Drug Abuse Trends in Irvine, CA
Located centrally in Orange County, California, Irvine is home to an estimated 276,176 residents. The Los Angeles–Long Beach–Santa Ana metro area is an international hub for some of the world’s most most famous addiction treatment and rehab centers. These facilities often typically attract celebrities and wealthy business people from all over the world, as well as thousands of local residents. Nevertheless, whether substance abuse treatment is provided by a luxury rehab center or a county-funded facility, getting help is a vital step in addiction recovery.
In Irvine’s public detox and recovery centers, the most commonly treated addictions are (in order):
Irvine maintains significantly lower rates of hospitalization and death due to substance abuse compared to other Orange County cities. Overall, the city ranks second-to-last in addiction-related injuries and fatalities. However, the city has seen similar increases in the number of these events since the turn of the century. Orange County’s drug and alcohol deaths climbed 82% since 2000. The most common cause for overdose deaths was poly-drug use involving prescription opioids (especially OxyContin and hydrocodone) and benzodiazepines or alcohol.
Opioid and Poly-Drug Abuse in Irvine
The rate of drug-induced death in Orange County is slightly higher than alcohol deaths. Of over a thousand cases investigated by the coroner’s office, 51.8% involved prescription drugs. In a substantial number of deaths, multiple substances were detected. A combination of alcohol, illicit, and prescription drugs were involved in 19.4% of deaths.
The combination of multiple types of depressants (such as alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepine tranquilizers) represent the greatest danger to the body. Because each substance impairs breathing in distinct ways, using several together prevents the body from properly defending itself against overdose.
Substance Abuse Statistics for Irvine
233
hospitalizations
In 2015, Irvine had 233 drug- or alcohol-related hospitalizations.
7.4
per 100,000
Irvine’s rate of drug/alcohol-related deaths from 2013 to 2015 is 7.4 (Orange County’s rate is 22.7).
2nd
fewest
Among Orange County cities, Irvine has the second-fewest drug/alcohol-related hospitalizations, overdoses, and deaths.
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Addiction Treatment in Irvine
There are many recovery options for those seeking addiction treatment in Irvine. However, getting those who need it the most into treatment can be challenging. Orange County saw almost 70,000 hospital-bed days between 2013 and 2015; the average length of stay was 4.3 days. Between 2011 and 2013, only 11,405 people admitted into public treatment (including outpatient, detox, and residential programs).
For many, the symptoms of withdrawal (especially the pain of opioid detox) they experience while hospitalized or in jail can discourage them from entering treatment. Almost half of those hospitalized in the county showed symptoms of withdrawal caused by severe substance abuse (like seizures). According to county data, roughly 10% of patients admitted for drug/alcohol-related injury or illness left against medical advice.
Get Help During COVID-19
With just 30 days at a rehab center, you can get clean and sober, start therapy, join a support group, and learn ways to manage your cravings.
Start Your Journey to Recovery Today
Detox is a fundamental step in the recovery process but should not be done without professional medical care. The potential side effects of withdrawal can be life-threatening – especially for those with severe addictions. To ease the side effects of detox, many rehab centers are authorized to prescribe addiction treatment medications (like buprenorphine or naltrexone).
To start your journey to sobriety, talk to a treatment provider now for more information about your rehab options.
