
While overdose deaths decreased by 36% from 2008 to 2014 across Riverside County, which includes the small city of Menifee, California, the area still struggles with substance abuse and overdose. Young adults are of particular concern. For example, 27% of overdose deaths among those ages 12 to 25 occurred in people younger than 20 years old.1
Losing so many people to addiction presents a serious crisis. Addiction is a complex and progressive condition, which tends to worsen as time goes on. The long-term use of many substances can lead to tolerance, which means that you require more drugs or alcohol to feel the desired effects. This can be a risk factor for overdosing on certain substances, such as opioids, since you may accidentally take a fatal dose in attempts to overcome your tolerance.
It’s important that you seek treatment if you find that you’re unable to control your drug or alcohol abuse. Since addiction results in changes in brain structure and function, it can be difficult to break the cycle of substance abuse on your own. That’s why professional treatment is available. There are numerous types of treatment programs, including outpatient, standard inpatient, holistic, faith-based, luxury, executive, and more. If you don’t know which program you’d prefer, you can always call our helpline for more information on available treatment options.
1. County of Riverside Department of Public Health. Health Matters: Riverside University Health System – Public Health. Overdose Incidence Among Youth, Riverside County, 2008-2014. August 2016











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I couldn't be more happy with the recovery my son made while at Ascend. Being extremely oppositional and in denial of his poor mental health, I was not sure that he would ever open up and accept treatment and transformation, but about 2.5 weeks in, he did. The result can only be called miraculous. He gained a lot of insight into the roots of his anxiety and depression, and, in his words, "got to know [him]self again." The combination of skills classes, group therapy, individual therapy, animal therapy and family therapy was what he needed. His and my communication has also radically changed for the better, thanks to family therapy and the DBT and other parent classes I took while my son was in residence. I would highly recommend Ascend Healthcare for a comprehensive and highly competent residential program.