Opioid Addiction Treatment in Los Angeles, CA
Opioid addiction can develop quickly, whether someone is using prescription pain medications or illicit opioids like heroin or fentanyl. At Wellness Detox LA, we provide medically supervised detox and residential treatment that stabilizes withdrawal, restores safety, and helps clients rebuild long-term recovery.
Begin safe, medically supervised opioid detox or inpatient today with 24/7 support. Our team is here whenever you’re ready to take the first step.
Understanding Prescription & Illicit Opioid Dependence
What Is Opioid Addiction?
Opioid addiction occurs when the brain becomes dependent on opioids to manage pain, stress, or emotional discomfort. Opioids bind to the brain’s reward and pain-regulation centers, creating powerful feelings of relief and euphoria. Over time, the brain struggles to function without them, leading to compulsive use, physical dependence, and dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
Opioids include both prescription medications and illicit street drugs. The most commonly misused opioids include:
- Prescription opioids: Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet), Hydrocodone (Vicodin), Morphine, Codeine
- Illicit opioids: Heroin, Illicit fentanyl
- Synthetic opioids: Tramadol, Methadone (when misused)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 80,000 overdose deaths in 2022 involved opioids, including prescription medications, heroin, and fentanyl, making opioid addiction one of the most critical health issues in the United States today.
At Wellness Detox LA, our medical and therapeutic teams provide structured opioid detox, medication-assisted treatment when appropriate, and residential care designed to help clients regain stability and rebuild their lives.
How opioid addiction affects the body, behavior, and mind
Signs & Symptoms of Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction affects the body and mind in ways that become progressively more severe over time. Because opioids alter pain perception, reward signaling, and stress regulation in the brain, the signs of addiction often include physical dependence, emotional instability, and major changes in behavior. Recognizing these symptoms early can help prevent dangerous withdrawal and reduce overdose risk.
Physical Symptoms
- Pinpoint pupils
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Drowsiness or “nodding off”
- Itching, flushing, or warm sensations
- Track marks or bruising (if injecting)
Behavioral Symptoms
- Using opioids more frequently or in higher doses than prescribed
- Doctor shopping or seeking illegal opioids
- Withdrawing from family, friends, or responsibilities
- Financial trouble or secrecy around spending
- Sudden mood changes or irritability
Psychological Symptoms
- Strong cravings
- Anxiety or agitation
- Depression or emotional numbness
- Problems concentrating
- Restlessness or irritability
If you or someone you care about is showing these signs, seeking help early can prevent dangerous withdrawal and significantly reduce the risk of overdose.
The immediate risks and long-term consequences of opioid misuse
The Dangers of Opioid Abuse
Opioids create powerful changes in the brain’s pain and reward pathways, producing short-term relief and euphoria but leading to serious long-term consequences. Even when opioids are prescribed, misuse can quickly progress to dangerous physical, psychological, and behavioral effects. Understanding these risks is essential for recognizing when treatment is needed.
Short-Term Effects
- Euphoria or intense relaxation
- Slowed or shallow breathing
- Drowsiness or sedation
- Itching or warm flushing
- High overdose risk, especially when mixed with alcohol or benzodiazepines
Long-Term Effects
- Severe physical dependence and withdrawal
- Chronic constipation or gastrointestinal issues
- Hormonal imbalances (fatigue, low libido)
- Memory problems and cognitive decline
- Increased sensitivity to pain (opioid-induced hyperalgesia)
Withdrawal phases, symptoms, and why medical support matters
Opioid Withdrawal & Why You Shouldn't Detox Cold-Turkey
What Happens Physically during Opioid Withdrawal
Opioid withdrawal occurs when the brain and nervous system can no longer function normally without opioids. After prolonged use, the body becomes dependent on opioids to regulate pain, mood, and stress, so stopping use triggers intense physical and emotional symptoms. While opioid withdrawal is rarely life-threatening, it can be extremely uncomfortable and carries a high risk of relapse without medical supervision.
Early Withdrawal (first 8-12h)
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Muscle aches and bone pain
- Yawning and watery eyes
Peak Withdrawal (24-72h after)
- Severe cravings
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Goosebumps and shaking
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (long)
- Mood swings or depression
- Fatigue and low motivation
- Difficulty concentrating or managing stress
Why Medical Detox Is Critical
Opioid withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable and emotionally overwhelming, making it difficult (and often dangerous) to attempt quitting alone. Medical detox provides a safe, supervised environment where withdrawal symptoms can be managed effectively, cravings can be controlled, and complications can be prevented. Detox also ensures that clients have the clinical and emotional support needed during the most vulnerable stage of recovery.
Medical Stabilization
Detox focuses on regulating vital signs, managing dehydration, and stabilizing the body as opioids leave the system. This reduces the dangers associated with intense withdrawal symptoms and rapid physiological shifts.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medications such as buprenorphine (Suboxone), methadone, clonidine, and comfort medications may be used to ease withdrawal, minimize cravings, and promote early stabilization.
24/7 Monitoring & Clinical Support
Clients receive round-the-clock monitoring to ensure safety, especially during periods of vomiting, agitation, insomnia, or emotional distress. And help prevent relapse.
Transition Into Residential Care
After stabilization, clients transition into residential care where therapy, dual diagnosis treatment, and relapse-prevention planning help rebuild long-term stability.
See How We’ve Helped Others With Their Recovery
Your Journey to Wellness Begins Now
A complete opioid addiction recovery path near your home
Our Opioid Addiction Rehab Programs in Los Angeles, CA
Opioid addiction requires a structured, two-phase treatment approach: medical detox to stabilize the body and residential treatment to rebuild emotional and behavioral health. Because opioid dependence often co-occurs with anxiety, depression, trauma, or chronic pain conditions, dual diagnosis support is incorporated throughout the entire recovery process. At Wellness Detox LA, each level of care is designed to guide clients step-by-step, from safely managing withdrawal to developing long-term coping skills and relapse-prevention strategies.
Treating opioid addiction and co-occurring mental-health conditions together
Dual Diagnosis & Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction is deeply connected to mental-health challenges. Many individuals struggling with opioid dependence also experience anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorders, or chronic stress. Emotional pain, trauma, and unresolved psychological issues often fuel opioid misuse, and long-term opioid use can worsen those same conditions. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), more than 40% of people with a substance use disorder also have a co-occurring mental-health condition, making integrated treatment essential for long-term recovery.
At Wellness Detox LA, our dual diagnosis program addresses both the addiction and the underlying emotional or psychiatric issues driving it. Clients receive a full psychiatric assessment, medication support when clinically appropriate, and evidence-based therapies to stabilize mood, improve emotional regulation, and build coping skills. By treating the psychological roots of opioid dependence alongside withdrawal and cravings, we help clients achieve stronger outcomes.
Your Journey to Wellness Begins Now
Fast, confidential insurance verification for opioid addiction treatment
We Work With Most Insurances
Getting help for opioid addiction should be simple, confidential, and supportive. Most insurance plans cover opioid detox, residential inpatient treatment, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and dual diagnosis care. Our admissions team is available 24/7 to verify your benefits, explain your coverage clearly, and help you begin the intake process with ease. Call us now at 866-591-0888 to verify your insurance.
Expert medical care, 24/7 support, and a private environment for safe recovery
Premier Opioid Addiction Treatment in Los Angeles
At Wellness Detox LA, we provide the clinical expertise, structure, and compassion required to treat opioid addiction safely and effectively. As part of the Quadrant Health Group Network, we bring the strength and experience of a trusted, nationally recognized treatment system. We offer consistent quality of care and over 15 years of combined industry experience supporting clients through opioid withdrawal and long-term recovery.
Our medical team offers 24/7 monitoring, evidence-based detox protocols, and medication-assisted treatment when appropriate, ensuring clients ongoing support through every phase of recovery. We combine medical detox, personalized therapeutic programming, inpatient care, and integrated dual diagnosis care to address both the physical dependence on opioids and the underlying emotional or psychological challenges that often fuel addiction.
Our private, calming Los Angeles facility provides a supportive environment away from triggers, allowing clients to regain stability and focus fully on their healing. With small caseloads, experienced clinicians, and a seamless continuum of care from detox through residential treatment, Wellness Detox LA delivers the structure and safety needed to achieve lasting recovery.
Therapies we offer
Most Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first signs of opioid addiction?
Early signs include pinpoint pupils, drowsiness, itching, constipation, slowed breathing, mood swings, and using opioids more often than prescribed. Behavioral shifts like secrecy, doctor shopping, or isolating from loved ones may also appear.
How quickly can opioid addiction develop?
Why are opioids so addictive?
Opioids produce powerful surges of dopamine, creating intense relief and euphoria. Over time, the brain reduces its natural ability to regulate pain and stress, leading to cravings, compulsive use, and withdrawal symptoms when use stops.
What does opioid withdrawal feel like?
Opioid withdrawal can cause muscle aches, sweating, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, heart rate increases, and strong cravings. Symptoms typically start 8–24 hours after the last dose and peak within 2–3 days.
Is opioid withdrawal dangerous?
While not usually life-threatening, opioid withdrawal can be dangerous due to dehydration, extreme agitation, blood pressure changes, and a high relapse risk. Medical detox ensures safe stabilization and reduces complications.
What medications help with opioid withdrawal?
Medications such as buprenorphine (Suboxone), methadone, clonidine, and comfort medications are commonly used to ease withdrawal, reduce cravings, and support the early stages of recovery.
How is opioid addiction treated at Wellness Detox LA?
Treatment includes medically supervised detox, medication-assisted treatment when appropriate, residential inpatient, dual diagnosis support, and long-term relapse-prevention planning. Our approach treats both physical dependence and the emotional roots of addiction.
What is the difference between prescription opioids and illicit opioids?
What increases the risk of opioid overdose?
Overdose risk increases when opioids are mixed with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or fentanyl-contaminated drugs. Taking higher doses than prescribed or using opioids after a period of abstinence (reduced tolerance) also greatly increases overdose risk.
How does naloxone (Narcan) reverse an opioid overdose?
Naloxone rapidly blocks opioid receptors, reversing slowed or stopped breathing. Its effects are temporary, so emergency medical help is required even after naloxone is administered.
Does insurance cover opioid addiction treatment?
Most insurance plans cover opioid detox, residential treatment, medication-assisted treatment, and dual diagnosis services. Wellness Detox LA provides fast, confidential insurance verification so you know exactly what your plan includes. Call us at 866-591-0888 for more information.
When should someone seek treatment for opioid addiction?
You should seek treatment as soon as opioid misuse begins, even before addiction fully develops. Opioids should never be used without a medical reason, and early intervention is critical to prevent dependence, withdrawal complications, and overdose. Get started today, call 866-591-0888 to get help.
Compassionate, confidential help starts with a single step
Break Free from Opioid Addiction Today
Opioid addiction can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our admissions team is available around the clock to answer your questions, verify your insurance, and guide you through the process of getting help. Reaching out is confidential, judgment-free, and only takes a few minutes. Complete the secure form below, and our team will contact you shortly with a clear explanation of what your plan covers for opioid detox and residential treatment.
Your information is 100% confidential, and there’s no obligation to commit. If you’d rather speak with someone immediately, call us anytime at 866-591-0888 for immediate assistance.