Southern California Addiction Treatment Options | Detox, Drug Rehab, FAQ

In 2019, California had 127,654 substance use admissions for those aged 12 and over, according to the Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 

Many of the treatment admissions in the state happen in Southern California, which is made up of numerous counties, including Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and San Diego. 

If you are struggling with substance use disorder in California, there are many treatment options available that can help.

How To Find & Choose Addiction Treatment In Southern California

The Department of Health Care Services oversees substance abuse treatment in California. This agency’s work includes substance use counselor certification, laws and regulations, collecting data and statistics, and guiding people to treatment.

Here are additional ways you can find treatment: 

• Reach out directly to a treatment provider like Ark Behavioral Health
• Use county-based resources such as the County of Orange California Social Services Agency
• Use SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Treatment Locator

When you’re comparing addiction treatment programs in Southern California, look for: 

• accreditation from California or national organizations, which shows the rehab facility maintains high standards
• evidence-based services that are proven to provide benefit for people with a substance use disorder
• Certified Addiction Treatment Counselors or Certified Alcohol & Other Drug Counselors accredited through the Department of Health Care Services
• treatment that addresses co-occurring disorders to other substances and/or mental health disorders
• a continuum of care that begins with medical detox programs and continues to residential treatment and aftercare services, when possible

Other factors to consider when choosing a rehab program include insurance or payment options, treatment length, your substance use/treatment history, and your personal goals for treatment. Treatment is most effective when you choose a program that fits your own specific needs. 

Find Drug & Alcohol Rehab Centers In Southern California

Southern California Drug & Alcohol Treatment Programs

California has a range of treatment services used for someone who is struggling with a substance use disorder. According to the California Health Care Foundation, some of the widely used treatment methods used in the state include: 

• medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which combines medication with therapy and behavioral treatment
• cognitive behavioral therapy
• motivational enhancement therapy
• family therapy 
• recovery support services like 12-step meetings, group therapy, and aftercare

There are many treatment program types that are standard to a substance use continuum of care. Depending on your individualized treatment plan, which should be tailored to your needs and goals, you may participate in one, some, or all of the following programs. 

Medical Drug & Alcohol Detoxification

Before you go through therapy and other forms of rehab, it’s important to help your body and mind adjust to being sober, which may involve going through symptoms of a withdrawal stage. 

A medical detox program can help make the process safer and smoother by providing medical supervision and medications for symptoms. They may also provide IV fluids, nutrition, and other treatments to help you be more comfortable.

Learn more about Medical Detox Programs

Residential/Inpatient Drug Rehab

California offers a range of residential-inpatient services, which include clinically managed low-intensity and high-intensity residential/inpatient services, and medically managed or medically monitored intensive inpatient services. 

Residential/inpatient drug rehab generally provides intensive treatment with a range of treatment methods while you live on site. 

Residential/inpatient programs may include: 

• individual therapy
• group therapy
• family therapy
• nutrition and fitness
• medication if needed
• holistic care such as yoga

Learn more about Inpatient Drug Rehab

Outpatient Addiction Treatment

For outpatient treatment, you live in your home and visit a treatment facility for sessions. Outpatient options could include intensive outpatient services, partial hospitalization, and/or general outpatient services. 

Sometimes a continuum of care involves stepping down from more intensive to less intensive outpatient care. Outpatient services range from offering simple education and group therapy to providing an intensive treatment plan similar to an inpatient program but without on-site accommodations. 

Learn more about Outpatient Addiction Treatment

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is often used for opioid or alcohol addiction. It’s sometimes called narcotic treatment programs (NTP) for opioids in California. 

These programs use medication approved for addiction treatment, which may ease symptoms of withdrawal or block effects of alcohol or opioids. This medication treatment is combined with mental health and behavioral treatments like therapy and education. 

Learn more about Opioid Treatment Programs

Aftercare Support 

Effective treatment includes aftercare, whether it’s part of a rehab program or separate. This support, also known as recovery support services, helps reduce the risk of relapse and helps you stick with sobriety. 

Aftercare options may include:

• rehab aftercare programs
• 12-step or other community-based support groups
• case management
• professional office visits
• halfway houses or sober living residences

Using Health Insurance For Drug/Alcohol Rehab In Southern California

If you qualify, California has Medi-Cal that provides substance use disorder treatment and related behavioral health services. Alternatively, Medicare could help with the cost of treatment if applicable. 

Otherwise, general health insurance plans provide coverage, with the amount depending on the specific plan. To find out how your insurance can help, try these tips: 

• look at the summary of benefits and coverage for your specific health plan
• sign in to the member area of your health insurer
• call the number on your insurance card
• reach out to the human resources department at your job
• contact a treatment provider for assistance

If You Don’t Have Insurance

Addiction treatment is still an option without insurance. If you’re not able to pay out of pocket or with a payment plan, you can look into free or low-cost treatment options. These include state-funded treatment, non-profit, county-based rehab, and Medicaid-accepted programs. 

Southern California Substance Abuse Facts

Many of the thousands of people seeking treatment in California live with opioid addiction. Opioid abuse, especially with illicit opioids, can increase the risk of drug overdose and death. 

In 2020, opioid overdose data was collected from Southern California counties:

• Los Angeles county reported the highest count in Southern California with 1,300 opioid-related deaths
• San Diego county reported 528 opioid-related deaths
• Orange county reported 503 deaths
• Riverside county reported 400 overdose deaths
• San Bernardino reported 288 deaths

The majority of overdose deaths in Southern California involve illicitly produced synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

Addiction Treatment At Ark Behavioral Health 

Ark Behavioral Health provides a treatment option for residents of California who want to leave their usual setting and triggers to focus on recovery in a different area. You have the option to stay on-site in our residential facilities. 

We offer a range of treatment services that include medical detox, inpatient/residential treatment, medication-assisted treatment, and intensive outpatient programs. 

Our centers are located in:

• Canton, MA
• Quincy, MA
• Falmouth, MA
• Ashby, MA

To learn more, please connect with our helpline today.

Southern California Addiction Treatment FAQ

How Do I Access Treatment In Southern California? 

To access treatment services in Southern California, find a treatment provider that fits your needs and contact an intake specialist there. This person will be able to get you started on the process to treatment by providing an assessment and an individualized care plan. 

You could use resources through the state of California to help you find treatment and get connected. For example, try the Department of Healthcare Services.

What Does Addiction Treatment Look Like In Southern California? 

In California, treatment may take place in inpatient or outpatient facilities, and often follows a continuum of care with different types of treatment included in each person’s care plan. 

Treatment often includes a combination of behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and recovery support services to continue progress after treatment. 

Does Insurance Cover Addiction Treatment In Southern California?

Yes, residents can use their health insurance plans to cover some or all of the cost of treatment, depending on the plan. Medi-Cal and Medicare plans also provide coverage for addiction treatment in the state. 

Can I Go To Drug Rehab In California Without Insurance? 

Yes, you can go to a treatment program without insurance in California. Treatment facilities accept private payments and usually offer options such as payment plans or scholarships to help with the cost. You may also find free or low-cost programs. 

Are There Walk-In Opioid Clinics In California?

Yes, you can find walk-in clinics for opioid addiction in Southern California. For example, one clinic in Santa Barbara offers walk-in availability for opioid use disorder. Otherwise, search for walk-in opioid clinics in your area. 

Are There Free Or State-Funded Rehab Centers In California? 

Yes, California has state-funded rehab programs as well as non-profit, county-based, and non-profit programs that can be free or low cost if applicable. 

Why Do I Need Treatment For Addiction? 

Addiction is a disease that continues to progress if it is left untreated. As you continue to use and abuse substances, addiction tends to cause a variety of problems in your life, which can include health, financial, relationship, work, and legal problems. It can even lead to an early death. 

Treatment can help stop this progression and teach you how to live a healthier life without using substances. 

What Kind Of Treatment Is Best? 

An individualized treatment plan is best so that each person gets targeted care for their situation. 

This care plan should take into account factors like which type of substance(s) you use, how long you have been addicted, whether you have co-occurring disorders, and whether you have tried other treatment. 

We can provide an assessment to help you find the right treatment for your needs.

How Long Does Drug Rehab Last? 

The length of treatment varies based on your individualized care plan. Treatment lengths vary from a few weeks to several months. In many cases, treatment falls within increments of 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days. 

However, following a continuum of care from one treatment type to another can extend the treatment length.

Where Are Your Treatment Centers Located?

You can find Ark Behavioral Health centers in these cities in Massachusetts:

• Quincy, Massachusetts
• Canton, Massachusetts
• Falmouth, Massachusetts
• Ashby, Massachusetts