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ER as entry point for opioid withdrawal care and linkage to Medi-Cal addiction services

March 21, 2026r/emergencymedicine

In r/emergencymedicine, commenters explain that the ER can treat withdrawal and connect patients to addiction services even if admission for detox alone is unlikely, with Medi-Cal cited as a pathway to methadone or buprenorphine programs.

Yes, you can go to the ER. They won’t admit you solely for detox, but they can treat your withdrawal symptoms, assess your mental health, and hook you up you with addiction services.
Medi-Cal should have access to methadone clinics / buprenorphine programs, and the ER can help get you linked in quickly
We literally just had someone today in our ED. They were withdrawing pretty bad. Anxiety, muscle cramps, sweats.
He was accepted to a psych/detox facility on a voluntary transfer.
r/emergencymedicine
Medi-Caladdiction treatmentER

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