Heroin use has declined significantly in LA County as fentanyl has largely displaced it in the illicit supply — but many people remain addicted to heroin or are transitioning between heroin and fentanyl, both of which require medically supervised opioid detox.
Source: LA County SAPCHeroin and the Fentanyl Supply
Much of what is sold as heroin in LA County today is actually fentanyl or a heroin-fentanyl mixture. Tolerance to heroin does not necessarily protect against fentanyl overdose due to potency differences. Anyone detoxing from what they believe is heroin should receive clinical evaluation for fentanyl exposure at a licensed medical detox program.
Heroin Detox
Heroin withdrawal typically begins 6–12 hours after last use and peaks at 36–72 hours. Licensed inpatient programs manage detox with buprenorphine or other MAT options that significantly reduce withdrawal severity and relapse risk during the detox phase.
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Heroin
Buprenorphine (Suboxone) and naltrexone (Vivitrol) are both FDA-approved for opioid use disorder, including heroin. MAT is the evidence-based standard — not 'replacing one addiction with another.' Licensed inpatient programs evaluate MAT eligibility for every opioid patient. Call (213) 461-2298 to be connected with a program that includes MAT.