As one would expect, Southern California boasts some of the best-regarded facilities in the country with high success rates. Much of that can be attributed to the quality of clinical and medical care that patients receive through these facilities. There are many opportunities for a successful recovery here, and getting treatment in Southern California could be one of the best life decisions someone can make.
Unfortunately, however, the downside of attention is that there has been an increase in fraudulent products. Rehab centers are not immune to this, and there has been a rise in treatment centers that prey on the vulnerable. It is in the best interest of the person in recovery to seek out accredited centers that offer only top-notch amenities and services.
California’s Treatment Center Scams and Fraud
According to Cotchett Pitre & McCarthy LLP, the addiction rehabilitation market is an estimated $35 billion a year industry. While the majority offer life-saving services for those struggling with addiction, some scams are designed to profit off addicted people and their insurance policies. It is highly unethical to abuse and prospers off anyone who is seeking help, standards among some facilities are rather low.
There are several ways in which fraud can take places such as illegal kickbacks, patient brokering, unfounded insurance claims, and subsidized insurance premiums.
Patient brokering is similar to headhunters that search for jobs for a candidate; what happens is a rehab or sober living facility will pay illegal kickbacks to give referrals for a certain facility despite the appropriateness of the patient seeking help.
On other occasions, there have been reports of facilities submitting claims to private insurance companies for services the center does not provide. It is these examples of fraud that should make anyone considering treatment research and find only a reputable facility. As drug use throughout the state and country continues to skyrocket to epidemic numbers, there must be changes made to help those struggling.
California’s Growing Drug Crisis
Due to poor leadership and a soft stance on drugs, California has taken a direct hit from the growing opioid crisis. According to The Sacramento Bee, enough opioids were prescribed in 2015 in the state of California for every man, woman, and child to medicate themselves around the clock for a month. An even more startling revelation was that 70 percent of the nearly 2,000 Californians who lost their lives to opioids in 2016 died from prescription opioids.
In 2014, California passed Prop 47, which, in part, meant nonviolent, nonserious crimes were reduced to misdemeanors. This ranged from drug offenses, possessions, and certain quantities of drugs. This initiative was passed as a means to reduce the state’s prison overpopulation, but what followed was a disaster in the drug community. In hindsight, a reduction in prison expenses meant that the state could focus on more important matters such as education and fixing crumbling infrastructure, but what actually followed is chaos.
This proposition alongside Prop 57 was fuel to a fire that was already burning. Drug addiction and theft go hand in hand, and when penalties are reduced for both, it means there are no consequences for actions.
With the lack of consequences, drug users are falling deeper into addiction with no repercussions for their use. With so many resources available at their fingertips, it is now seen that these propositions have been disastrous to the state, but for those who are seeking treatment, they do have options to consider.
California Drug Abuse Statistics
Illegal drug use has taken a serious toll on California, and it has become the state’s No. 1 premature killer, according to Visually. Here are some statistics to consider:
- 11 people die from complications associated with drug abuse daily in California.
- Drug abuse death has surpassed car accidents, suicides, and homicides as the leading cause of death.
- 81% of arrests in Sacramento involve persons testing positive for illegal drug use.
- 3 out of every 10 car accidents involve illegal drug use
- 85% of drug users will never receive the treatment they need
With a wide array of options available in the state, 85 percent of drug users will not receive the treatment they need, a statistic that must change. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, make sure to seek the treatment that either you or they deserve.
California’s Drug of Choice
With its 37,253,956 citizens, California stands as the most populous state in the country. With that, it leads to more opportunities for everything including drug abuse. Because of its proximity to Mexico, California sees a high volume of drugs crossing over from the border. The increase in such drugs as heroin is pouring over at a rate not seen before.
Heroin was once considered an “urban drug,” but its effects are being felt in the suburbs. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 2002 and 2013 heroin use skyrocketed by as much as 63 percent, and the overdose that followed increased almost fourfold. An estimated 517,000 people used heroin in 2013, which is a 150 percent increase from six years earlier.
The rest of the nation can attest to the absolute destruction prescription drugs are causing; California is not exempt. As mentioned previously, enough opioids were prescribed in 2015 to medicate every man, woman, and child around the clock for a month. These drugs are the most commonly abused substance by Americans over the age of 14.
California’s Methamphetamine Epidemic
While heroin and prescription opioids steal the headlines, methamphetamine has been running rampant and has seen a major spike in its consumption. Mexican drug cartels have increased production and pushing it through the border. Seizures of the drug quadrupled between 2009 and 2014.
With the increased production, easier access, and falling prices, this is giving individuals more gateways to obtain drugs like methamphetamine. The rise in drug abuse has seen a spike in those who are seeking treatment. They must choose an honest and accredited institution that can satisfy all of the needs for sobriety.
What To Look for When Choosing an Inpatient Rehab Center
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) offers guidance that can help you sort through your treatment center options.
Accreditation
First and foremost, accreditation is the first area to look at when seeking addiction treatment.
Facility Staff
These are the people who will spend some of the most difficult times with people who are in recovery from substance abuse. Finding the right staff will be an important piece of the puzzle.
Facility Track Record
You should look at the earlier successes of people who attended the facility that you’re interested in. One with a poor track record will not be able to help you.
Location
Choosing a location you feel comfortable in will contribute to the success of the treatment.
Facility Specialty
Find a facility that has doctors who treat the specific disorder(s).
Reputation
The decision shouldn’t solely be based on this, but a facility with a poor reputation may be that way for a reason.
California Highlands Addiction Treatment
One of the most humbling realizations is accepting that you or someone you know may have a problem with drugs or alcohol. If that is the case, choosing the right facility shouldn’t have to be a difficult process.
Going through addiction is hard enough, so leave the rest to California Highlands Addiction Treatment center.
At our facility, all of the boxes are checked off when deciding on an inpatient rehab center. California Highlands Addiction Treatment offers unparalleled service as an accredited institution that meets the highest industry standards with the reputation to back it.
The beautiful facility offers a vacation-like atmosphere with the highest trained professionals. From the intake coordinators to the doctors, and even down to the chef, you will see the quality of the individuals we have on our team.
California Highlands Addiction Treatment pays attention to the tiniest details, and the compassionate staff makes this process a comfortable transition into sobriety.
With residential program detoxes available and individualized therapies for abuse and mental health issues, there are several options available to assist a patient to treat the root of the addiction.
Find Quality Addiction Treatment With Delphi Behavioral Health Group
If you or a loved one is struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, Delphi Behavioral Health Group can get you connected to the treatment, support, and resources you need to take the first steps toward breaking free from addiction and taking back your life.
With the highest quality addiction treatment facilities staffed with expert teams of clinicians in Palm Springs as well as across the state of California and beyond, Delphi can help you find the treatment program that will be best suited to fit the needs of you or your loved one.
