Addiction Support in Mendocino

Substance use affects everyone and reaches all ages, races, ethnicities, and social classes. Some studies have estimated 1 in 10 adults (above 12 years old) have a substance use disorder (1). The chances are you know someone with this treatable disease.

There are many different types of substance use disorder and include alcohol, illicit drugs, prescribed drugs, and smoking. Substance use is not a moral failing, it is a chronic illness just like hypertension and diabetes.

Adventist Health Mendocino Coast (AHMC) provides an innovative approach to substance use disorder to help our community. If you know someone who currently is using alcohol, stimulants, opioids, or other illicit drugs and wants to change their life, we are here to help.

The facts about substance use disorder:

• 11.7% of Americans 12 and overuse an illegal drug.
• The opioid epidemic continues to grow and cause an increase in overdose deaths. In 2020 alone the CDC reported 100,000 lives lost.
• 53 million or 19.4% of people 12 and over have used illegal drugs or misused prescription drugs within the last year.
• If alcohol and tobacco are included, 165 million or 60.2% or of Americans aged 12 years or older currently abuse drugs (i.e., used within the last 30 days).

Statistics are taken from National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 2019.

• A recent study shows the opioid epidemic continues to increase in overdose deaths reaching 93,000 lives lost in 2020 per the CDC.

What is offered at AHMC?

AHMC provides awareness, prevention, resources, and support for all substance use and for all ages. Our substance use navigator assists patients, community members, and employees with education about Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder and Harm reduction services. In addition, the navigator can link anyone with resources for inpatient, outpatient, or detox services and support services. If you know someone wanting to change their lifestyle, call our Substance Use Navigator (707) 515-5193.

Substance Use Navigator services offered at AHMC:

• MAT for opioid use disorder
• Referral and assistance to treatment with community partners
• Stimulant Prevention awareness and education
• Resources and support for substance use including alcohol, opioids, stimulants, and other https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/atod
• Harm Reduction, Naloxone Distribution Project (NDP) provides Naloxone Narcan Nasal Spray kits for home emergency use for patients, family/friends, and community members
• Education to reduce stigma about substance use disorder

How does AHMC set the bar?

• AHMC ED has a MAT program in our service area. Our collaboration with CA Bridge has given patients with opioid use disorder hope. Our program provides low-barrier treatment with linkage to resources and support.
• We provide community resources and partner with many local treatment facilities for the best options for our patients, including inpatient, intensive outpatient, and telehealth services.
• Our NDP program is the first hospital in the area to give Naloxone free of charge for home emergency use to save lives.

For more information, visit the following: cabridge.org and SAMSHA

Important phone numbers

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988

Never Use Alone: (800) 484-3731

Adventist Health Mendocino Coast
Emergency Department
700 River Drive
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
707-961-1234

References

(1)- National Institute of Health. US Department of Health and Human Services.