Substance abuse treatment services are expanding further in Nevada County. The Director of Western Sierra Medical Clinic’s newly-established program, Doctor Christina Lasich says more specially-trained professionals have been hired…
Lasich says the Medication-Assisted Program helps residents addicted to drugs, especially those battling opioids, such as prescription pain medications and heroin, described as a critical and fast-growing epidemic in this region, as well as nationwide. Nevada County has the fifth-highest rate of non-fatal emergency room visits in the state, with an 80% increase in cases in just the last several years…
Lasich says the recent surge in cases is likely due to more federal pressure on doctors to be more selective in prescribing such pain medications as Vicodin, OxyContin, and Percocet. And she says that’s led to a spike in heroin addiction, which is more easy, and cheaper, to obtain. Western Sierra says community members with health insurance, to those who depend on government programs, to teenagers and young adults, are eligible for the program. To find out more, call 274-9762, between 8am and 5pm weekdays. There is also a 24-hour hotline, which is 855-HOPE-4-YOU.
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