Sacramento’s Fentanyl Crisis

The Sacramento fentanyl crisis has been sharply on the rise in counties near the coast where drugs enter the US. Sacramento County shows 236 opioid-related deaths for 2022.

The government and community are joining forces to establish coalitions that supply Narcan to prevent fatalities and more money for the treatment of opioid addiction. Something has to give.

Examining Sacramento’s Fentanyl Crisis

From 2021 to 2024, roughly 800 people in Sacramento County have died from fentanyl-related situations, according to The Observer. Additionally, From January 2024 to May 28, 2024, Governor Gavin Newsome claims to confiscate more than 5.8 million fentanyl pills across California.

Fentanyl is a dangerous prescription pain drug for the treatment of severe pain and is 100 times more powerful than morphine. The article also states that the number of deaths exceeds the number of people who have died from gun violence in the county for the past decade. The fentanyl crisis has spread across all demographics in the county, and the need for opioid addiction treatment in the area is rising. 

Recent Fentanyl Overdoses in the City

The number of opioid overdoses in Sacramento County is skyrocketing. Specifically, there were 732 visits to the emergency room for opioid-related overdoses in 2022. The Sacramento fentanyl crisis is causing extreme alarm, with the data showing higher rates of overdose than anywhere else in the state or the nation.

The California Overdose Dashboard reflects an additional 195 hospitalizations due to an opioid-related overdose. Perhaps the fact that data shows 678,727 opioid prescriptions written in Sacramento County in 2022 could be a contributing factor to the escalating problem. Sacramento deaths from fentanyl overdose alone are at least 600 deaths in the past 3 years. 

Sacremento and Opioid Abuse: What is Being Done?

The National Harm Reduction Coalition’s (NHRC) press release explains the adjustments to the state’s budget, including the designation of 61 million dollars over the next 4 years to fight the crisis. This money funds life-saving programs and services through the California Opioid Settlement Funds.

Governor Newsome has dedicated to highly affected demographics special training in the prevention of opioid overdose deaths. A high level of collaboration with End the Epidemics Coalition, Drug Policy Alliance, and California Association of Syringe Exchange Programs is resulting in thousands of overdose reversals. 

Programs support the following initiatives to address the Sacramento fentanyl crisis:

• A network of safe syringes and overdose prevention services
• Overdose reversals with Narcan
• Training for drug users on how to respond to overdoses
• Consideration of test sites for injecting sites to provide supervision and prevent overdose
• Coalitions work hand-in-hand with treatment centers and mental health organizations to promote recovery

California’s governmental agencies recognize that solving Sacramento’s fentanyl problem includes promoting grants and funds for individuals who find themselves with a fentanyl use disorder. Treatment centers offering various options to meet the needs of a vast demographic who also treat mental health issues are expanding their programs.

Dual diagnosis care, outpatient and inpatient programs, relapse prevention, and specialty programs that include whole-person care are growing. For those who find themselves unintentionally abusing or misusing fentanyl, help is available. 

Signs of Fentanyl Addiction

The National Institute on Drug Abuse explains that fentanyl works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain that control pain and emotions. Individuals who continue using fentanyl beyond a short term find the drug diminishes normal sensitivity and makes it challenging to feel pleasure or relief without the drug.

The Sacramento fentanyl crisis consumes individuals who may unknowingly misuse or abuse the drug. Overdose is always a possibility because of the extreme potency of fentanyl. 

For those who develop an addiction to fentanyl, the following symptoms may result:

• Extreme moments of happiness
• Drowsiness and confusion
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Hypoxia (problems breathing)
• Unconsciousness

The Value of Treatment

Treatment centers are reaching out to help fight high levels of Sacramento fentanyl addiction area by adding locations in the area to promote healing and recovery. By providing a wide array of services, the possibility of regaining good health and a productive and happy lifestyle can occur for a more significant number.

A holistic focus on mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being using evidence-based therapies is invaluable to longevity in sobriety. By educating their clients on this essential component, centers offering relapse prevention programs recognize the importance of preparing for life’s challenges and difficulties. 

Inpatient Treatment

Residential inpatient treatment programs can be the most impactful treatment option, including a broad scope of services. Focusing on healing and developing a new mindset and self-awareness can lead to longevity in sobriety. It can also increase the opportunity for extensive personal growth.

The Sacramento fentanyl crisis forces an emphasis on programs that include individual needs in medical detox and continued guidance. Inpatient programs are highly successful in preparing those with an opioid use disorder for sober living in the future.

Detox and Therapy

A client’s initial evaluation provides a treatment plan for each individual. Medical detox is a challenging process that may include utilizing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to keep clients as comfortable during detox. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an evidence-based therapy. It helps people start identifying ways of thinking and behaviors that lead to drug or alcohol use.

Therapy can educate and offer a new self-awareness to individuals learning how to transform into a new healthy lifestyle. Holistic therapies teach essential tools to maintain the ability to control thought processes and improve self-esteem.

Get Quality Care for Fentanyl Abuse in California

Change may begin with a simple thought. For example, that thought might be that it is possible to stop using fentanyl with just a little help. Sierra Health + Wellness understands the challenges that change represents and provides options to begin a life-changing journey toward recovery. Our professional staff offers empathy, compassion, and a willingness to educate their clients on how to remain sober.

Contact Sierra Health + Wellness today to change that simple thought into a new reality.