Substance Use Disorder Services

At Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center (PVHMC), we understand that substance use disorders affect a wide array of individuals across the United States. Our dedicated team provides compassionate and comprehensive treatment for addiction to prescription opioids, illegal drugs, alcohol and other substances. We recognize that overcoming addiction requires both medical intervention and supportive care, which is why our programs are designed to treat the whole person, not just the addiction.

Understanding Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are complex conditions that arise from the misuse of alcohol, prescription medication or other illegal drugs. These disorders can lead to significant health, social, and economic consequences, affecting not only the individual but their family and community. At PVHMC, we focus on educating our patients and the public about the risks associated with substance use, including long-term health issues like chronic pain, heart rate irregularities and life-threatening overdose situations.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Treatment

PVHMC provides awareness, prevention, resources and support for all substance use and 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 or text our Substance Use Navigator at 909.865.9501 ext. 3324.

• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): This program utilizes FDA-approved medications to effectively treat opioid addiction, helping to reduce withdrawal symptoms and prevent opioid overdose.

• Stimulant Prevention Awareness and Education: Offering educational resources on stimulant use prevention (SAMHSA).

• Resources and Support for Substance Use: Access to resources for alcohol, opioids, stimulants, and other substances (SAMHSA).

• Free Narcan® (naloxone) Nasal Spray: As a crucial part of our emergency response, Narcan® can quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, saving lives in critical situations. Availability here

• Free Fentanyl Test Strip Kits: To combat the sharp rise in fentanyl-related incidents, we provide free kits that can detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs. These kits are crucial for preventing accidental overdoses and are available 24/7 in our Emergency Department.
• Community Outreach Programs: We conduct workshops and seminars to educate the community about the dangers of opioid addiction and the importance of early intervention.
• Support for Families: Recognizing that addiction affects entire families, we provide resources and counseling to help family members cope with the challenges of supporting a loved one during their recovery journey.

• Referral Services: We connect you to trusted local healthcare providers who offer comprehensive treatment plans that include detox, rehabilitation, and long-term recovery programs.
• Educational Programs: Our initiatives focus on prevention and awareness, addressing the use of synthetic opioids and other substances. We aim to reduce stigma and promote public health by providing up-to-date information and resources.

Narcan® and Fentanyl Test Strips Accessibility at PVHMC

In response to the increasing number of opioid overdoses, PVHMC has made Narcan® and Fentanyl test strips freely available, 24 hours a day in our Emergency Department, to anyone during an emergency. This policy is part of our commitment to safeguarding community health and ensuring life-saving treatments are accessible to all, especially in life-threatening situations.

How to Use Narcan® Nasal Spray

Administering Narcan® is straightforward and can be done by anyone, even without medical training:

• Position the person safely: Lay them on their back.
• Prepare the Narcan® spray: Remove it from its packaging.
• Administer the dose: Tilt the person's head back, support their neck and press the plunger firmly to release the medication.
• Monitor and prepare for another dose: If there's no response within a few minutes, administer a second dose if available.

How to Use a Fentanyl Test Strip

The all-in-one kits streamline the process of testing a drug for the presence of fentanyl by packaging together a measuring scoop, the fentanyl test strip, a water pouch and test instructions. Users will dissolve a small sample of the drug in water, insert the test strip and can read the results in just five minutes.

Learn more about the fentanyl test strips and how to use them here.

PVHMC's Role in Advancing SUD Treatment

Our emergency services are at the forefront of the fight against SUDs. Through collaborations with organizations like CA Bridge and the National Institute on Drug Abuse, we offer programs that provide immediate and effective solutions to substance use challenges. We are dedicated to public education, supporting long-term recovery and implementing strategies to reduce the stigma associated with SUDs.

How Does PVHMC Set the Bar?

PVHMC ED has the first 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 to provide our patients with the best options, including inpatient, intensive outpatient, and telehealth services.

For more information, visit CA Bridge and SAMHSA.

Important Phone Numbers:

• National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255
• LA County Substance Abuse Service Helpline: 844-804-7500

References:

• National Institute of Health. US Department of Health and Human Services. www.NiH.gov
• National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2021