Treatment
Substance misuse is a significant public health challenge and a priority for our nation to address. If
you are looking for treatment resources in our community, please visit findtreatment.gov or call
SAMHSA’s National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY:
1-800-487-4889.
All across the United States, individuals, families, communities, and health care systems are struggling
to cope with substance use, misuse, and substance use disorders. Substance use disorders treatment is
designed to help individuals stop or reduce harmful substance misuse, improve their health and social
function, and manage their risk for relapse. Substance use disorder treatment is effective. Research
shows that treatment also improves individuals' productivity, health, and overall quality of life.
Studies show that every dollar spent on substance use disorder treatment saves $4 in health care costs
and $7 in criminal justice costs.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications in combination with counseling and
behavioral therapies, which is useful in the treatment of opioid use disorders (OUD) and can help some
people to sustain recovery. The FDA has approved three drugs to treat opioid dependence: buprenorphine,
methadone, and naltrexone. In combination with cognitive behavioral therapy and psychosocial support,
these treatments are effective. Due to the chronic nature of OUD, the need for continuing MAT should be
re‐evaluated periodically. According to the FDA, there is no maximum recommended duration of maintenance
treatment, and for some patients, treatment may continue indefinitely. For more information, visit the
link to the FDA website listed below.
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/information-about-medication-assisted-treatment-mat
The Coalition strives to improve access to evidence-based treatment services that are integrated with
mainstream health care. The Coalition supports the following programs.
Project Leave Behind
Project leave behind is a resource for individuals who are treated for a suspected overdose as well as
families and friends who need information about substance use disorder treatment resources. Project
Leave Behind materials are distributed by Orange County Fire Rescue personnel and hospital social
workers following intervention for a suspected overdose. Please see (add PDF link Here) to download the
Project Leave Behind resource guide.
Adult Drug Court
Orange County Drug Court is a voluntary court program that provides for the identification, evaluation,
case management, and placement of persons with serious substance abuse addiction. Drug Courts use a team
of professionals to provide substance use disorder treatment to eligible people involved in the criminal
justice system. The Court provides review and oversight with swift and effective consequences for
violating program rules and incentives and rewards for compliance. Although consequences such as
detention may occur, the focus and goal remain to modify behavior to eliminate the cycle of substance
abuse and recurring crime.
https://www.ninthcircuit.org/about/divisions/drug-court
Corrections
The Orange County jail works with inmates addicted to opioids who want treatment. Medication-assisted
treatment is available from community providers. Inmates who start or continue substance use disorder
treatment in county jail receive follow-up care in the community by selected providers.