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California Parents and the Fight Against Fentanyl: Stories of Loss and Action

Discover how California parents are turning tragedy into action against fentanyl. Learn more about recovery at CORE Medical Clinic.

January 4, 2025

C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic Team

California Parents and the Fight Against Fentanyl: Stories of Loss and Action

California’s Fentanyl Crisis: Turning Loss Into Action The fentanyl epidemic has deeply impacted families across California, claiming thousands of lives each year. With parents leading the charge, communities are rallying to address the devastating toll of this synthetic opioid. CBS News’ recent special,California’s Fentanyl Fight: Politicians V. Parents, shines a light on the personal stories of parents who have lost children to fentanyl overdoses and their efforts to push for meaningful legislative change.

This heartbreaking reality is echoed nationwide. While overdose rates are finally starting to decline, synthetic opioids like fentanyl remain a leading cause of overdose deaths, accounting for over 74,000 fatalities annually.

The Role of Methadone in Fighting the Crisis Amid the ongoing epidemic, methadone has emerged as one of the most effective tools in combating opioid use disorder (OUD). Methadone, a key medication in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), not only reduces cravings but also helps patients rebuild their lives by stabilizing withdrawal symptoms and fostering long-term recovery.

For those battling addiction in California, CORE Medical Clinic offers compassionate care and comprehensive MAT services. With clinics located in Sacramento and West Sacramento, CORE Medical Clinic provides evidence-based treatments that save lives and restore hope.

Why Access to MAT Matters Access to MAT services like methadone remains limited for many, particularly in underserved areas. Programs such as those offered by CORE Medical Clinic bridge this gap, providing essential support for individuals and families navigating the challenges of recovery.

At CORE Medical Clinic, patients receive a full spectrum of care, including:

  • Methadone therapy tailored to individual needs.
  • Counseling and support services to address mental health and emotional challenges.
  • Guidance on rebuilding personal and professional stability.

Parents Leading Change in California Parents featured in CBS News’ investigative report are taking an active role in raising awareness and demanding accountability from policymakers. Their stories highlight the urgent need for accessible treatment programs like those at CORE Medical Clinic.

These courageous individuals remind us that recovery is possible, and lives can be saved when communities come together to address addiction.

Start Your Recovery Journey Today If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, help is within reach. CORE Medical Clinic is here to provide the tools and support needed to overcome addiction and reclaim your life.

Visit us at our clinics in Sacramento or West Sacramento to start your journey toward recovery.

Contact CORE Medical Clinic:

Sacramento Clinic 2100 Capitol Ave., Sacramento, CA 95816 Phone: (916) 442-4985 Email: frontdesk@corecapitol.com

West Sacramento Clinic 3990 Industrial Blvd., West Sacramento, CA 95691 Phone: (916) 796-0020 Email: frontdeskwestsac@corecapitol.com

Recovery starts here. Explore our services today!

Educational content from Core Medical Clinic. This article does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Initially, an intake assessment and admission medical history and exam is completed by counseling and medical staff. Treatment options are discussed and a course of action taken. Medication recommendations are made and initated to balance safety and benefit as much as possible. It is very important to let counseling, dispensing and medical staff know how the medication is working or not so appropriate adjustments can be made.

At C.O.R.E., we strive to individualize treatment and maximize success. There is no time pressure. Some do well with short term treatment while others benefit from long term treatment. We know relapse is common and can have disasterous results. We work hard to treat each patient as long as is required to achieve long term success.

First we work closely with the individual to achieve a “normalizing’ dose of medication to alleviate withdrawal and craving while minimizing side effects. Working closely with medical, dispensing and counseling staff most often allows us to achieve this goal in the first few days to weeks.

Not necessarily. C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic serves patients in Sacramento, West Sacramento, and surrounding areas. People often choose a clinic based on accessibility, treatment needs, and location.

C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic accepts several health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal, MHN, Anthem, Medicare, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, Optum, Blue Shield of California, Magellan Health, and Western Health Advantage.

As most patients entering treatment know, opioid withdrawal is awful and inevitably leads to continued use. We are sensitive to how terrible the craving, restlessness, anxiety, bone aches, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, sweating, etc. can be. If alcohol, benzodiazepines, stimulants, or other drugs are involved withdrawal can be medically dangerous and require residential or coordinated medical care. Opioid withdrawal can be greatly reduced or eliminated by the early doses provided but again frequent contact with treatment staff for medication adjustments is very important.

The great majority of patients seeking treatment for opioid addiction can continue their normal life, including work, while they are working to find their ’normalizing’ medication dose. If residential or coordinated medical care is required, some time off may be necessary but again this will be individualized. Clinic hours are designed to accommodate the vast majority of working patients.

We work hard to educate patients about the benefits and safety of MAT. Many myths circulate about MAT such as it causing liver problems, bone problems and being harder to get off than fentanyl or heroin. These are absolutely false and will be discussed in detail with your treatment staff. Patients who receive MAT are much healthier than patients not in treatment. Learning to manage common side effects like constipation and weight gain can make patients healthier than they have ever been. All opioids are hard to get off but MAT can set up a very careful and safe detox when a patient is ready. An abrupt short term detox is not advised and can be difficult but a gradual, medically safe detox minimizes withdrawal symptoms. Supplemental safe, non addicting medications can further reduce unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

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