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Fentanyl Deaths Declining, but the Opioid Crisis Remains a Public Health Emergency

Fentanyl deaths are declining, but the opioid crisis continues. Get expert addiction treatment at CORE Medical Clinic in Sacramento or West Sacramento. Learn more.

March 25, 2025

C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic Team

Fentanyl Deaths Declining, but the Opioid Crisis Remains a Public Health Emergency

The Opioid Epidemic: Progress and Challenges

Theopioid epidemichas devastated communities across the United States, butrecent data offers a glimpse of hope. According to theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),drug overdose deaths—particularly those related to fentanyl—have decreased by 30% since mid-2023.

Despite this progress,the national opioid emergency declaration remains in place, emphasizing theongoing need for intervention, treatment, and prevention efforts.

A Shift in the Opioid Epidemic

Fentanyl, asynthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin, has been theleading cause of overdose deathsin the U.S. Whilefatalities have declined, the battle against opioid addiction isfar from over.

Public health experts credit this improvement to: ✔Increased access to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) ✔Expanded naloxone (Narcan) distribution ✔Improved addiction recovery services

MAT programs—includingmethadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone therapy—have played acrucial rolein preventing relapse andreducing opioid-related deaths. However,proposed budget cuts to Medicaidcouldjeopardize access to these life-saving treatments, leaving many individualswithout the support they need.

How CORE Medical Clinic Supports Recovery

For those struggling withopioid addiction,CORE Medical Clinicprovidescomprehensive Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)at ourmethadone clinics in Sacramento and West Sacramento.

Our specialized programs include: ✔Methadone treatmentto manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. ✔Buprenorphine treatmentfor long-term opioid addiction recovery. ✔Naltrexone therapyto prevent relapse. ✔Personalized counseling and behavioral therapyto support each patient’s journey.

Now Is the Time to Seek Help

While thedecline in fentanyl deathsis encouraging,opioid addiction remains a life-threatening condition. If you or a loved one is struggling withopioid use disorder (OUD), seeking treatmentcan be the first step toward a healthier future.

📍Find a CORE Medical Clinic location near you:

📍Sacramento Clinic 2100 Capitol Ave., Sacramento, CA 95816 📞 (916) 442-4985 📩 frontdesk@corecapitol.com

📍West Sacramento Clinic 3990 Industrial Blvd., West Sacramento, CA 95691 📞 (916) 796-0020 📩 frontdeskwestsac@corecapitol.com

📞Get help today.

Recovery starts with the right support. Take action 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

At C.O.R.E., we strive to individualize treatment and maximize success. There is no time pressure. Some patients do well with short-term treatment while others benefit from long-term treatment. We know relapse is common and can have devastating consequences, so we continue treatment as long as necessary to help each patient achieve lasting success.

We work hard to educate patients about the benefits and safety of MAT. Many myths exist regarding methadone and other medications, but these concerns are discussed thoroughly with your treatment team. MAT is closely monitored, and when patients are ready, medications can be tapered safely under medical supervision to minimize withdrawal symptoms.

We work closely with each patient to achieve a "normalizing" medication dose that relieves withdrawal symptoms and cravings while minimizing side effects. Through collaboration between medical providers, counselors, and dispensing staff, most patients reach this goal within days or weeks.

Your first visit includes an intake assessment, medical history, physical examination, and counseling evaluation. Together we'll discuss treatment options and develop an individualized care plan. Medication doses are adjusted carefully based on your response, and regular communication with your care team is encouraged.

Not necessarily. C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic serves patients throughout Sacramento, West Sacramento, and surrounding communities. Many patients choose us because of our accessibility, treatment approach, and convenient location.

Opioid withdrawal is extremely uncomfortable and often leads to continued opioid use without treatment. While opioid withdrawal itself is usually not life-threatening, withdrawal involving alcohol, benzodiazepines, stimulants, or other substances can require coordinated medical care. Our treatment program helps minimize withdrawal symptoms through carefully monitored medication adjustments.

Most patients can continue working and maintaining their normal daily routines while beginning treatment. If residential or coordinated medical care is necessary, temporary time away from work may be recommended. Our clinic hours are designed to accommodate the schedules of working patients whenever possible.

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

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Content last updated August 27th, 2026 @ 5:36pm CDT

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