Key Takeaways
- Utah has consistently ranked among the top states for prescription opioid misuse and overdose deaths per capita.
- Fentanyl has emerged as the leading cause of opioid overdose deaths in Utah, surpassing prescription painkillers.
- Medication-assisted treatment with buprenorphine or naltrexone is the gold standard for opioid addiction recovery.
- Intermountain Healthcare and University of Utah Hospital offer specialized opioid treatment programs along the Wasatch Front.
- Utah's I-15 and I-80 corridors have become significant drug trafficking routes, increasing local opioid availability.
- Out-of-state treatment at facilities like Trust SoCal provides Utah residents access to comprehensive opioid recovery programs.
How the Opioid Crisis Took Hold in Utah
Utah's opioid crisis has roots that stretch back to the late 1990s when aggressive marketing of prescription painkillers transformed how pain was managed across the state. The culture of trusting medical authority, combined with high rates of physical labor in industries like mining, construction, and agriculture, created conditions where prescription opioid use escalated rapidly. By the mid-2000s, Utah had one of the highest per-capita rates of opioid prescribing in the nation.
The crisis evolved in waves. The first wave was driven by prescription painkillers like oxycodone and hydrocodone. As prescribing restrictions tightened, many individuals transitioned to heroin, which was cheaper and more accessible through trafficking routes along I-15 and I-80. The current third wave is dominated by illicitly manufactured fentanyl, which has driven overdose deaths to unprecedented levels across Salt Lake County and the broader Wasatch Front.
Understanding this history is essential for anyone navigating opioid addiction treatment in Utah today. The crisis is not a simple problem with a simple solution — it requires a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment approach that addresses both the physical dependence and the underlying factors that drove opioid use in the first place. Trust SoCal specializes in this kind of comprehensive opioid treatment — call (949) 280-8360 to learn more.
Fentanyl is now found in counterfeit pills sold as oxycodone, Xanax, and other medications throughout Utah. A single pill can contain a lethal dose. If you suspect opioid use, naloxone (Narcan) should be kept readily available.
Prescription Opioid Overprescribing in Utah
Utah's medical community was particularly susceptible to the pharmaceutical industry's push to treat pain more aggressively. The state's large population of manual laborers and athletes, combined with cultural tendencies toward compliance with medical advice, created a perfect storm for overprescribing.
- At the peak in 2012, Utah providers wrote 80 opioid prescriptions per 100 people — well above the national average.
- Common gateway prescriptions included post-surgical pain management, chronic back pain treatment, and sports injury recovery.
- Many patients developed physical dependence within weeks of starting prescribed opioid therapy.
- The University of Utah Medical Center has since implemented strict prescribing guidelines to reduce unnecessary opioid exposure.
The Transition to Heroin and Illicit Fentanyl
As prescription opioid access tightened through regulatory changes and provider education, many individuals with established opioid dependence turned to illicit alternatives. The I-15 corridor from Mexico through Las Vegas to Salt Lake City became a primary trafficking route.
- Heroin prices in Salt Lake City dropped significantly as supply increased through the I-15 corridor.
- Illicitly manufactured fentanyl began appearing in the Utah drug supply around 2016, initially mixed into heroin.
- Counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl are now widely available throughout the Wasatch Front.
- I-80 through Wyoming and Nevada serves as a secondary trafficking route into the Salt Lake Valley.
Current Opioid Death Rates in Utah
The human toll of Utah's opioid crisis is staggering. Overdose deaths have continued to climb despite increased treatment availability and public awareness campaigns.
- Utah recorded over 700 opioid-related overdose deaths in 2023, a record high for the state.
- Salt Lake County accounts for approximately 35-40% of all opioid deaths statewide.
- Fentanyl is now involved in more than 60% of all opioid overdose deaths in Utah.
- Adults aged 25-44 represent the highest-risk demographic for opioid overdose in the state.
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction in Utah
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the gold standard for opioid use disorder treatment, combining FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapy and recovery support. Despite overwhelming scientific evidence supporting MAT, access in Utah has historically been limited by cultural resistance, regulatory barriers, and a shortage of prescribing physicians. The situation has improved significantly in recent years, but gaps remain.
MAT works by reducing cravings, preventing withdrawal symptoms, and blocking the euphoric effects of opioids. This allows individuals to stabilize physically while engaging in the therapeutic work necessary for long-term recovery. Research consistently shows that MAT reduces overdose deaths by approximately 50% and significantly improves treatment retention rates compared to abstinence-only approaches.
Medication-assisted treatment is not "replacing one drug with another." MAT medications are prescribed at therapeutic doses that do not produce euphoria and allow individuals to function normally in work, family, and social settings.
Buprenorphine (Suboxone) Treatment in Salt Lake City
Buprenorphine, commonly prescribed as Suboxone (a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone), is the most widely used MAT medication in Utah. It can be prescribed by qualified physicians in office settings, making it more accessible than methadone.
- The 2023 removal of the federal X-waiver requirement expanded the number of Utah providers who can prescribe buprenorphine.
- University of Utah Health operates a buprenorphine clinic that serves as a training site for new prescribers.
- Intermountain Healthcare has integrated buprenorphine prescribing into many of its primary care clinics along the Wasatch Front.
- Monthly costs for buprenorphine treatment with insurance typically range from $30 to $100 in Salt Lake City.
Methadone Treatment Programs
Methadone remains an important treatment option for individuals with severe opioid use disorders who have not responded to other treatments. Methadone can only be dispensed through federally licensed opioid treatment programs (OTPs).
- Salt Lake City has several licensed OTPs, primarily located along the State Street corridor.
- Patients typically begin with daily clinic visits and can earn take-home doses as they stabilize in treatment.
- Methadone programs in Utah serve a combined patient population of several thousand individuals.
- TRAX light rail provides access to most methadone clinics from various points in the Salt Lake Valley.
Naltrexone (Vivitrol) for Opioid Recovery
Naltrexone, available as a monthly injection under the brand name Vivitrol, works differently from buprenorphine and methadone by completely blocking opioid receptors. This makes it impossible to experience opioid effects and eliminates the possibility of opioid misuse.
- Vivitrol requires complete opioid detoxification before the first injection, typically seven to fourteen days opioid-free.
- The monthly injection format eliminates daily medication compliance concerns.
- Naltrexone has no abuse potential and is not a controlled substance.
- Many Salt Lake City addiction medicine providers offer Vivitrol injections in their offices.
Overcoming Cultural Resistance to MAT in Utah
Utah has faced particular challenges in implementing MAT due to cultural attitudes that favor abstinence-based approaches. Education and advocacy have been essential in changing perceptions among both providers and the general public.
- Some Utah treatment programs historically refused to accept patients on MAT medications, a practice that is now widely recognized as harmful.
- The Utah Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health has actively promoted MAT education for providers.
- Recovery community attitudes toward MAT have shifted significantly, with most mutual aid groups now welcoming individuals on medication.
- Trust SoCal integrates MAT into a comprehensive treatment approach that addresses the whole person — call (949) 280-8360.
Specialized Opioid Treatment Programs in Utah
Several treatment programs in the Salt Lake City area have developed specialized expertise in treating opioid use disorders. These programs go beyond standard addiction treatment by incorporating the specific clinical protocols, medications, and therapeutic approaches that are most effective for opioid addiction.
When evaluating opioid treatment programs, whether in Utah or out of state, it is important to look for programs that offer integrated medical and behavioral treatment, have experience with MAT, provide comprehensive pain management for individuals with co-occurring chronic pain, and offer robust continuing care planning.
University of Utah Addiction Medicine Program
The University of Utah Health system operates one of the most comprehensive addiction medicine programs in the Intermountain West. Their program includes inpatient detoxification, outpatient MAT clinics, and research-driven treatment protocols.
- The program is staffed by board-certified addiction medicine physicians and addiction psychiatrists.
- Research participation opportunities give patients access to cutting-edge treatment approaches.
- Integration with the University Hospital allows seamless management of complex medical co-morbidities.
- The program serves as a training site for the next generation of addiction medicine specialists in Utah.
Intermountain Healthcare Opioid Services
Intermountain Healthcare has implemented system-wide opioid treatment and prevention initiatives across its network of hospitals and clinics along the Wasatch Front. Their approach emphasizes reducing opioid prescribing while expanding access to addiction treatment.
- Intermountain reduced opioid prescribing by over 40% across its system through provider education and clinical guidelines.
- Behavioral health integration in primary care clinics allows for early identification and treatment of opioid misuse.
- SelectHealth insurance plans through Intermountain provide coverage for MAT and residential treatment.
- Multiple Intermountain urgent care and emergency locations stock and distribute naloxone kits.
Community-Based Opioid Treatment Options
Beyond the major health systems, several community-based programs in Salt Lake City provide accessible opioid treatment for individuals who may not have insurance or who prefer a less institutional treatment environment.
- Volunteers of America Utah operates opioid treatment programs with sliding-scale fees.
- The Fourth Street Clinic provides MAT services for homeless and underserved populations in Salt Lake City.
- Several Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in Salt Lake County offer integrated addiction treatment.
- Peer recovery support specialists with lived opioid recovery experience are available through several community programs.
Opioid Detox: What to Expect and How to Stay Safe
Opioid withdrawal, while rarely life-threatening, produces intensely uncomfortable symptoms that drive most people back to use if not properly managed. Medical detoxification provides a safe, supervised environment where withdrawal symptoms are managed with appropriate medications and clinical monitoring. Understanding the detox process can reduce fear and help individuals and families prepare for this critical first phase of treatment.
The severity and duration of opioid withdrawal depend on the specific opioid used, the duration and intensity of use, individual physiology, and whether other substances are also involved. Withdrawal from short-acting opioids like heroin typically begins within 8-12 hours of the last use, while withdrawal from longer-acting opioids or fentanyl may have a different timeline.
Never attempt to detox from opioids alone. While opioid withdrawal is rarely fatal on its own, the dehydration, cardiovascular stress, and psychological distress can be dangerous. The risk of fatal overdose is extremely high if an individual relapses after a period of reduced tolerance.
Opioid Withdrawal Timeline
Understanding the typical timeline of opioid withdrawal helps set appropriate expectations and allows clinical teams to plan medication protocols accordingly.
- Early symptoms (6-24 hours): Anxiety, restlessness, muscle aches, insomnia, excessive yawning, and sweating.
- Peak symptoms (24-72 hours): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, rapid heartbeat, and intense cravings.
- Subacute phase (days 4-10): Gradual reduction in physical symptoms with persistent fatigue, irritability, and cravings.
- Post-acute withdrawal (weeks to months): Intermittent cravings, sleep disturbances, mood instability, and difficulty concentrating.
Medical Detox Protocols for Opioids
Modern medical detox for opioid dependence utilizes a range of medications to minimize withdrawal discomfort and facilitate a safe transition to ongoing treatment.
- Buprenorphine induction during withdrawal can rapidly reduce symptoms and transition patients directly to MAT.
- Clonidine reduces autonomic symptoms including sweating, rapid heartbeat, and anxiety.
- Anti-nausea medications, muscle relaxants, and sleep aids address specific withdrawal symptoms.
- Careful monitoring of vital signs and hydration status ensures medical safety throughout the process.
Detox Facilities in the Salt Lake City Area
Several facilities in the Salt Lake City area provide medically supervised opioid detoxification with varying levels of medical oversight and comfort.
- University of Utah Hospital provides the highest level of medical detox care for complex cases.
- Intermountain Medical Center in Murray offers inpatient detox with 24-hour nursing and physician oversight.
- Several private detox facilities in the Salt Lake Valley provide medically managed withdrawal in more residential-style settings.
- Trust SoCal provides medical detox in a comfortable, private setting in Orange County — call (949) 280-8360 for immediate help.
Fentanyl: Utah's Most Dangerous Opioid Threat
Illicitly manufactured fentanyl has transformed the opioid crisis in Utah from a serious public health concern to an acute emergency. This synthetic opioid, approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, has infiltrated the Utah drug supply through trafficking routes along I-15 and I-80, contaminating everything from counterfeit prescription pills to heroin and even stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine.
The danger of fentanyl lies not only in its potency but in its unpredictability. When pressed into counterfeit pills, the distribution of fentanyl within each pill is often uneven, meaning that even experienced drug users cannot gauge a safe dose. A single pill purchased on the street in Salt Lake City may contain anywhere from a sub-therapeutic amount to several lethal doses of fentanyl.
Just two milligrams of fentanyl — an amount smaller than a few grains of salt — can be fatal. Counterfeit pills sold in Salt Lake City as oxycodone or Xanax frequently contain fentanyl. Never take pills that were not dispensed by a licensed pharmacy.
Fentanyl Trafficking Routes Through Utah
Utah's geographic position at the intersection of major interstate highways makes it both a destination and transit point for illicit fentanyl trafficking.
- I-15 from the Mexico border through Las Vegas to Salt Lake City is the primary fentanyl trafficking corridor.
- I-80 through Nevada and Wyoming provides a secondary east-west route into the Salt Lake Valley.
- Counterfeit pills are increasingly distributed through social media platforms and encrypted messaging apps.
- Utah law enforcement agencies have seized record quantities of fentanyl pills in recent years.
Naloxone Access and Training in Utah
Naloxone (Narcan) is a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, including fentanyl overdoses, when administered promptly. Expanding naloxone access has been a key public health strategy in Utah.
- Utah law allows pharmacists to dispense naloxone without a prescription under a standing order.
- Free naloxone distribution programs operate in Salt Lake City through the health department and community organizations.
- Multiple doses of naloxone may be needed to reverse a fentanyl overdose due to the drug's extreme potency.
- Training on naloxone administration is available through the Utah Naloxone Coalition and local health departments.
Treatment Considerations for Fentanyl Dependence
Fentanyl dependence presents unique treatment challenges compared to other opioids. Its extreme potency means that individuals develop profound physical dependence, and withdrawal can be particularly severe and prolonged.
- Fentanyl withdrawal may begin later and last longer than heroin withdrawal due to the drug's fat solubility.
- Higher doses of buprenorphine may be needed initially to manage fentanyl withdrawal symptoms.
- Some patients require a bridge period with short-acting opioid agonists before buprenorphine induction.
- Long-term MAT maintenance is particularly important for individuals recovering from fentanyl dependence.
Opioid Addiction and Chronic Pain Management in Utah
A significant portion of opioid addiction in Utah originated with legitimate treatment for chronic pain. Many individuals who developed opioid dependence were initially prescribed painkillers by well-meaning physicians for conditions like back injuries, post-surgical pain, or arthritis. These individuals face a dual challenge: overcoming opioid addiction while finding effective, non-opioid approaches to managing their underlying pain.
Effective opioid addiction treatment must address chronic pain as a co-occurring condition rather than treating addiction in isolation. Programs that dismiss or minimize pain concerns risk driving individuals back to opioid use as a form of self-medication.
Non-Opioid Pain Management Approaches
The field of pain management has evolved significantly, offering numerous effective alternatives to opioid therapy that can be integrated into addiction recovery programs.
- Physical therapy and exercise programs effectively reduce chronic pain while supporting overall recovery.
- Non-opioid medications including gabapentin, duloxetine, and topical treatments address various pain types.
- Interventional pain procedures such as nerve blocks and epidural injections target pain at its source.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy for pain helps individuals develop psychological skills for pain management.
Integrated Pain and Addiction Treatment
Several programs in the Salt Lake City area and beyond offer integrated treatment for co-occurring chronic pain and opioid addiction, recognizing that these conditions must be addressed simultaneously for optimal outcomes.
- The University of Utah Pain Management Center collaborates with addiction medicine for patients with dual diagnoses.
- Intermountain Healthcare's chronic pain program emphasizes multimodal, non-opioid approaches.
- Buprenorphine provides both pain relief and opioid dependence treatment, making it ideal for patients with both conditions.
- Trust SoCal develops individualized treatment plans that address both addiction and underlying pain — call (949) 280-8360.
Utah-Specific Challenges in Pain and Addiction
Utah's demographics and economy create specific patterns in the overlap between chronic pain and opioid addiction that influence treatment needs.
- High rates of manual labor in Utah's construction, mining, and agricultural sectors contribute to chronic pain conditions.
- The active outdoor lifestyle popular in Utah leads to sports and recreation-related injuries that may be treated with opioids.
- Rural Utah communities often have limited access to non-opioid pain management specialists.
- Cultural attitudes in some Utah communities favor enduring pain rather than seeking help, delaying treatment for both conditions.
Prevention and Early Intervention for Opioid Misuse
Preventing opioid addiction before it starts and intervening early when misuse is identified are critical components of addressing the opioid crisis in Utah. Effective prevention strategies target multiple levels — from individual prescribing practices to community-wide education campaigns to policy changes that reduce opioid availability.
Early intervention is particularly important because opioid dependence can develop rapidly, sometimes within just days or weeks of regular use. Identifying warning signs of opioid misuse and having clear pathways to treatment can mean the difference between a brief intervention and years of escalating addiction.
The Utah Controlled Substance Database allows patients and providers to track prescription history and identify potential overprescribing. Ask your healthcare provider about checking this database during any appointment involving pain medications.
Prescription Drug Monitoring in Utah
Utah's Controlled Substance Database (CSD) is a critical tool for preventing prescription opioid misuse by tracking all controlled substance prescriptions filled in the state.
- Utah law requires prescribers to check the CSD before writing new controlled substance prescriptions.
- The database identifies patients who may be receiving opioids from multiple providers simultaneously.
- Pharmacists also use the CSD to flag potentially dangerous prescription combinations.
- Data from the CSD has been instrumental in identifying high-prescribing patterns and informing intervention efforts.
Community Prevention Programs in Salt Lake City
Several organizations in Salt Lake City operate prevention programs targeting opioid misuse awareness, safe prescribing education, and safe medication disposal.
- The Use Only as Directed campaign raises awareness about prescription drug misuse throughout Utah.
- Drug take-back programs allow safe disposal of unused prescription opioids at pharmacies and law enforcement locations throughout Salt Lake County.
- School-based prevention programs educate young people about the dangers of prescription drug misuse and fentanyl.
- Community naloxone distribution events provide free Narcan kits and training to at-risk populations.
Warning Signs of Opioid Misuse to Watch For
Recognizing the early signs of opioid misuse can lead to timely intervention before full dependence develops. Family members and friends are often the first to notice these changes.
- Taking opioid medications more frequently or in higher doses than prescribed.
- Visiting multiple doctors or pharmacies to obtain additional prescriptions.
- Social withdrawal, changes in sleep patterns, and declining performance at work or school.
- Running out of prescriptions early, expressing preoccupation with the next dose, or becoming irritable when medication is unavailable.
Recovery Support and Long-Term Opioid Recovery in Utah
Recovery from opioid addiction is a long-term process that extends well beyond initial treatment. Sustained recovery requires ongoing support, continuing care, and the development of a recovery-oriented lifestyle. Utah's recovery community has grown significantly in response to the opioid crisis, offering a range of mutual aid groups, peer support services, and community-based resources.
The transition from treatment back to daily life is often the most challenging period. Having a comprehensive aftercare plan, strong recovery support networks, and access to continuing care services dramatically improves long-term outcomes.
Research shows that individuals who remain engaged in recovery support services for at least one year after treatment are significantly more likely to maintain long-term sobriety than those who discontinue support after completing primary treatment.
Opioid-Specific Recovery Groups
Several mutual aid organizations specifically address the unique challenges of opioid recovery, offering peer support from individuals with lived experience in opioid addiction and recovery.
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA) has a strong presence in Salt Lake City with daily meetings throughout the valley.
- Heroin Anonymous meetings are available for individuals seeking peer support specific to heroin and opioid recovery.
- SMART Recovery offers a science-based alternative with online and in-person meetings available to Utah residents.
- Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous (MARA) provides a supportive space for individuals in MAT-supported recovery.
Peer Recovery Support Services
Peer recovery support specialists — individuals with lived addiction and recovery experience who have completed specialized training — provide invaluable support during the transition from treatment to community living.
- Utah certifies Peer Support Specialists through the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health.
- Peer specialists can help navigate treatment systems, provide accountability, and connect individuals with resources.
- Many emergency departments in Salt Lake City now employ peer specialists to engage overdose survivors.
- Recovery coaching is available through several community organizations in the Salt Lake Valley.
Continuing Care After Treatment
A robust continuing care plan developed before discharge from primary treatment is essential for sustaining opioid recovery. The best plans are comprehensive, flexible, and regularly updated.
- Ongoing MAT management with a local prescriber prevents relapse and supports stable recovery.
- Regular therapy sessions address underlying issues and build coping skills for long-term sobriety.
- Alumni programs at treatment centers like Trust SoCal provide ongoing connection and support after discharge.
- Relapse prevention planning identifies personal triggers and establishes concrete response strategies.
How Trust SoCal Treats Opioid Addiction for Utah Residents
Trust SoCal in Orange County, California offers comprehensive opioid addiction treatment specifically designed to serve individuals from across the country, including Utah residents. Our program integrates medical detoxification, medication-assisted treatment, evidence-based behavioral therapies, and holistic wellness programming to address opioid addiction from every angle.
For Utah residents struggling with opioid addiction, Trust SoCal provides the geographic distance from familiar triggers and drug supply networks that can be critical during the vulnerable early stages of recovery. Our clinical team understands the unique cultural considerations that many Utah residents bring to treatment.
Contact Trust SoCal at (949) 280-8360 to speak with an admissions counselor about opioid treatment options. We offer free insurance verification and can often begin the admissions process the same day.
Trust SoCal offers a seamless admissions process for Utah residents, including insurance verification, travel coordination, and airport pickup from John Wayne Airport. Call (949) 280-8360 to get started today.
Our Opioid Treatment Protocol
Trust SoCal's opioid treatment protocol is designed to address the complex medical, psychological, and social dimensions of opioid addiction through an integrated, evidence-based approach.
- Medically supervised detox with comfort medications and careful vital sign monitoring.
- Individualized MAT planning with buprenorphine, naltrexone, or other medications as clinically indicated.
- Intensive individual and group therapy addressing trauma, co-occurring mental health conditions, and relapse prevention.
- Comprehensive discharge planning with coordination of MAT prescribers and aftercare providers in Salt Lake City.
Why Utah Residents Choose Trust SoCal for Opioid Treatment
Many of our Utah patients report that the distance from their home environment was a decisive factor in their successful recovery from opioid addiction.
- Physical separation from opioid dealers, using peers, and triggering locations eliminates a major relapse risk factor.
- Orange County's healing climate and environment support physical and emotional recovery.
- Our clinical team includes providers with specific expertise in treating fentanyl and prescription opioid dependence.
- Confidential treatment far from Utah's close-knit communities protects personal and professional reputation.
Getting Started with Trust SoCal
Beginning opioid treatment at Trust SoCal is straightforward. Our admissions team handles all logistics so that you can focus on preparing for recovery.
- Call (949) 280-8360 for a confidential assessment and insurance verification.
- Our team coordinates travel arrangements including flights from Salt Lake City International Airport.
- Complimentary transportation from John Wayne Airport (SNA) to our Fountain Valley facility.
- Family orientation and telehealth family therapy keep your Salt Lake City support system engaged throughout treatment.
Taking Action Against Opioid Addiction in Utah
The opioid crisis in Utah demands action at every level — from individual treatment decisions to community-wide prevention efforts. If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction in Salt Lake City or anywhere in Utah, the most important step is to reach out for help today. Opioid addiction is a progressive condition that worsens over time, and the risk of fatal overdose makes delay genuinely dangerous.
Whether you choose treatment in Salt Lake City, at Trust SoCal in Orange County, or at another quality program, the key is to begin. Recovery from opioid addiction is not only possible — it is happening every day for thousands of Utahns. Call Trust SoCal at (949) 280-8360 or reach out to any of the local resources listed in this guide to take your first step today.
Emergency Resources for Opioid Crisis
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger from opioid use, these resources can provide emergency assistance.
- Call 911 for any suspected overdose — Utah has a Good Samaritan law protecting callers from certain drug charges.
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7).
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for immediate support.
- Trust SoCal 24/7 admissions line: (949) 280-8360.
Steps to Take This Week
Recovery begins with concrete actions. Here are steps you can take within the next seven days to move toward opioid recovery.
- Call Trust SoCal at (949) 280-8360 or your preferred treatment provider for a confidential assessment.
- Obtain naloxone from a Utah pharmacy without a prescription — keep it accessible at all times.
- Attend a free NA, SMART Recovery, or LDS Addiction Recovery Program meeting in Salt Lake City.
- If you are currently prescribed opioids for pain, schedule a conversation with your doctor about non-opioid alternatives.
Hope in the Face of Crisis
Despite the severity of Utah's opioid crisis, there is genuine reason for hope. Treatment works, recovery is possible, and the community resources available in Utah today are stronger than ever before.
- MAT has cut overdose death rates in half for individuals who engage in treatment.
- Utah's recovery community is growing, with new mutual aid groups and recovery organizations forming throughout the state.
- Advances in addiction medicine continue to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for individuals in recovery.
- Every person who achieves recovery from opioid addiction ripples positive change through their family, workplace, and community.
Rachel Handa, Clinical Director
Clinical Director & Therapist
