Reviewed by Vinsent Franke, MBA, AMFT, CADC-II, RA, Founder of iRely Recovery. Updated September 2026.
Intro
Opioid addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease, but with the right treatment, lasting recovery is absolutely possible. If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid or opiate dependence, iRely Recovery offers compassionate, medically supervised opiate detox in Los Angeles at our Northridge residential facility. Our ASAM Level 3.5 program combines physician-managed detox, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), and evidence-based therapies to help you safely stop using and build a sustainable life in recovery.
The Los Angeles area has been hit especially hard by the opioid epidemic. Fentanyl, heroin, and prescription opioids claim thousands of lives in LA County each year. At iRely Recovery, we know time is critical, that’s why we offer same-day admissions, 24/7 intake calls, and immediate access to medical care. You don’t have to wait to get help.
Key Points
- Medically supervised opiate detox24/7 physician and nursing coverage throughout the acute withdrawal phase.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)Suboxone, Methadone, and Vivitrol protocols tailored to each client.
- ASAM Level 3.5 residential careClinically Managed High-Intensity Residential Services in Los Angeles.
- Dual-diagnosis treatmentFor co-occurring mental health disorders (depression, anxiety, PTSD).
- Most insurance acceptedCall (818) 262-3537 for free verification and same-day admission.
In Short
Opioid addiction is treatable. iRely Recovery combines medically supervised opiate detox, FDA-approved Medication-Assisted Treatment (Suboxone, Methadone, Vivitrol), and evidence-based therapy at our ASAM Level 3.5 residential facility in Northridge, San Fernando Valley. Most insurance is accepted. Call (818) 262-3537.
What Are Opioids and Opiates?
Opioids are a class of drugs that bind to opioid receptors throughout the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system. They are among the most effective pain-relieving medications ever developed, and among the most addictive. The word “opioid” is an umbrella term that includes both natural opiates (derived directly from the opium poppy plant) and fully or partially synthetic compounds that mimic their effects.
Common opioids treated at iRely Recovery include:
- Prescription pain medications: Oxycodone (OxyContin®, Percocet®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, morphine, tramadol, fentanyl patches.
- Heroin: An illegal opioid processed from morphine, often now adulterated with illicit fentanyl.
- Illicit fentanyl and analogs: Carfentanil, acetylfentanyl, and similar synthetic opioids 50–10,000x more potent than morphine.
- Methadone: Used therapeutically for pain and OUD, but carries overdose risk when misused.
- Buprenorphine products: Suboxone® and Subutex®, prescribed for opioid use disorder treatment.
Opioid use disorder (OUD) develops through a progressive cycle of tolerance, physical dependence, and compulsive use despite harmful consequences. With repeated use, the brain’s natural reward and pain-regulation systems are altered, the brain stops producing its own endorphins and becomes reliant on external opioids just to feel “normal.” This is why opioid withdrawal is so intensely uncomfortable, and why stopping without medical support is so difficult.
Once physical dependence is established, attempting to quit without medically supervised opiate detox leads to severe withdrawal symptoms, muscle cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, extreme anxiety, and insomnia, that drive most people back to use within hours or days. Without proper treatment, relapse rates exceed 85% within the first year. This is not a moral failure; it is the biology of opioid use disorder.
Important: Opioid withdrawal is rarely fatal in otherwise healthy adults, but the intense physical and psychological distress makes unsupported cessation extremely dangerous, primarily because it drives rapid relapse, often with lower tolerance, dramatically increasing overdose risk. Medical detox is essential.
Opioid Addiction: Key Facts You Should Know
Understanding the scale of the opioid crisis, and the biology of addiction, helps explain why professional treatment is necessary, not optional. Here is what the data shows about the opioid crisis in Los Angeles:
2,100+ Overdose Deaths
Opioid overdose deaths in Los Angeles County in 2023 (LA County Dept. of Public Health).
70%+ Involve Fentanyl
Fentanyl now accounts for over 70% of all opioid overdose deaths in LA, it can be fatal in micrograms.
80% Started With Pills
Of people who use heroin first misused prescription opioids (NIDA).
Only 11% Get Treatment
Only 11% of people with opioid use disorder receive any form of specialized treatment.
50%+ Mortality Reduction
Medication-Assisted Treatment reduces opioid overdose mortality by 50% or more (SAMHSA).
Demand Outpaces Care
“Opiate detox los angeles” is one of the most searched addiction treatment terms in Southern California, demand far exceeds available care.
A clinical diagnosis of opioid use disorder is defined by the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition). A diagnosis requires at least 2 of the following 11 criteria in a 12-month period:
- Taking opioids in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended
- Persistent desire to cut down or control use, with unsuccessful efforts to do so
- Spending a great deal of time obtaining, using, or recovering from opioids
- Craving or a strong desire/urge to use opioids
- Recurrent use resulting in failure to fulfill obligations at work, school, or home
- Continuing use despite persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused by opioids
- Giving up or reducing important social, occupational, or recreational activities
- Recurrent use in physically hazardous situations
- Continuing use despite knowing it is causing physical or psychological harm
- Tolerance: needing more opioid to achieve the same effect, or diminished effect with the same amount
- Withdrawal: characteristic opioid withdrawal syndrome, or using opioids to relieve or avoid withdrawal
Severity: Mild OUD = 2–3 criteria | Moderate OUD = 4–5 criteria | Severe OUD = 6+ criteria. All levels are treatable.
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Signs You Need Opioid Rehab
Many people with opioid use disorder are unsure whether their situation is serious enough to need professional treatment. The truth is simple: if opioids are causing problems in your life and you cannot stop on your own, you need, and deserve, professional help. If several of the signs below sound familiar, a professional assessment is the next step, and it is free and confidential at iRely.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Sweating, muscle cramps, nausea, or a runny nose when you go too long without opioids.
- Tolerance buildup: Needing more opioid to achieve the same effect as before.
- Injection-related health signs: Track marks, collapsed veins, or skin infections from injection use.
- Overdose history: You have overdosed or come close, especially with fentanyl, where the margin is razor-thin.
- Regular naloxone use: Using naloxone (Narcan) repeatedly to reverse your own or others’ overdoses.
- Time preoccupation: Spending significant time obtaining opioids, doctor shopping, buying on the street, or ordering online.
- Financial or relational harm: Stealing, lying to, or financially harming family members to fund opioid use.
- Work or school consequences: Missing work, losing a job, or failing school obligations because of opioid use.
- Repeated relapse: Trying to quit multiple times and relapsing, often immediately after detox.
- Social life narrowing: Your entire social life revolves around opioid use or acquisition.
- Mood changes: Feeling hopeless, depressed, or anxious when not using, often symptoms of opioid-induced mood disorders.
- Loss of pleasure: No longer enjoying activities that used to bring pleasure (anhedonia).
- Using to cope: Using opioids to cope with trauma, anxiety, or emotional pain.
- Awareness without control: Knowing opioids are harming you but feeling unable to stop.
Call (818) 262-3537, or read more about our inpatient vs. outpatient rehab in Los Angeles guide to decide which level of care fits.
Why Choose iRely for Opioid Treatment in Los Angeles
Choosing an opioid treatment center in Los Angeles means choosing between dramatically different levels of care. iRely Recovery was built specifically to treat the most complex opioid use disorders, with the clinical depth, medical expertise, and individualized approach that chronic opioid dependence demands.
ASAM 3.5 Certified
Our residential program meets the American Society of Addiction Medicine’s highest level of non-hospital residential care, 24-hour medical monitoring and clinical services.
MAT-Forward Program
We do not withhold medication from our patients. Suboxone, methadone, and Vivitrol are core components of our opioid treatment protocol.
Experienced Medical Leadership
Our clinical team has deep expertise in complex opioid use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Over 60% of people with opioid use disorder have a co-occurring mental health condition (depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder), we treat both simultaneously.
Northridge Location
Centrally located in the San Fernando Valley, accessible from all of Greater Los Angeles, private, residential neighborhood, not a clinical institution.
Insurance Accepted
Anthem Blue Cross, Cigna, Aetna, Blue Shield of California, MHN, First Health, and most major PPO and HMO plans.
Same-Day Admissions Available
Call (818) 262-3537 at any hour, our intake team responds immediately.
Low Client-to-Staff Ratio
Individualized attention, not a factory model, every client has a primary counselor, case manager, and medical provider.
Who We Treat: Common Paths to Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction does not discriminate. At iRely Recovery, our patients include people from every background and every pathway into opioid use disorder. We treat all of them with the same evidence-based protocols and the same fundamental respect.
Prescription Opioid Dependence
Patients who began with legitimate prescriptions for pain, back surgery, injury, dental work, and developed physical dependence or addiction.
Heroin Addiction
People who transitioned to heroin when prescription opioids became too expensive or too difficult to obtain.
Fentanyl and Illicit Synthetic Opioid Dependence
Patients whose drug supply has been adulterated with fentanyl, or who have become dependent on illicit fentanyl specifically.
Polysubstance Use Involving Opioids
Many people use opioids alongside benzodiazepines, alcohol, stimulants, or other substances, we provide integrated treatment.
Chronic Pain Patients With Opioid Dependence
People managing legitimate chronic pain who have also developed opioid use disorder, we coordinate with pain management specialists.
People Who Have Relapsed After Prior Treatment
Relapse is a normal part of the recovery process for many people, not a sign of failure. If you’ve been to rehab before, we can help.
First-Time Treatment Seekers
If this is your first time considering rehab, we will guide you through every step.
Pregnant Women With Opioid Use Disorder
We provide referrals to specialized perinatal treatment programs if needed.
Insurance Accepted for Opioid Treatment
Most major insurance plans cover opioid rehab at iRely Recovery, including medically supervised detox, residential treatment, and MAT. Under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), insurers are required to cover substance use disorder treatment at parity with medical/surgical benefits. We accept Anthem Blue Cross, Cigna, Aetna, Blue Shield of California, MHN, First Health, and most major PPO and HMO plans. Call (818) 262-3537 for a free, same-day insurance verification.
Opioid Detox in Los Angeles: Medically Supervised Withdrawal Management
Medically supervised opiate detox in Los Angeles is the safest and most effective way to begin opioid recovery. At iRely Recovery’s ASAM Level 3.5 residential program, our clinical team monitors you around the clock during the acute withdrawal phase, managing symptoms with evidence-based medications and ensuring your safety every step of the way.
ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) Level 3.5, Clinically Managed High-Intensity Residential Services, is the highest level of residential addiction care that does not require a hospital setting. It provides:
- Round-the-clock coverage: 24-hour physician coverage and nursing monitoring.
- Daily medical rounds: Prescription adjustment as needed.
- On-site management: Medical management of withdrawal complications.
- Crisis intervention: Rapid stabilization when needed.
- Full assessment: Biopsychosocial assessment and individualized treatment planning.
- Integrated care: Co-occurring mental health treatment addressed alongside detox.
Here is what happens during opioid detox at iRely Recovery:
- Medical intake assessment: COWS (Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale) scoring, medical history, current medications, drug testing.
- Suboxone/buprenorphine induction: Most patients are eligible for same-day Suboxone induction to manage withdrawal symptoms rapidly.
- Comfort medication protocol: Clonidine (for sweating and agitation), anti-emetics (for nausea/vomiting), anti-diarrheals, sleep medications, muscle relaxants.
- 24/7 nursing monitoring: Vitals every 4 hours, COWS re-scoring, medication adjustments.
- Daily physician rounds: Medical director reviews your progress and adjusts your protocol.
- Transition planning: As acute withdrawal resolves (typically 5–10 days), you transition into iRely’s full residential treatment program.
Note: Cold-turkey opioid withdrawal is never required at iRely Recovery. We use evidence-based medications to make detox as comfortable as possible, because comfort during detox dramatically improves treatment completion rates and long-term outcomes.
Opioid Addiction Treatment Programs and Therapies in Los Angeles
After acute detox, comprehensive addiction treatment addresses the psychological, behavioral, social, and spiritual factors that drive opioid use disorder. At iRely Recovery, our treatment team develops an individualized therapy plan for each client. Our evidence-based and holistic treatment modalities include:
Individual Therapy
One-on-one sessions with a licensed therapist using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to address the thoughts and behaviors underlying addiction.
Group Therapy
Structured group sessions covering relapse prevention, coping skills, anger management, communication, and peer support, the core of the residential therapeutic community.
Family Therapy
Addiction is a family disease. We engage family members in the recovery process with structured family sessions, education, and family systems therapy.
EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for clients with trauma histories, a critical component, as trauma and opioid use disorder are deeply intertwined.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Integrated management of Suboxone, methadone, and Vivitrol throughout treatment, not as a substitute for therapy, but as a foundation for it.
Relapse Prevention Planning
Structured identification of triggers, high-risk situations, coping strategies, and personalized warning signs of relapse.
12-Step Facilitation
Introduction and integration of NA (Narcotics Anonymous) and AA principles, meeting attendance, and sponsor connections.
SMART Recovery
Evidence-based self-management and recovery training as an alternative to 12-Step programs for clients who prefer a secular approach.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Structured mindfulness and meditation practice shown to reduce cravings, anxiety, and stress reactivity in opioid recovery.
Yoga and Body-Based Movement
Opioid use profoundly affects the body, yoga helps restore bodily awareness, reduce physical tension, and build somatic resilience.
Art and Expressive Therapies
Art, music, and writing therapy provide non-verbal outlets for processing trauma and emotions, particularly for clients who struggle with talk therapy.
Nutritional Counseling and Meal Support
Chronic opioid use causes significant nutritional deficits. Chef-prepared meals and nutritional coaching restore physical health.
Life Skills Development
Practical sessions on budgeting, employment, communication, time management, and daily living skills essential for independent recovery.
Aftercare and Alumni Support
Structured discharge planning, step-down coordination (PHP/IOP), sober living referrals, and ongoing alumni community connection after residential treatment.
How to Start Treatment: The Admissions Process
Step 1: Call Us, Any Time, Day or Night
Call (818) 262-3537. Our admissions team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We answer immediately, not voicemail. If you’re in crisis, we can have you admitted today.
Step 2: Free Assessment and Insurance Verification
Our admissions coordinators conduct a brief clinical pre-assessment by phone to understand your situation, which substances, how long, any medical complications or co-occurring conditions. At the same time, we verify your insurance benefits at no cost and explain exactly what is covered.
Step 3: Arrive, Medical Intake and Treatment Planning
On arrival at our Northridge facility, you meet with our medical team for a comprehensive intake assessment. We complete your COWS score, medical history, and current medications. Your individualized treatment plan is drafted on day one.
Step 4: Begin Medically Supervised Detox and Residential Treatment
Suboxone induction (or your chosen MAT medication) begins immediately. Our nursing team monitors you through the acute withdrawal phase. As you stabilize, you transition into the full residential program, individual therapy, group sessions, holistic care, and the community of iRely Recovery.
The Opioid Withdrawal Timeline: What to Expect
Opioid withdrawal follows a predictable timeline, though the exact timing and severity depend on which opioid was used, how long, and how much. Here is what most patients experience with short-acting opioids (heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine):
| Timing | Phase | Common Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Hours 8–24 | Early symptoms | Anxiety, restlessness, yawning, sweating, runny nose, muscle aches, insomnia |
| Hours 24–72 | Peak symptoms | Severe muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, goosebumps, rapid heart rate, intense drug cravings, profound anxiety |
| Days 4–7 | Subsiding | Symptoms begin to subside significantly; mood remains dysphoric |
| Weeks 1–2 | Resolving | Acute withdrawal resolves; some residual fatigue, sleep disturbance, and dysphoria |
Long-acting opioids (methadone, extended-release oxymorphone) follow a different course:
| Timing | Phase | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Hours 36–72 | Later onset | Later onset of symptoms compared to short-acting opioids |
| Days 5–10 | Peak symptoms | Typically milder in intensity but longer duration |
| Weeks 2–4 | Gradual resolution | Gradual resolution; PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome) common |
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS): After acute withdrawal resolves, many people experience PAWS, a protracted set of symptoms including mood swings, sleep disturbances, cognitive fog, low energy, and intermittent cravings, that can persist for weeks to months. PAWS is a major driver of relapse and is best managed with ongoing MAT, therapy, and peer support.
Medications used during opioid withdrawal at iRely Recovery:
| Medication | Role in Detox |
|---|---|
| Buprenorphine (Suboxone®) | Partial opioid agonist, administered sublingually. Rapidly eliminates withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Gold standard for medically supervised opioid detox. |
| Clonidine | Alpha-2 agonist, reduces sweating, agitation, muscle cramps, and autonomic symptoms without opioid properties |
| Loperamide | Manages diarrhea (does not cross the blood-brain barrier, safe for use in detox) |
| Ondansetron (Zofran®) or promethazine | Anti-emetics for nausea and vomiting |
| Hydroxyzine or trazodone | Non-addictive agents for sleep and anxiety |
| NSAIDs and acetaminophen | Muscle ache and general pain relief |
Aftercare and Relapse Prevention in Los Angeles
Residential treatment is the foundation, not the finish line, of opioid recovery. Research consistently shows that longer duration of treatment (including step-down services after residential) is associated with dramatically better long-term outcomes. At iRely Recovery, discharge planning begins on day one. Step-down treatment options after residential include:
PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program)
5–6 hours of structured programming per day, 5 days per week. Ideal transition from residential, you live in sober housing and return to iRely daily for intensive treatment.
IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program)
3 hours of group and individual therapy, 3 days per week. Allows clients to return to work or school while continuing treatment.
Standard Outpatient
Weekly individual therapy sessions, MAT management, and peer support.
MAT Maintenance
Ongoing Suboxone or Vivitrol prescribing with monthly check-ins, for as long as clinically indicated (often 1–2 years or more for severe OUD).
Community and peer support are just as important during this stage:
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): We facilitate connections to meetings in the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles area.
- SMART Recovery: Non-12-step peer support for clients who prefer secular, evidence-based mutual aid.
- iRely Alumni Network: Ongoing community events, peer mentorship, and check-ins for iRely graduates.
- Sober living: For clients who do not have a stable, opioid-free living environment to return to, we coordinate referrals to certified sober living homes (SLHs) in the Northridge and broader San Fernando Valley area, providing structure, accountability, and peer support during the critical early recovery period.
Opioid Side Effects and Health Risks
Chronic opioid use causes significant harm across virtually every body system. Understanding these health consequences can help motivate treatment, and informs the medical care provided during detox and residential treatment.
- Euphoria and sedation: The primary reinforcing effects of opioid use.
- Pain relief: Reduced perception of physical and emotional distress.
- Respiratory depression: Slowed breathing, the mechanism behind opioid overdose death.
- Gastrointestinal effects: Nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
- Physical signs: Pinpoint pupils (miosis), dry mouth, and flushed skin.
- Cognitive effects: Confusion and impaired coordination.
Long-term opioid use causes serious, sometimes permanent damage across the body:
Neurological
Cognitive impairment, memory deficits, opioid-induced hyperalgesia (paradoxical increased pain sensitivity), depression and anxiety
Cardiovascular
Collapsed veins and abscesses (IV use), infective endocarditis, and heart valve damage
Pulmonary
Aspiration pneumonia (from overdose), chronic respiratory depression, pulmonary edema
Gastrointestinal
Opioid-induced bowel dysfunction, chronic constipation, bowel obstruction
Hormonal
Testosterone suppression in men (low libido, erectile dysfunction), irregular or absent menstruation in women, adrenal insufficiency
Infectious Disease
Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, and HIV from shared injection equipment; skin and soft tissue infections; septicemia
Dental
“Meth mouth”-type dental deterioration from dry mouth and neglected hygiene is also common in opioid users
Mental Health
Depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD (often pre-existing but worsened by opioid use), opioid-induced psychosis (rare, typically with high-dose synthetic opioids)
Opioid overdose is a medical emergency.
Opioid overdose, particularly fentanyl overdose, can cause death within minutes. The classic “opioid overdose triad” is: (1) respiratory depression/arrest, (2) loss of consciousness, (3) pinpoint pupils. Naloxone (Narcan) reverses opioid overdose and is available without a prescription at most pharmacies in California.
Emergency: If someone is unresponsive and you suspect opioid overdose: Call 911 immediately. Administer naloxone (Narcan nasal spray) if available. Repeat every 2–3 minutes until emergency services arrive. Do not leave the person alone.
Dual Diagnosis: Treating Mental Health and Opioid Use Together
For many people, opioid use and a mental health condition feed each other, so treating only one leaves the other to pull them back. iRely provides dual-diagnosis treatment that addresses both at the same time, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and unresolved trauma. Handling both conditions together is one of the clearest ways to protect long-term recovery.
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Our admissions office is standing by 24/7 to help you start opioid addiction treatment.
Opioid Addiction Treatment Across Los Angeles
iRely Recovery is located in Sherwood Forest, a quiet neighborhood of Northridge in the San Fernando Valley, about 20 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. That location gives you dedicated residential treatment close to home while keeping you away from the environments and triggers of the city center, an important factor in early recovery. We serve clients from across Greater Los Angeles County and regularly coordinate transportation for admission.
Frequently Asked Questions About Opioid Rehab in Los Angeles
What is the difference between opioids and opiates?
The term “opiates” technically refers to naturally derived compounds from the opium poppy plant, morphine, codeine, and heroin. “Opioids” is a broader term that includes opiates plus all synthetic and semi-synthetic compounds that act on opioid receptors, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone, and buprenorphine. In common usage (including this page and most treatment contexts), the terms are often used interchangeably.
How long does opiate detox take in Los Angeles?
The acute phase of medically supervised opiate detox in Los Angeles typically lasts 5–10 days, depending on which opioid was used, duration of use, and individual physiology. Short-acting opioids (heroin, oxycodone) have the fastest onset and shortest duration of acute withdrawal. Long-acting opioids (methadone) produce a more prolonged but typically less intense withdrawal course. After acute detox, post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) can persist for weeks to months and are best managed with ongoing MAT and therapy.
Is Suboxone (buprenorphine) treatment available at iRely Recovery?
Yes. Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is a cornerstone of our opioid treatment program. For eligible patients, we initiate Suboxone on the first day of admission, often within hours of arrival, to rapidly address acute withdrawal symptoms and stabilize you medically. We continue Suboxone management throughout residential treatment and coordinate ongoing prescribing through our outpatient MAT services after discharge.
Does insurance cover opioid rehab at iRely Recovery?
Most major insurance plans cover opioid rehab at iRely Recovery, including medically supervised detox, residential treatment, and MAT. Under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), insurers are required to cover substance use disorder treatment at parity with medical/surgical benefits. We accept Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Cigna, Aetna, United Healthcare, MHN, and most major PPO and HMO plans. Call (818) 262-3537 for a free, same-day insurance verification.
What is ASAM Level 3.5 residential treatment?
ASAM Level 3.5, Clinically Managed High-Intensity Residential Services, is the American Society of Addiction Medicine’s designation for the highest level of non-hospital residential addiction care. It requires 24-hour physician availability, nursing coverage, daily medical rounds, on-site crisis management, and integrated mental health treatment. It is the appropriate level of care for most people with moderate-to-severe opioid use disorder, complex medical needs during detox, or co-occurring psychiatric conditions.
What should I bring to opioid rehab at iRely Recovery?
Bring enough clothing for 30+ days (comfortable, no drawstrings longer than 6 inches, closed-toe shoes), your insurance card and photo ID, a list of current medications and dosages, prescription medications in original pharmacy bottles, toiletries (alcohol-free), reading materials or journal, and photos of loved ones. Leave valuables at home. Electronics policies vary, ask your admissions coordinator about phone use during residential treatment.
What medications are used during opioid detox at iRely Recovery?
Our medical team uses a protocol tailored to your specific situation. Most patients receive buprenorphine (Suboxone) for rapid withdrawal relief, the gold standard for opioid detox. We also use clonidine (for autonomic symptoms like sweating and agitation), anti-emetics for nausea, anti-diarrheals, sleep medications, and muscle relaxants as needed. Cold-turkey detox is never required, our goal is to make withdrawal as manageable as possible to support treatment completion.
How do I know if I need inpatient vs. outpatient opioid treatment?
Inpatient (residential) opioid treatment is recommended when: you have a severe or long-standing opioid use disorder; you have experienced multiple outpatient treatment failures; you have co-occurring medical or psychiatric conditions that require monitoring; you do not have a stable, opioid-free home environment; or you have limited social support for recovery. Outpatient treatment (PHP, IOP) is appropriate for people with less severe disorder, stable housing and social support, and strong motivation for change. Our clinical team will assess which level of care is right for you during the initial phone consultation.
What is PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome)?
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) refers to a cluster of symptoms that persist after the resolution of acute opioid withdrawal, typically for weeks to months. PAWS symptoms include mood swings, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, cognitive difficulty (brain fog), low energy, and intermittent drug cravings. PAWS is a major driver of relapse and is best managed through ongoing MAT (Suboxone or Vivitrol), regular therapy, peer support, and lifestyle practices like exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress management.
Can fentanyl addiction be treated with Suboxone?
Yes, fentanyl use disorder is treated with Suboxone (buprenorphine), though fentanyl’s exceptional potency and long tissue accumulation can make the induction process more complex than with shorter-acting opioids. Patients may require higher buprenorphine doses than typical, and induction timing must be carefully managed to avoid precipitated withdrawal. Our medical team has extensive experience with fentanyl-specific opioid use disorder and uses evidence-based low-dose induction (Bernese method) protocols when appropriate.
How much does opioid rehab in Los Angeles cost without insurance?
Cost varies by facility and level of care, but most people have far more coverage available than they realize, including Covered California marketplace plans and Medi-Cal, which both cover substance use disorder treatment. iRely Recovery also offers payment plans and can discuss financial options on a case-by-case basis. Call (818) 262-3537 to discuss your specific situation before assuming you cannot afford treatment, many people who believe rehab is out of reach qualify for coverage they did not know about.
What happens if I relapse after completing rehab?
Relapse is a common, and medically recognized, part of the recovery process for opioid use disorder. It is not a moral failure, and it does not mean treatment has failed or that recovery is impossible. If you relapse after completing treatment at iRely Recovery, call us immediately. We will help you assess your current needs and connect you with appropriate care, whether that is re-admission to residential treatment, a step-up in outpatient level of care, or adjustments to your MAT protocol. Our alumni team maintains ongoing relationships with all iRely graduates.
Is methadone available at iRely Recovery?
We do not dispense methadone on-site, as methadone for opioid use disorder must be dispensed at federally licensed Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) under DEA oversight. However, if you are currently stable on methadone at an OTP clinic, we can often coordinate continued dosing during your residential stay at iRely. For patients for whom methadone is the appropriate MAT medication, we provide referrals to licensed OTPs in the Los Angeles area upon discharge.
How quickly can I get admitted to iRely Recovery?
Same-day admissions are available. When you call (818) 262-3537, our admissions team can conduct a clinical pre-assessment and insurance verification within hours. If you are medically stable for residential admission, we can often have a bed available for you the same day you call. In urgent situations, if you or a loved one is in withdrawal or has recently overdosed, call immediately. We will prioritize your admission.
Does iRely Recovery treat co-occurring mental health disorders alongside opioid use disorder?
Yes, integrated dual diagnosis treatment is a core component of our program. Over 60% of people with opioid use disorder have a co-occurring mental health condition, including depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. We provide psychiatric evaluation and medication management for co-occurring conditions alongside addiction treatment. We do not separate or sequence these treatments, they are addressed simultaneously by our integrated clinical team, because each condition powerfully affects the other.
Sources
[1] LA County Department of Public Health. (2024). Opioid Overdose Surveillance. publichealth.lacounty.gov
[2] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024). Opioid Overdose Crisis. NIDA. nida.nih.gov
[3] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024). Medication-Assisted Treatment. SAMHSA. samhsa.gov
[4] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). Opioid Use Disorder criteria.
