Opioid use disorder is a medical condition, and effective treatment exists. Blackburn Clinical Services offers one-on-one opioid use disorder treatment in West Los Angeles, including outpatient detox, medication-assisted treatment through psychiatry, therapy and family support.
Signs of opioid use disorder
- Using opioids in larger amounts or for longer than intended
- Strong cravings or difficulty cutting back
- Needing more to feel the same effect
- Withdrawal symptoms such as aches, sweating, nausea, anxiety or insomnia between doses
- Using despite problems with health, work or relationships
- Running out of prescriptions early or seeking opioids from other sources
How we treat opioid use disorder at Blackburn
- Outpatient detox. For people who qualify medically, care begins with an assessment by a board certified addiction psychiatrist, followed by daily check-ins with a licensed nurse and medications as needed to manage withdrawal and cravings. Learn more about outpatient detox.
- Medication-assisted treatment. Medications for opioid use disorder are a well-studied, first-line part of treatment, and our psychiatrists use them when appropriate. Learn more about addiction psychiatry.
- Individual therapy. Therapy addresses the reasons behind use, builds coping skills and supports relapse prevention. Learn more about therapy.
- Treatment for co-occurring conditions. We treat depression, anxiety, trauma and chronic stress alongside opioid use.
- More structure when needed. Our Concierge Outpatient Program offers 3 to 5 hours a week of one-on-one care.
- Family support. Family services help loved ones understand opioid use disorder and support recovery.
All of our services are available individually or can be combined into a customized package to meet each person’s needs. Learn about fees and insurance.
Medications for opioid use disorder
The FDA has approved three medications for opioid use disorder: buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone. FDA They work differently, and the right choice depends on your history, health and goals:
- Buprenorphine. Eases withdrawal and cravings and can be prescribed in an outpatient office setting.
- Methadone. For opioid use disorder, it is dispensed only through federally certified opioid treatment programs. If methadone is the better fit, we help coordinate a referral.
- Naltrexone. Blocks the effects of opioids. It is started only after a period without opioids, so timing is planned with your psychiatrist.
SAMHSA’s treatment guidance describes these medications as a well-studied, first-line part of opioid use disorder treatment. SAMHSA TIP 63
Opioid withdrawal and outpatient detox
Opioid withdrawal can bring aches, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, anxiety and insomnia. Many people start buprenorphine as part of detox, so withdrawal management and longer-term treatment begin together rather than as separate steps. Whether outpatient detox is a safe fit is decided at the assessment.
Relapse and overdose risk
After detox or any period without opioids, tolerance drops quickly. Using the same amount as before can then cause an overdose. This is one reason ongoing medication and follow-up care matter after detox. SAMHSA TIP 63
Naloxone (Narcan) can reverse an opioid overdose, and the FDA approved a naloxone nasal spray for sale without a prescription in 2023. FDA The CDC encourages people at risk of an opioid overdose, and the people around them, to carry naloxone. CDC
Our clinicians
Our team includes addiction medicine physicians, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, licensed nurses and therapists who coordinate care from detox onward. Meet our psychiatrists and therapists.
Frequently asked questions
Can I detox from opioids as an outpatient?
For people who qualify medically, yes. Our outpatient detox includes an addiction psychiatry assessment, daily nurse check-ins and medications as needed.
What is medication-assisted treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment combines FDA-approved medications with therapy and support. For opioid use disorder, these medications reduce cravings and withdrawal and lower the risk of overdose.
How long does treatment last?
It depends on the person. Many people benefit from ongoing care for months or longer after detox.
What should I do in an overdose emergency?
Call 911 right away. If naloxone (Narcan) is available, use it and stay with the person until help arrives.
Get started
Call (888) 870 7405, email info@blackburnclinical.com or contact us to schedule an assessment. Blackburn Clinical Services serves Venice, Mar Vista, Santa Monica, Culver City and West Los Angeles.
If you or someone you love is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or call 911 in an emergency.