). National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/about-nida/legislative-activities/budget-information/fiscal-year-2025-budget-information-congressional-justification-national-institute-drug-abuse/ic-fact-sheet-2025
- U.S. overdose deaths in 2021 increased half as much as in 2020 – but are still up 15%. (n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2022/202205.htm
- Facts About U.S. Deaths from Excessive Alcohol Use. (2024, August 6). Alcohol Use. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/facts-stats/index.html
- Votaw, V. R., Geyer, R., Rieselbach, M. M., & McHugh, R. K. (2019). The epidemiology of benzodiazepine misuse: A systematic review. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 200, 95–114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.02.033
- Addiction and substance use disorders. (n.d.). https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/addiction-substance-use-disorders
- What is a substance use disorder? (n.d.). https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/addiction-substance-use-disorders/what-is-a-substance-use-disorder
- Understanding the opioid overdose epidemic. (2024, November 1). Overdose Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/about/understanding-the-opioid-overdose-epidemic.html
- Spencer, M., Garnett, M., & Miniño, A. (2023). Drug overdose deaths in the United States, 2002-2022. https://doi.org/10.15620/cdc:135849
