How many homeless people are addicts in California?
It’s estimated that as many as one-half to three-fourths of homeless individuals in California have an alcohol or substance abuse addiction. Furthermore, research has shown that the homeless have a 1.8% chance of an opioid overdose compared to 0.3% for low-income people who had housing. Despite this high level of need for treatment, relatively few homeless individuals with substance abuse issues receive treatment. The good news is that homeless individuals with substance abuse issues who manage to access treatment services are found to have similar commitment levels to achieving treatment goals as their non-homeless counterparts.Here are a few resources that may provide treatment to California’s homeless population:
- Housing First: obtains housing for homeless individuals who can then choose to pursue help for their addiction
- SAMHSA-funded grants for people without health insurance
Community Mental Health Block Grants (MHBGs)
Substance Abuse Block Grants (SABGs) - Rehabs that accept Medicaid or Medicare
In California, the prevalence of alcohol or substance abuse addiction among the homeless is strikingly high, with estimates suggesting up to three-fourths affected. Despite limited access to treatment, homeless individuals who do engage in services demonstrate a commitment to recovery akin to their housed counterparts. Fortunately, resources such as Housing First, SAMHSA grants, and Medicaid/Medicare-accepting rehabs offer avenues for support. By leveraging these resources, the state’s homeless can gain access to the many rehabs in California.
What is medication-assisted treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) involves the use of medications, such as methadone, suboxone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, in combination with behavioral therapy and support services to treat opioid addiction. These medications help to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and block the euphoric effects of opioids, allowing individuals to focus on their recovery. Commonly used medications for opioid addiction include methadone, buprenorphine (including formulations like Suboxone), and naltrexone.
Through telemedicine, individuals can access MAT services remotely, receiving prescriptions for medications, participating in virtual counseling sessions, and accessing support groups from the comfort of their own homes. Telemedicine provides a convenient and accessible way for individuals to receive comprehensive treatment for opioid addiction, especially in areas where access to in-person services may be limited.
For example, John, a 32-year-old struggling with opioid addiction, decides to seek help after experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms. Through telemedicine, he connects with a psychiatrist who specializes in addiction treatment. During their virtual appointment, the psychiatrist conducts an assessment and prescribes buprenorphine to help manage John’s cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, John is enrolled in virtual counseling sessions and support groups where he learns coping strategies and receives ongoing support. With the combination of medication-assisted treatment and behavioral therapy accessible through telemedicine, John begins his journey to recovery from opioid addiction.
What is the Marchman Act in California?
The Marchman Act is a law that enables court-mandated assessment and treatment for individuals struggling with severe substance abuse disorders, providing a legal avenue for family members or others to petition for intervention when an individual poses a danger to themselves or others due to substance abuse. While unique to Florida, similar laws exist across the nation, allowing for involuntary commitment in cases of substance abuse and grave disability, albeit with variations in criteria and implementation across states. For instance, California’s Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code Ann. §5201 allows family members, doctors, and guardians to apply for involuntary treatment of an individual who has a substance abuse disorder and poses a threat to themselves or others.Sarah’s family has been deeply concerned about her worsening substance abuse problem. Despite their attempts to persuade her to seek help, Sarah has been resistant, often denying that she has a problem and refusing to consider treatment options. However, her behavior has become increasingly erratic and dangerous, putting herself and others at risk. In a desperate attempt to intervene and ensure Sarah gets the help she needs, her parents decide to invoke California’s Marchman Act. They consult with a lawyer to understand the process and gather necessary documentation to file a petition for Sarah’s involuntary treatment. With the support of Sarah’s doctor, who has witnessed the extent of her substance abuse disorder, and her guardianship over her younger sibling, they submit the petition to the court, hoping that the legal intervention provided by the Marchman Act will finally compel Sarah to undergo assessment and treatment for her addiction.
Do you need help for your heroin addiction in California? Reach out to an online psychiatrist today.
In conclusion, the pervasive challenge of heroin addiction in California demands urgent attention, given its profound implications for public health and safety. Statistics reveal the alarming extent of the crisis, with data showing that California has one of the highest rates of heroin-related overdose deaths in the United States, accounting for over 10,000 fatalities annually. Moreover, the economic burden of heroin addiction is staggering, with the state spending billions of dollars each year on healthcare costs, criminal justice expenses, and lost productivity attributed to substance abuse.
Despite the daunting scale of the problem, initiatives such as online psychiatry for heroin addiction provide hope by offering innovative and accessible treatment options. Research indicates that individuals engaged in telemedicine-based addiction treatment experience comparable outcomes to traditional in-person interventions, highlighting the potential of this approach to reach and support a broader population of affected individuals.
Furthermore, targeted interventions like the Marchman Act provide a legal framework for families and concerned parties to intervene in cases of severe substance abuse, ensuring that individuals receive the help they desperately need. California’s implementation of similar legislation underscores the state’s commitment to addressing addiction as a public health issue and protecting the well-being of its residents.
As California continues its fight against heroin addiction, collaboration between policymakers, healthcare professionals, and support networks is crucial. By leveraging evidence-based practices, investing in comprehensive treatment infrastructure, and prioritizing harm reduction strategies, the state can make significant strides in curbing the devastating impact of heroin addiction on individuals, families, and communities. Together, we can pave the way towards a brighter, drug-free future for all Californians.
Resources:
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Marchman Act: What Is It and Which States?
Causes & Risk Factors for Substance Abuse in Homeless Populations
Drug-abusing homeless clients in California’s substance abuse treatment system