California’s Opioid Epidemic

The opioid crisis has escalated into a significant public health challenge worldwide, and California is no exception despite various efforts aimed at tackling the issue. Multiple factors contribute to this ongoing crisis, including the aggressive marketing by pharmaceutical companies, insufficient regulations, the tendency of some doctors to overprescribe opioids, and a rise in the use of illegal heroin and synthetic opioids. According to the Governor of California’s website, nearly 7,000 lives were lost to opioid-related overdoses in the state in 2022, highlighting the severity of the California opioid epidemic.

One of the primary culprits behind the opioid crisis in California is the availability and use of illicit fentanyl, a major driver of overdose-related deaths. Originally developed as a powerful prescription painkiller, fentanyl is now being produced illegally and can be up to 100 times more potent than morphine. Its extreme strength makes even the smallest doses potentially lethal. The problem is exacerbated as fentanyl frequently replaces or contaminates other illegal drugs, exposing users to it without their knowledge, thereby increasing the risk of accidental overdoses. Moreover, fentanyl’s high addictive potential significantly raises the likelihood of developing substance use disorders, which can have devastating effects on a person’s health, relationships, career stability, housing, and financial well-being.

Does California have an Opioid Problem?

The opioid epidemic has emerged as a significant challenge for California, with fentanyl abuse and overdose taking center stage. According to CalMatters, California saw a staggering 121% increase in opioid-related deaths between 2019 and 2021, with fentanyl responsible for a large share of these tragic outcomes. The rise in fentanyl-related deaths began escalating sharply around 2019. From September 2021 to September 2022, there were 5,942 fatalities due to fentanyl overdoses, representing 86% of all opioid-related deaths during that period. Additionally, there were 21,000 emergency room visits for opioid-related issues, with one-third of those attributed to fentanyl. In 2021, fentanyl overdoses resulted in more deaths than car accidents in the state. Although California lawmakers have put forth over three dozen legislative measures aimed at addressing the opioid crisis, which have helped to slow the increase in overdose deaths, the toll continues to escalate.

What State has the Most Overdoses?

The United States has seen a troubling rise in drug and opioid overdose deaths since 2011. Among the states, California, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania experienced the steepest increases in overdose fatalities from 2011 to 2021. Nonetheless, West Virginia consistently held the highest overdose death rate throughout the decade, jumping from 31.5 per 100,000 residents in 2011 to 77.2 per 100,000 in 2021—nearly three times the national average. To combat opioid use disorders, stricter regulations on prescription opioids were enforced in West Virginia. Unfortunately, this pushed many users towards illicit fentanyl, which has become a significant factor in the surge of overdose deaths.

What Started the Opioid Crisis?

The drug overdose crisis has its roots dating back 40 years, originating with the increased use of heroin and crack cocaine. In the 1990s, a troubling trend emerged as doctors began to overprescribe opioids for pain management. This was primarily influenced by misleading information from pharmaceutical companies that downplayed the addictive nature of OxyContin. In reality, the medication was highly addictive, resulting in many individuals developing dependencies on opioids and subsequently turning to heroin once their prescriptions expired. This period marked the beginning of a significant rise in drug overdose deaths, heralding the first wave of the opioid crisis.

The crisis intensified around 2015, igniting the second wave of overdose fatalities. This shift occurred when the illicit drug supply in the United States transitioned from an abundance of heroin and prescription opioids to the widespread availability of illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Clandestine laboratories began producing fentanyl due to its low production costs, and drug dealers recognized it as an economical cutting agent for various substances, including heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, and MDMA.

How do most People get Addicted to Opioids?

It’s a common misconception that most people who struggle with addiction simply took a wrong turn in life. However, opioid addiction can often happen to individuals who were prescribed opioids for legitimate pain concerns. These medications are incredibly addictive, and dependence can develop even when they are taken exactly as directed. The key issue lies in how opioids engage the brain’s reward system, releasing endorphins that create a pleasurable sensation while alleviating pain. Once the effects wear off, many find themselves longing to experience those feelings again.

Over time, continued use can lead to tolerance, meaning individuals require larger doses to achieve the same effects. Eventually, dependence can set in, leading to withdrawal symptoms if they attempt to cut back or stop. The person may continue using opioids in an attempt to lessen or avoid withdrawal symptoms, further fueling drug-seeking behaviors. It’s important to note that while having a physical dependence on opioids doesn’t automatically equate to addiction, it often signals that addiction may not be far off. True addiction is characterized by significant behavioral changes resulting from chemical alterations in the brain due to prolonged substance use. When addiction takes hold, opioid use can become the main focus of a person’s life, regardless of the harmful consequences they face. At this point, they may experience both physical and psychological dependence on these substances.

Due to the awareness of the potential for addiction, medical professionals are very cautious about adjusting the dosage or duration of opioid prescriptions. Unfortunately, individuals grappling with opioid addiction may seek out these drugs illegally, sometimes even turning to heroin to ease their cravings. These types of cases are contributing factors to California’s opioid crisis.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse points out that predicting who will develop a prescription drug addiction is complex and cannot be attributed to a single factor. Some people may become dependent on opioids without ever crossing the line into addiction. Various elements, such as a family history of addiction, pre-existing mental health issues, and environmental influences, contribute to the risk of developing an addiction.

Contact Resurgence Behavioral Health for More Information on the California Opioid Epidemic

The California opioid epidemic is creating significant challenges for individuals and their families, deeply affecting personal lives and health. As exposure to fentanyl rises, the risk of fatal overdoses among those dealing with substance use disorders is increasing. At Resurgence Behavioral Health, we are dedicated to combating this opioid epidemic in California by offering comprehensive opioid detox and rehab programs designed to support anyone seeking long-term recovery, regardless of the severity of their addiction. Overcoming opioid addiction is incredibly tough to achieve alone, and without professional guidance, the risks of overdose continue to rise.

At Resurgence Behavioral Health, our programs are customized to meet each person’s unique needs. We provide a full spectrum of care, including medical detox, inpatient treatment, and outpatient options. You don’t have to be experiencing a severe addiction to benefit from our rehabilitation services; early intervention can significantly enhance the likelihood of a successful recovery. Our compassionate team of professionals will develop a personalized treatment plan for you based on your initial assessment, incorporating various evidence-based therapies, counseling, and medication-assisted treatments to address every aspect of addiction.

To find out more about the effects of California’s opioid epidemic or to explore treatment options for opioid addiction, reach out to Resurgence Behavioral Health today at 855-458-0050.

External Sources

• Governor of California (.gov) – California Adds Resources to Fight the Opioid Crisis
• CalMatters – California’s opioid deaths increased by 121% in 3 years. What’s driving the crisis?
• National Institutes of Health – The Opioid Crisis
• National Institute on Drug Abuse – Understanding Drug Use and Addiction

David Rofofsky
After growing up in New York, David chose to get help with substance abuse in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than nine years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for eight years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. David remains passionate about the field because he understands how hard it is to pick up the phone and ask for help. However, once the call is made, someone's life can be saved.

Research | Editorial