Veterans face unique challenges that can put them at higher risk for substance abuse than the general population. Factors leading to increased risk include things like PTSD and homelessness.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
There are many different types of rehab programs and treatment options to consider. Here are a few of the decisions you need to make:
The main factors that determine which rehab options will be best for you are the severity of your addiction and your unique personal and financial situation.
For more information on how to make all of these decisions, read our guide to Choosing the Right Rehab
If the cost of rehab is a barrier for you (as it is for many) and you don’t have insurance, there are still ways for you to get help. Out of the 1,079 rehab facilities recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) in California, 276 offer some sort of payment assistance to most adults. Out of those 276 rehabs, Solutions 4 Recovery in San Juan Capistrano (near Los Angeles) received the highest overall scores from help.org.
For more information about the five core metrics, head to the full breakdown of our filtering process and ranking methodology
Solutions 4 Recovery offers both inpatient and outpatient treatment and is located halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego. The rehab received an overall score of 8.1, and it’s highest score was on the metric that measured the number of programs designed for unique demographics. It’s had programs for 15 distinct groups of people which was the second highest total of all the rehabs we researched.
The rehab’s weakest performance came on “Cost” – it was given a score of 6.25 since it didn’t accept some common forms of payment such as Medicaid and Medicare. It does accept TRICARE and private insurance, however.
Lassen County Behavioral Health offers regular and intensive outpatient treatment to Californians in the Northern California and Susanville area. The high number (15) of specially designed programs for unique demographics is the program’s highest-rated feature.
Lassen County Behavioral Health’s biggest deficiency relates to the “type of care” metric – it received a score of 6.64 since it doesn’t offer some programs like certified opioid addiction treatment.
Located in North Hollywood, CRI-Help provides residential inpatient and outpatient treatment to the Los Angeles area. From programs designed specifically to treat transitional-aged young adults, to programs for Veterans, CRI-Help works with most demographics who need uniquely designed rehab programs.
The number of rehabilitation services that CRI-Help offers is the program’s biggest drawback. According to the data provided to SAMHSA, common medications such as Disulfiram (Antabuse®) and Acamprosate (Campral®) aren’t available, but Buprenorphine is used in treatment, and clients on opioid medications are accepted.
Rank | Rehab | Total Score | Contact Information |
#1 | Solutions 4 Recovery | 8.1 | 31931 Paseo Terraza San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 Main Tel: 800-784-4791 Intake Tel 2: 949-874-1332 |
#2 | Lassen County Behavioral Health | 7.6 | 1400 Chestnut Street Suite A Susanville, CA 96130 Main Tel: 530-251-8112 |
#3 | CRI Help Inc | 6.8 | 11027 Burbank Boulevard North Hollywood, CA 91601 Main Tel: 818-985-8323 Intake Tel 2: 800-413-7660 |
#4 | CommuniCare Health Centers Behavioral Health Services |
6.8 | 500 B Jefferson Boulevard; Suite 195 West Sacramento, CA 95605 Main Tel: 916-403-2970 |
#5 | Diablo Valley Drug and Alcohol Services |
6.5 | 100 Park Place; Suite 120 San Ramon, CA 94583 Main Tel: 925-289-1430 |
#6 | Matrix Institute Addictions |
6.4 | 11777 Sebastian Way; Suite 102 Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 Main Tel: 909-989-9724 Intake Tel 2: 800-310-7700 |
#7 | MFI Recovery Center | 6.3 | 5870 Arlington Avenue Riverside, CA 92504 Main Tel: 800-923-5634 Intake Tel 2: 951-683-6596 |
#8 | Horizon Services Inc Cronin House |
6.0 | 2595 Depot Road Hayward, CA 94545 Main Tel: 510-784-5874 Intake Tel 2: 510-784-5883 |
#9 | Bluestone Recovery Inc | 6.0 | 1660 Chicago Avenue; Suite M-11 Riverside, CA 92507 Main Tel: 951-823-0540 |
#10 | Bella La Vita Company | 6.0 | 22516 Carbon Mesa Road Malibu, CA 90265 Main Tel: 310-456-2551 Intake Tel 1: 877-673-4225 |
If you have private insurance or coverage purchased through the healthcare marketplace, contact your plan provider for to determine exactly what services are covered. If you have Medicaid (or to determine whether you qualify), visit coveredca.com to get started. Whatever type of coverage you have, insurance companies (public and private) are required to cover substance abuse treatment for qualified individuals.
The tool below lists all of the treatment centers in the state of California recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Input your zip code and select the filter icon to find relevant rehabs near you.
If you are pursuing treatment that will be covered by insurance, your first step will likely be scheduling an assessment by a qualified individual such as a therapist or counselor. Most facilities provide assessments, or your primary care provider may be able to refer you. Contact companies in our database above to find out if they will provide this service.
There are many different methods for treating addiction, and the science of studying addiction is constantly improving and changing. However, the core pieces of treatment are generally the same.
For more on what to expect in rehab, read our guide on the addiction rehabilitation process
Veterans had substance use disorder in 2015
Veterans face unique challenges that can put them at higher risk for substance abuse than the general population. Factors leading to increased risk include things like PTSD and homelessness.
Veterans have access to additional resources for treatment, and VA benefits often cover the cost. To get help with substance abuse from the VA health care system follow these steps:
You can also use the appropriate filter in our database above to find veteran-specific treatment options.
Female veterans have experienced military sexual assault
Substance abuse is a serious problem for female veterans. The VA website reports that many of the female veterans who are seen for treatment by the VA have a history with military sexual assault – this type of trauma can lead to self-medication with drugs or alcohol. To find support systems and resources specifically designed for women veterans, visit calvet.ca.gov.
For more information, read our guide on Substance Abuse Rehab for Veterans
Binge Drinking
Illicit Drug Usage
In California, nearly 14% of youth participated in binge drinking in 2013, and 10% used illicit drugs. To overcome the challenges that youth face in overcoming substance addiction, some treatment centers provide teen-specific treatment programs. Our database has a filter that allows you to find the closest rehabs that provide that treatment option.
Use the following resources to get a better understanding of three of the biggest dangers to youth: prescription drug abuse, underage drinking, and marijuana use.
Substance abuse and mental health issues tend to go hand-in-hand – the technical term is “co-occurring mental and substance use disorders.” The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) estimates that 18% of those with some form of mental health illness also have a substance use disorder, and 39% of those with a substance use disorder also have a mental health disorder.
If you or someone you love is suffering from mental health issues such as depression, PTSD, eating disorders, or severe anxiety there are many resources and ways to get help.
Below are a few quick ways to get immediate help, as advised from MentalHealth.gov:
For those who need mental health help but don’t have an immediate need, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has a page dedicated to helping the general public with mental health concerns, and a special mental health program for veterans.
Those who have mental health issues and a substance abuse problem may benefit from dual-diagnosis rehabs. Use the appropriate filter in our tool above to find rehab centers with programs designed to meet the unique challenge posed by co-occurring disorders.
Aftercare is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most crucial steps in the rehabilitation process. The chances of relapsing after rehab dramatically rise for individuals who just try and go back to “normal life,” rather than pursuing further treatment in aftercare. There are several types of aftercare including follow-up visits for continued therapy, group therapy, and sober living homes.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) designed the 12-step process for those recovering from an alcohol addiction, and today there are many other 12-step programs for other addictions and issues – Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is one only one example.
The tool below lists the contact information for local organizations that will connect you to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings near you. Since meeting times and locations change periodically, contact the local groups that coordinate the meetings to ensure that the information is up to date.
Name | City | Program | Telephone | Spanish Hotline |
---|---|---|---|---|
24 Hour Answering Service | Chino | AA | (909) 628-4428 | N/A |
24 Hour Answering Service | Davis | AA | (800) 970-9040 | N/A |
24 Hour Answering Service | Twain Harte | AA | (209) 533-1134 | N/A |
24 Hour Answering Service | Yuba City | AA | (916) 454-1100;(916) 454-1771 | N/A |
24-Hour Hotline | Thousand Oaks | AA | (805) 495-1111 | N/A |
52nd District Alcoholics Anonymous Central Office | Santa Maria | AA | (805) 925-3782 | N/A |
916 North Area NA | 916 North Area (Chico) | NA | (877) 669-1669 | N/A |
A.A. Central Office Of Kern County | Bakersfield | AA | (661) 322-4025 | N/A |
A.A. San Fernando Valley C.O. | Van Nuys | AA | (818) 988-3001 | N/A |
Alcoholics Anonymous 24-Hour Hotline | Galt | AA | (209) 339-1201 | N/A |
All South Bay Central Office | Torrance | AA | (310) 618-1180 | N/A |
American River Area NA | American River Area (Sacramento) | NA | (800) 600-4673;(866) 565-2135 | N/A |
Antelope Valley Intergroup | Lancaster | AA | (661) 945-5757 | N/A |
Area de Habla Hispana del Norte California NA | Area de Habla Hispana del Norte California | NA | N/A | (855) 667-2262 |
Bay Cities Area NA | Bay Cities Area (Long Beach, San Pedro, Torrance, Hermosa Beach) | NA | (310) 372-9666 | N/A |
Beach Area NA | Beach Area | NA | N/A | N/A |
CAN Area NA | CAN Area (Needles) | NA | (928) 768-6467 | N/A |
Central California Area NA | Central California Area (Fresno) | NA | (559) 255-5881 | N/A |
Central California Fellowship | Sacramento | AA | (916) 454-1100;(916) 454-1771 | N/A |
Central Coast Area NA | Central Coast Area (Lompoc, San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles) | NA | (800) 549-7730 | N/A |
Central Coast Central Office Intergroup | San Luis Obispo | AA | (805) 541-3211;(855) 541-3288 | N/A |
Central Intergroup Office Of The Desert | Cathedral City | AA | (760) 324-4880 | N/A |
Central Service Office Of Fresno | Fresno | AA | (559) 221-6907 | N/A |
Central Sierra Area NA | Central Sierra Area (Angels Camp) | NA | (800) 240-4956 | N/A |
Central Sierra South Area NA | Central Sierra South Area (Sonora) | NA | (209) 533-2348 | N/A |
Central Valley Intergroup | Modesto | AA | (209) 572-2970 | N/A |
Central Valley North Area NA | Central Valley North Area (Acampo, Lodi, Manteca, Ripon, Stockton, Tracy, Victor) | NA | (209) 464-9262 | N/A |
Contra Costa Area NA | Contra Costa Area (Concord) | NA | (925) 685-4357 | N/A |
Contra Costa Service Center | Walnut Creek | AA | (925) 939-4155;(925) 939-5371 | N/A |
County Line Area NA | County Line Area (Simi Valley, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks) | NA | (888) 672-9318 | N/A |
Del Norte Intergroup | Crescent City | AA | (707) 464-3411 | N/A |
Delta Central Office | Stockton | AA | (209) 464-1509 | N/A |
Desert Empire Area NA | Desert Empire Area (Barstow) | NA | (800) 863-2962 | N/A |
Dist. 20-Grass Valley, Nevada City, Penn Valley and Surrounding Areas | Western Nevada County | AA | (530) 272-6287 | N/A |
East Bay Central Area NA | East Bay Central Area (Alameda County, Berkeley, Oakland, Fremont, Livermore) | NA | (510) 444-4673 | N/A |
East Bay North Area NA | East Bay North Area (Oakland) | NA | (510) 444-4673 | N/A |
East County Intergroup | El Cajon | AA | (877) 993-2422 | N/A |
Eastbay Intergroup Central Office | Oakland | AA | (510) 839-8900 | (408) 417-1593 |
Eastern Counties Area NA | Eastern Counties Area (Whittier, Downey) | NA | (562) 698-4604 | N/A |
Eastern Inland Empire Area NA | Eastern Inland Empire Area (Riverside, San Bernardino) | NA | (800) 397-2333;(909) 370-3568 | N/A |
Eastern Sierra Area NA | Eastern Sierra Area (Ridgecrest) | NA | (760) 446-4445 | N/A |
Foothill Area NA | Foothill Area (Porterville) | NA | (559) 784-4420 | N/A |
Gold Coast Area NA | Gold Coast Area (Ventura, Oxnard) | NA | (888) 817-7425 | N/A |
Gold Country Area NA | Gold Country Area (Jackson, Ione, Sutter Creek and Pioneer) | NA | (209) 256-0645 | N/A |
Greater East Los Angeles Area NA | Greater East Los Angeles Area | NA | (323) 721-5504 | N/A |
Greater Los Angeles Area NA | Greater Los Angeles Area | NA | (323) 933-5395 | N/A |
Greater Mojave Area NA | Greater Mojave Area (Victorville) | NA | (888) 322-6817 | N/A |
Greater San Jose Area NA | Greater San Jose Area | NA | (408) 998-4200 | N/A |
Harbor Area Central Office | Long Beach | AA | (562) 989-7697 | (310) 516-8626 |
Hollywood Area NA | Hollywood Area | NA | (323) 850-1624 | N/A |
Humboldt County Intergroup | Eureka | AA | (844) 442-0711 | N/A |
Humboldt/Del Norte Area NA | Humboldt/Del Norte Area (Crescent City) | NA | (866) 315-8645 | N/A |
Inland Empire 12th Step Service Board | Claremont | AA | (909) 628-4428 | N/A |
Inland Empire Central Office | Colton | AA | (909) 825-4700 | N/A |
Inland Empire Foothills Area NA | Inland Empire Foothills Area (Redlands, Yucaipa) | NA | (909) 795-0464 | N/A |
Inland Empire West Area NA | Inland Empire West Area (Montclair, Ontario) | NA | (909) 622-4274 | N/A |
Intercounty Fellowship Of A.A. | San Francisco | AA | (415) 674-1821 | N/A |
Intergroup Answering Service | Susanville | AA | (530) 257-2880 | N/A |
Kern County Area NA | Kern County Area (Bakersfield) | NA | (877) 629-6759 | N/A |
Kings Tulare Area NA | Kings Tulare Area (Hanford, Tulare, Visalia) | NA | (559) 734-0403 | N/A |
Lake County Area NA | Lake County Area (Lakeport) | NA | (707) 262-0132 | N/A |
Lake County Intergroup | Lower Lake | AA | (707) 995-3316 | N/A |
Los Angeles Central Office | Los Angeles | AA | (323) 963-4343;(800) 923-8722 | N/A |
Lower Desert Area NA | Lower Desert Area (Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Indio) | NA | (888) 777-5947 | N/A |
Marin County NA | Marin County (San Rafael) | NA | (877) 612-7837 | N/A |
Mariposa A.A. Answering Service | Mariposa | AA | (209) 966-3110 | N/A |
Mendocino Coast Intergroup | Ft. Bragg | AA | (877) 546-9286 | N/A |
Mendocino Country Area NA | Mendocino Country Area (Ukiah, Willits) | NA | (707) 485-9110 | N/A |
Mendocino Inland Intergroup | Ukiah | AA | (707) 462-7123 | N/A |
Middle Mountain Area NA | Middle Mountain Area (Yuba City, Marysville, Olivehurst) | NA | (877) 669-1669 | N/A |
Mission Peak Area NA | Mission Peak Area | NA | (510) 444-4673 | N/A |
Monterey Bay Area Intergroup | Monterey | AA | (831) 373-3713 | N/A |
Monterey County Area NA | Monterey County Area (Monterey) | NA | (831) 624-2055 | N/A |
Monterey County Area NA | Monterey County Area (Salinas) | NA | (831) 758-1630 | N/A |
Morongo Basin Area NA | Morongo Basin Area (Joshua Tree, Morongo Valley) | NA | (800) 833-2830 | N/A |
Mountain Area NA | Mountain Area (Running Springs, Big Bear, Yucca Valley, Lake Arrowhead) | NA | (909) 584-7115 | N/A |
Napa County Intergroup | Napa | AA | (707) 500-7001 | N/A |
Napa/Solano Area NA | Napa/Solano Area | NA | (866) 642-3848 | N/A |
No. California Intergroup | Redding | AA | (530) 225-8955 | N/A |
No. San Diego Co. Central Office | Vista | AA | (760) 758-2514 | N/A |
North Coastal Area NA | North Coastal Area (Vista, Oceanside, Encinitas) | NA | (866) 331-1958 | N/A |
North Orange County Central Office | Fullerton | AA | (714) 773-4357 | N/A |
North Solano Intergroup | Vacaville | AA | (707) 446-2244 | N/A |
North Valley Central Office | Chico | AA | (530) 342-5756 | N/A |
Oakhurst Fellowship Answering Service | Oakhurst | AA | (559) 683-1662 | N/A |
Oficina Central de Riverside | Riverside | AA | N/A | (951) 687-7090 |
Oficina Central Hispana | El Monte | AA | N/A | (626) 453-0226 |
Oficina Central Hispana | Los Angeles | AA | N/A | (323) 750-2039 |
Oficina Central Hispana | San Diego | AA | N/A | (619) 280-7224 |
Oficina Central Hispana | San Francisco | AA | N/A | (415) 824-1834 |
Oficina Central Hispana Costa Norte | San Jose | AA | N/A | (408) 287-7205 |
Oficina Central Hispana Intergrupal | Salinas | AA | N/A | (831) 757-8518 |
Oficina Central Norte | Santa Rosa | AA | N/A | (707) 623-6702 |
Oficina Hispana Del Este De La | Los Angeles | AA | N/A | (323) 722-4175 |
Oficina Intergrupal | Chula Vista | AA | N/A | (619) 476-0288 |
Oficina Intergrupal | Watsonville | AA | N/A | (831) 768-9597 |
Oficina Intergrupal Condado Ve | Oxnard | AA | N/A | (805) 988-0329 |
Oficina Intergrupal De Orange | Santa Ana | AA | N/A | (714) 541-7225 |
Oficina Intergrupal Del Este De La Bahia | Richmond | AA | N/A | (510) 328-8930 |
Oficina Intergrupal Hispana | Fresno | AA | N/A | (559) 266-6752 |
Oficina Intergrupal Hispana De Alcoholicos Anonimos Del Area de Santa Clara | San Jose | AA | N/A | (408) 931-2002 |
Oficina Intergrupal Hispana del Area de San Mateo | Mountainview | AA | N/A | (650) 679-2374 |
Oficina Intergrupal Hispana Del Conadado Notre de San Diego | Vista | AA | N/A | (760) 758-6905 |
Oficina Intergrupal Hispana Del Condado De Kern | Bakersfield | AA | N/A | (661) 205-0296 |
Oficina Intergrupal Hispana Del Valle De Coachella | Indio | AA | N/A | (760) 625-9018 |
Oficina Intergrupal Hispana Su | Long Beach | AA | N/A | (310) 516-8626 |
Oficina Intergrupal Sureste De Ventura | Santa Paula | AA | N/A | (805) 525-6140 |
Oficina Intergrupal Valle Del Antelope | Littlerock | AA | N/A | (661) 944-5147 |
Oficina Intergrupo De Chino | Pomona | AA | N/A | (909) 629-0493 |
Orange County Area NA | Orange County Area (Anaheim) | NA | (714) 590-2388 | N/A |
Orange County Central Office | Santa Ana | AA | (714) 556-4555 | N/A |
Paradise Intergroup | Paradise | AA | (530) 342-5756 | N/A |
Peninsula Area NA | Peninsula Area (San Mateo) | NA | (650) 802-5950 | N/A |
River Cities Area NA | River Cities Area (Anderson, Red Bluff) | NA | (877) 669-1669 | N/A |
Sacramento Fellowship Area NA | Sacramento Fellowship Area (Sacramento, Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, Woodland) | NA | (877) 623-6363 | N/A |
Salinas Valley Area Intergroup | Salinas | AA | (831) 424-9874 | N/A |
San Diego Central Office | San Diego | AA | (619) 265-8762 | N/A |
San Diego Imperial Counties - Spanish NA | San Diego Imperial Counties - Spanish | NA | N/A | (619) 546-0774 |
San Diego Imperial Counties Region NA | San Diego Imperial Counties Region | NA | (800) 479-0062;(619) 584-1007 | N/A |
San Fernando Valley Area NA | San Fernando Valley Area (East San Fernando Valley) | NA | (818) 997-3822 | N/A |
San Francisco Area NA | San Francisco Area | NA | (415) 621-8600 | N/A |
San Gabriel Valley Area NA | San Gabriel Valley Area (Pasadena) | NA | (626) 584-6910 | N/A |
San Gabriel/Pomona Valley Central Office | Glendora | AA | (626) 914-1861 | N/A |
San Mateo CO Fellowship Of A.A. | San Mateo | AA | (650) 577-1310 | N/A |
Santa Barbara Area NA | Santa Barbara Area | NA | (805) 569-1288 | N/A |
Santa Barbara Central Office | Santa Barbara | AA | (805) 962-3332 | N/A |
Santa Clara County Intergroup C.O. | San Jose | AA | (408) 374-8511 | N/A |
Santa Clarita Area NA | Santa Clarita Area (Newhall, Saugus) | NA | (800) 338-2155 | N/A |
Santa Cruz Area NA | Santa Cruz Area | NA | (831) 429-7436 | N/A |
Santa Cruz County Intergroup Inc. | Soquel | AA | (831) 475-5782 | N/A |
SCV Central Office Of A.A. | Santa Clarita | AA | (661) 250-9922 | N/A |
Shasta/Trinity Area NA | Shasta/Trinity Area (Redding) | NA | (877) 669-1669 | N/A |
Sierra Foothills Area NA | Sierra Foothills Area (Auburn, Placerville) | NA | (888) 423-3428;(530) 645-1635 | N/A |
Sierra Sage Region NA | Sierra Sage Region (Mammoth Lakes, Bishop) | NA | N/A | N/A |
Siskiyou Area NA | Siskiyou Area (Mt Shasta, Weed, Yreka) | NA | (530) 925-6616 | N/A |
So. Solano County Central Office | Benicia | AA | (707) 745-8822 | N/A |
Sonoma County Area NA | Sonoma County Area (Santa Rosa) | NA | (707) 324-4062 | N/A |
Sonoma County Intergroup | Santa Rosa | AA | (707) 544-1300;(707) 546-2066;(800) 224-1300 | N/A |
South Coast Area NA | South Coast Area (San Juan Capistrano) | NA | (800) 333-3610 | N/A |
South Tahoe Basin Area NA | South Tahoe Basin Area (Lake Tahoe South) | NA | (530) 541-4100 | N/A |
Southern Antelope Valley Area NA | Southern Antelope Valley Area (Palmdale, Lancaster) | NA | (661) 266-2200 | N/A |
Southwest Area NA | Southwest Area (Hemet, Temecula, Banning) | NA | (951) 652-5326 | N/A |
Southwestern Riverside County Central Service Office Inc. | Temecula | AA | (951) 695-1535 | N/A |
Spanish Speaking for LA NA | Spanish Speaking for LA | NA | N/A | (888) 622-4672 |
Stanislaus Valley Area NA | Stanislaus Valley Area (Modesto, Merced) | NA | (888) 942-9922;(209) 526-1817 | N/A |
Truckee/North Lake Tahoe Basin Area NA | Truckee/North Lake Tahoe Basin Area | NA | (530) 546-1116 | N/A |
Tulare County Central Office | Exeter | AA | (559) 592-6999 | N/A |
Valle Oficina Central | Modesto | AA | N/A | (209) 222-8313 |
Valley Service Center | Dublin | AA | (925) 829-0666;(925) 829-3160;(888) 859-3230 | N/A |
Ventura County Central Service Office | Camarillo | AA | (805) 389-1444 | N/A |
Victor Valley Intergroup Central Office Inc. | Apple Valley | AA | (760) 242-9292 | N/A |
West End Area NA | West End Area (West San Fernando Valley) | NA | (818) 787-9706 | N/A |
Western Slope Intergroup | Placerville | AA | (530) 622-3500 | N/A |
Westside Area NA | Westside Area (West Los Angeles, Santa Monica) | NA | (310) 390-0279 | N/A |
Sober living homes (also referred to as recovery residences) are group homes that help recovering addicts transition from treatment facilities to living on their own, while maintaining sobriety. They are especially helpful for those who don’t have a supportive and positive environment to live in after rehab.
Residents can stay for a couple months of for years, as long as they follow the rules and don’t relapse (most homes have a zero tolerance policy for using substances). Other rules usually include completing chores, attending mutual support groups regularly, and paying an equal share of the cost of renting the home.
Some halfway houses are listed in our database, and you can find them by using the appropriate filter in our tool above. Otherwise, head to our guide on sober living homes to learn more about sober living homes, and to find a certified recovery residence near you.
of Californians use marijuana
of Americans use marijuana
As you can see in the table below, marijuana is used by almost five million Californians every year (based on 2015 data), which equates to about 15% of the population. For comparison, the national average is 11.09%. With the exception of heroin, each substance measured in the table below was used at a higher rate by Californians compared to the national average.
Note: The data collected by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) did not distinguish between moderate, legal usage of marijuana and usage that would constitute as a substance use disorder (as it does with alcohol). For more information about the difference between moderate usage and a marijuana use disorder, read our guide on Marijuana Addiction.
Ages: 12-17 | Ages: 18+ | Total | California % of Population | National % of Population | |
Alcohol (AUD)* | 83,000 | 2,038,000 | 2,122,000 | 6.55% | 5.10% |
Cocaine | 29,000 | 670,000 | 699,000 | 2.16% | 1.46% |
Heroin | 3,000 | 62,000 | 64,000 | 0.20% | 0.27% |
Marijuana | 431,000 | 4,505,000 | 4,936,00 | 15.25% | 11.09% |
* AUD stands for Alcohol Use Disorder. The numbers reflected on the table above are not the number of individuals who use alcohol, but rather those who have an AUD.
of Californian deaths are caused by drugs and alcohol
of US deaths are caused by drugs and alcohol
The table below shows the number of deaths caused (or partially caused) by drugs and alcohol in the 10-year span between 2006 and 2015. The percentage of deaths is less than half of the national average for all age groups (6.06% in California vs. 13.36% nationally). The percentage of teenagers is also less at only 4.90% while the U.S. average is 5.3%.
Ages: 12-17 | Ages: 18+ | All Ages | |
---|---|---|---|
Drug-Induced Deaths | 307 | 78,474 | 78,885 |
Alcohol-Induced Deaths | 70 | 75,887 | 75,977 |
Total Deaths | 7,700 | 2,514,096 | 2,555,020 |
Percentage of Drug & Alcohol-Induced Deaths | 4.90% | 6.14% | 6.06% |
of California rehab admissions are for meth
of US rehab admissions are for meth
30% of addicts who went to state-funded rehab facilities in 2015 listed amphetamines (including meth) as their primary substance of abuse – that’s 21% higher than the national average. Additionally, the number of people that go to rehab for alcohol addiction is 12% lower in California than in the U.S. as a whole.
Total Admissions in California | Percent of all Admissions in California | Percent of All Admissions in the US | |
All Substances | 150,679 | 100% | 100% |
Amphetamines (Including Methamphetamines) | 45,192 | 30.0% | 8.9% |
Heroin | 36,902 | 24.5% | 25.4% |
Alcohol (Including Alcohol Usage with Secondary Drug) | 31,862 | 21.2% | 33.9% |
Marijuana | 22,083 | 14.7% | 14.1% |
Other Opiates (Including Prescription Painkillers) | 8,065 | 5.4% | 8.2% |
Cocaine (Including smoked and other usage) | 4,959 | 3.3% | 5.0% |
Other/Unknown | 497 | 0.3% | 3.0% |
Tranquilizers | 382 | 0.3% | 0.9% |
PCP | 301 | 0.2% | 0.3% |
Sedatives | 274 | 0.2% | 0.2% |
Hallucinogens | 87 | 0.1% | 0.1% |
Inhalants | 47 | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Other Stimulants | 28 | 0.0% | 0.1% |
When trying to understand the substance abuse problem in a specific area, researchers and policymakers examine “key indicators.” Combined with usage stats, key indicators can provide a deep level of insight into which substances and demographics present the biggest problem and are at the highest risk. Key indicators with recent, credible statistics available are examined below.
Based on data from The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 18% of those with some form of mental health illness also have a substance use disorder, and 41% of those with a substance use disorder also have a mental health disorder. The combination of the two issues is called a “dual diagnosis“. Because of the link between the problems, the prevalence of mental health problems helps us to understand substance abuse in California.
of Californians have mental health problems
of Americans have mental health problems
As you can see in the table below, mental health problems afflict more than one out of every six Californians (or 17%), which is considerably higher than the national average of 13.55%.
Ages: 12-17 | Percentage of Population | Ages: 18+ | Percentage of Population | |
Major Depressive Episode | 375,000 | 12.28% | 1,731,000 | 5.90% |
Serious Mental Illness | No Data | No Data | 1,035,000 | 3.53% |
Any Mental Illness | No Data | No Data | 4,997,000 | 17.04% |
Had Serious Thoughts of Suicide | No Data | No Data | 1,115,000 | 3.80% |
A direct indicator of severe mental health problems, suicide is an act that’s often linked with substance abuse – those who have a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) are six times more likely to attempt suicide during their lifetime than those without an SUD. Compared to the other states, California ranked 44th for the number of suicides per 100,000 people.
Suicides in California | Suicides Rank | California Suicide Rate (Per 100k People) | Suicide Rate Rank | U.S. Suicide Rate (Per 100k People) | |
Ages: 12-17 | 847 | 2nd | 2.6 | 49th | 4.2 |
Ages: 18+ | 37,997 | 1st | 13.4 | 43rd | 16 |
Total | 38,883 | 1st | 10.4 | 44th | 12.5 |
The most tangible impact substance abuse has on a community may be when individuals choose to get behind the wheel of a car after using drugs or alcohol. Statistics involving arrests and crashes due to drugs and alcohol give direct insight into the substance abuse problem in the state.
of Californian drivers drive after drinking too much
of US drivers drive after drinking too much
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1.8% of California drivers report driving after drinking too much, which is slightly below the national average of 1.9%. As you can see in the table below, that results in fewer deaths involving intoxicated drivers.
Ages: 0-20 | Ages: 21-34 | Ages: 35+ | All Ages | |
---|---|---|---|---|
California Rate of Deaths (per 100,000) |
0.9 | 4.5 | 1.8 | 2.0 |
United States Rate of Deaths (per 100,000) | 1.3 | 6.7 | 3.1 | 3.3 |
The table below represents the most recent data available regarding DUI trends in California. In the five-year span between 2009 and 2013, the number of intoxicated drivers arrested each year steadily decreased, as did the number of injuries from crashes involving a driver who was under the influence. However, the number of fatalities increased during the same period.
2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total DUI Arrests | 208,531 | 195,879 | 180,212 | 172,893 | 160,388 |
DUI Arrest Rate (per 100,000 licensed drivers) | 880 | 823 | 752 | 712 | 651 |
DUI Crash Fatalities Involving Drugs & Alcohol | 1,976 | 1,768 | 1,798 | 1,987 | 2,089 |
DUI Crash Injuries Involving Drugs & Alcohol | 28,367 | 26,727 | 25,910 | 26,490 | 25,667 |
Prescription drug abuse (particularly opioid painkillers and Benzodiazepines) is an increasing problem in the United States. While it is difficult to estimate how many people use these drugs as prescribed and how many abuse them, the CDC and IMS have researched the variation in painkiller prescriptions between states. The more prescriptions are written, the greater the potential for dependence and abuse.
opioid pain reliever prescriptions per 100 people in California
opioid pain reliever prescriptions per 100 people in the US
California ranks near the bottom for the number of prescriptions written in 2012 in every category. Out of 51 states (and Washington D.C.), California ranked 50th for the number of traditional opioid pain relievers prescribed.
California | National Average | State Rank | |
---|---|---|---|
Opioid Pain Relievers | 57 | 87.3 | 50 |
Long-Acting/Extended-Release Opioid Pain Relievers | 5.8 | 12.0 | 49 |
High-Dose Opioid Pain Relievers | 3 | 4.5 | 42 |
Benzodiazepines | 25.4 | 39.2 | 47 |
A high rate of homelessness in an area indicates a greater potential for substance abuse problems. Homelessness has been shown to be linked to substance abuse as both the cause and result – sometimes substance abuse is the reason for homelessness, and other times homelessness contributes to it.
In California, the overall rate of homelessness is relatively high, and it’s been slightly increasing every year since a large drop in 2013-2014. Over 20% of all homeless people live in California, and it has the highest unsheltered rate in the nation at 66.4%
“At-Risk Groups” are segments of the population who are especially vulnerable to developing a substance abuse problem, or those who have a higher likelihood of negative outcomes. While there are several different demographics that fit into this category (such as pregnant women and veterans), the only recent statistics in the state of California have to do with youth. Youth are considered “at-risk” because the effect of substance-abuse on their still-developing brain is more extreme than with older addicts.
of Californian youth used illicit drugs in 2013
of US youth used illicit drugs in 2013
While 12 to 17 year-olds in California binge drink at a rate on par with teens in rest of nation, illegal drug usage is slightly higher. However, both binge drinking and illicit drug usage declined steadily from 2009 to 2013 (more recent data is not yet available).
Illicit Drug Use in California | Illicit Drug Use in the U.S. | Binge Alcohol Use in California | Binge Alcohol Use in the U.S. | |
2009 – 2010 | 11.9% | 10.1% | 16.9% | 17.5% |
2010 – 2011 | 12.1% | 10.1% | 16.5% | 16.3% |
2011 – 2012 | 11.2% | 9.8% | 15.0% | 15.6% |
2012 – 2013 | 9.8% | 9.2% | 14.4% | 14.7% |
SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Barometer – California, 2014
The following sections provide a deeper look at the substance abuse problem in California by examining key indicators in the five largest cities in California. Additionally, the three highest-rated rehabs that offer some type of payment assistance near each city are listed.
The three highest rated rehabs in the greater Los Angeles area that offer payment assistance are listed in the table below, along with each institution’s performance on our core metrics.
Solutions 4 Recovery | CRI-Help Inc. | Matrix Institute Addictions | |
---|---|---|---|
Rehabilitation Services Provided | 8.3 | 4.98 | 5.81 |
Treatment Approaches | 8.47 | 6.93 | 6.93 |
Cost | 6.25 | 7.5 | 3.75 |
Special Programs for Unique Demographics | 9.38 | 8.71 | 10 |
Ancillary Services | 8.06 | 7.75 | 6.82 |
Total Score | 8.1 | 6.8 | 6.4 |
of Los Angeles deaths are caused by drugs and alcohol
of Californian deaths are caused by drugs and alcohol
The percentage of deaths due to drugs and alcohol is 5.03%, which is lower than the national average (13.36%), the state average (6.06%), and the other four cities we researched.
Ages: 12-17 | Ages: 18+ | All Ages | |
Drug-Induced Deaths | 55 | 13,942 | 14,022 |
Alcohol-Induced Deaths | 13 | 17,050 | 17,068 |
Total Deaths | 1,969 | 607,861 | 618,323 |
Percentage of Drug & Alcohol-Induced Deaths | 3.45% | 5.10% | 5.03% |
DUI arrests per 10,000 people in Los Angeles in 2013
DUI arrests per 10,000 people in California in 2013
DUI arrests decreased by 2,690 between 2011 and 2013. Additionally, the number of arrests per 100,000 people in LA is slightly lower than the state average.
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | |
---|---|---|---|
Los Angeles County | 40.7 | 40.0 | 37.4 |
Sacramento County | 51.7 | 38.7 | 38.5 |
San Diego County | 49.7 | 42.2 | 38.1 |
San Francisco & San Mateo Counties | 31.2 | 30.3 | 26.9 |
Santa Clara County (San Jose) | 34.2 | 31.6 | 29.7 |
Statewide | 47.8 | 45.5 | 41.8 |
CA DMV: 2015 DUI-MIS Report
Overall, there were 20% more homeless people during the Point-In-Time (PIT) count in January of 2017 than there was in January of 2016 in Los Angeles. One of the highest increases in homelessness involved veterans – there were 56% more in 2017 than in 2016. In the 2017 survey, 20% of the homeless population self-reported a substance abuse disorder.
Sheltered | Unsheltered | Total | Percent Change (2016 vs. 2017) |
|
---|---|---|---|---|
All Persons | 8,952 | 25,237 | 34,189 | +20% |
Under 18 | 2,340 | 489 | 3,157 | +45% |
Veterans | 626 | 1,892 | 2,518 | +56% |
Substance Use Disorder | 683 | 5,638 | 6,321 | -3% |
The three highest rated rehabs near San Diego that offer payment assistance are listed in the table below, along with each institution’s performance on our core metrics.
Solutions 4 Recovery | Downtown Family Health Center at Connections | CRASH Bill Dawson Residential Recovery Program | |
---|---|---|---|
Rehabilitation Services Provided | 8.3 | 2.49 | 1.66 |
Treatment Approaches | 8.47 | 6.16 | 6.93 |
Cost | 6.25 | 8.75 | 2.5 |
Special Programs for Unique Demographics | 9.38 | 0 | 7.37 |
Ancillary Services | 8.06 | 7.44 | 7.44 |
Total Score | 8.1 | 4.8 | 4.6 |
of San Diego deaths are caused by drugs and alcohol
of Californian deaths are caused by drugs and alcohol
Compared to the state average of 6.06%, San Diego’s rate of alcohol and drug-induced deaths (6.49%) is slightly higher than normal.
Ages: 12-17 | Ages: 18+ | All Ages | |
Drug-Induced Deaths | 21 | 6,805 | 6,833 |
Alcohol-Induced Deaths | N/A | 6,846 | 6,853 |
Total Deaths | 510 | 207,856 | 210,955 |
Percentage of Drug & Alcohol-Induced Deaths | 5.49% | 6.57% | 6.49% |
Decrease in DUI arrests
In 2013 there were 3,317 fewer DUI arrests in San Diego than in 2011, which is a 21% decrease. Overall, DUI arrests occurred at the second highest rate (among the cities we researched), but the 2013 rate was still below the state average.
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | |
---|---|---|---|
Los Angeles County | 40.7 | 40.0 | 37.4 |
Sacramento County | 51.7 | 38.7 | 38.5 |
San Diego County | 49.7 | 42.2 | 38.1 |
San Francisco & San Mateo Counties | 31.2 | 30.3 | 26.9 |
Santa Clara County (San Jose) | 34.2 | 31.6 | 29.7 |
Statewide | 47.8 | 45.5 | 41.8 |
CA DMV: 2015 DUI-MIS Report
The percentage of youth in San Diego (0.7%) among the homeless population is considerably lower than Los Angeles’ 10% and San Jose’s 7%. The percentage of the homeless population that are veterans is high compared to Los Angeles (12% vs. 7%), but the number of homeless veterans is dropping – there was a 9% decrease from 2016 to 2017.
Sheltered | Unsheltered | Total | Percent Change (2016 vs. 2017) |
|
---|---|---|---|---|
All Persons | 5,621 | 3,495 | 9,116 | +5% |
Under 18 | 27 | 41 | 68 | N/A |
Veterans | 454 | 600 | 1,054 | -9% |
The table below shows the three highest rated treatment centers that offer payment assistance in or near San Jose, along with each institution’s performance on our core metrics.
Diablo Valley Drug & Alcohol Services |
Horizon Services Inc. – Cronin House | El Centro de Libertad (The Freedom Center) | |
---|---|---|---|
Rehabilitation Services Provided | 10 | 3.32 | 1.66 |
Treatment Approaches | 7.7 | 8.47 | 6.93 |
Cost | 3.75 | 5 | 5 |
Special Programs for Unique Demographics | 0 | 8.71 | 10 |
Ancillary Services | 8.37 | 6.2 | 3.1 |
Total Score | 6.5 | 6.0 | 5.0 |
of San Jose deaths are caused by drugs and alcohol
of Californian deaths are caused by drugs and alcohol
Compared to the national average (13.36%) and the state average (6.06%), the percentage of deaths that are caused by drugs and alcohol in San Jose is low (5.47%).
Ages: 12-17 | Ages: 18+ | All Ages | |
Drug-Induced Deaths | N/A | 2,427 | 2,433 |
Alcohol-Induced Deaths | N/A | 2,889 | 2,893 |
Total Deaths | 231 | 96,075 | 97,412 |
Percentage of Drug & Alcohol-Induced Deaths | 4.33% | 5.53% | 5.47% |
DUI arrests per 10,000 people in San Jose in 2013
DUI arrests per 10,000 people in California in 2013
Of the five cities that we researched, San Jose had the second lowest number of DUI arrests per 10,000 people – the rate in Santa Clara County was 29.7, and the combined rate of San Francisco County and San Mateo County was 26.9. Compared to the state average of 41.8, San Jose’s rate is low.
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | |
---|---|---|---|
Los Angeles County | 40.7 | 40.0 | 37.4 |
Sacramento County | 51.7 | 38.7 | 38.5 |
San Diego County | 49.7 | 42.2 | 38.1 |
San Francisco & San Mateo Counties | 31.2 | 30.3 | 26.9 |
Santa Clara County (San Jose) | 34.2 | 31.6 | 29.7 |
Statewide | 47.8 | 45.5 | 41.8 |
CA DMV: 2015 DUI-MIS Report
Overall, homelessness in San Jose has increased by 3.7% since 2009. Of the 4,350 homeless people in 2017, 23% self-reported that substance abuse was the cause of their homelessness.
2009 | 2011 | 2013 | 2015 | 2017 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sheltered | 1,081 | 977 | 1,110 | 1,253 | 1,119 |
Unsheltered | 3,112 | 3,057 | 3,660 | 2,810 | 3,231 |
Total | 4,193 | 4,034 | 4,770 | 4,063 | 4,350 |
Percent Change (from previous year) |
N/A | -4% | +18% | -15% | +7% |
City of San Jose: 2017 Homeless Census & Survey
The three highest rated treatment centers near San Francisco that offer payment assistance are listed below, along with each institution’s performance on our core metrics.
Diablo Valley Drug & Alcohol Services |
Horizon Services Inc. – Cronin House | Marin Treatment Center | |
---|---|---|---|
Rehabilitation Services Provided | 10 | 3.32 | 9.13 |
Treatment Approaches | 7.7 | 8.47 | 7.7 |
Cost | 3.75 | 5 | 2.5 |
Special Programs for Unique Demographics | 0 | 8.71 | 0 |
Ancillary Services | 8.37 | 6.2 | 4.34 |
Total Score | 6.5 | 6.0 | 5.6 |
of San Francisco deaths are caused by drugs and alcohol
of Californian deaths are caused by drugs and alcohol
While the percentage of drug and alcohol-induced deaths in San Francisco of 7.73% is still below the national average of 13.36%, it’s higher than the state average (6.06%) and the highest among the five largest cities in California.
Ages: 12-17 | Ages: 18+ | All Ages | |
Drug-Induced Deaths | N/A | 2,544 | 2,550 |
Alcohol-Induced Deaths | N/A | 2,159 | 2,161 |
Total Deaths | 81 | 60,484 | 60,981 |
Percentage of Drug & Alcohol-Induced Deaths | 9.88% | 7.78% | 7.73% |
DUI arrests per 10,000 people in San Francisco in 2013
DUI arrests per 10,000 people in California in 2013
Between 2011 and 2013, San Francisco (including San Mateo County) had the lowest number of DUI arrests per 10,000 people at 26.9, and that number was trending downward.
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | |
---|---|---|---|
Los Angeles County | 40.7 | 40.0 | 37.4 |
Sacramento County | 51.7 | 38.7 | 38.5 |
San Diego County | 49.7 | 42.2 | 38.1 |
San Francisco & San Mateo Counties | 31.2 | 30.3 | 26.9 |
Santa Clara County (San Jose) | 34.2 | 31.6 | 29.7 |
Statewide | 47.8 | 45.5 | 41.8 |
CA DMV: 2015 DUI-MIS Report
The number of homeless people in San Francisco only decreased slightly (-1%) between 2013 and 2017. In 2017, 15% of homeless people self-reported that substance abuse was the cause of their homelessness.
2013 | 2015 | 2017 | |
---|---|---|---|
Sheltered | 3,035 | 3,181 | 3,146 |
Unsheltered | 4,315 | 4,358 | 4,353 |
Youth | 914 | 853 | 513 |
Total | 7,350 | 7,539 | 7,449 |
Percent Change (from previous year) |
N/A | +3% | -1% |
San Francisco: 2017 Homeless Count & Survey
The three highest rated rehabs in the greater Sacramento area that offer payment assistance are listed below, along with each institution’s performance on our core metrics.
CommuniCare Health Centers: Salud Clinic | CommuniCare Health Centers: Hansen Family Health Center | Aegis Treatment Centers LLC | |
---|---|---|---|
Rehabilitation Services Provided | 9.13 | 5.81 | 4.98 |
Treatment Approaches | 6.93 | 6.93 | 6.16 |
Cost | 5 | 2.5 | 6.25 |
Special Programs for Unique Demographics | 4.02 | 4.69 | 0.67 |
Ancillary Services | 7.13 | 6.82 | 3.72 |
Total Score | 6.8 | 5.4 | 4.8 |
of Sacramento deaths are caused by drugs and alcohol
of Californian deaths are caused by drugs and alcohol
While the average percentage of deaths caused by drugs and alcohol in Sacramento (7.59%) is considerably lower than the national average (13.36%), it’s higher than the state average of 6.06% and higher than three of the four other cities we researched in the state.
Ages: 12-17 | Ages: 18+ | All Ages | |
Drug-Induced Deaths | 55 | 4,500 | 4,513 |
Alcohol-Induced Deaths | 13 | 3,920 | 3,921 |
Total Deaths | 1,901 | 101,027 | 111,189 |
Percentage of Drug & Alcohol-Induced Deaths | 3.58% | 8.33% | 7.59% |
DUI arrests per 10,000 people in Sacramento in 2013
DUI arrests per 10,000 people in California in 2013
While the DUI arrest rate dropped significantly from 2011 (51.7) to 2013 (38.5), the Sacramento rate per 10,000 people was the highest among the five cities we researched. However, the 2013 arrest rate was still below the state average of 41.8.
2011 | 2012 | 2013 | |
---|---|---|---|
Los Angeles County | 40.7 | 40.0 | 37.4 |
Sacramento County | 51.7 | 38.7 | 38.5 |
San Diego County | 49.7 | 42.2 | 38.1 |
San Francisco & San Mateo Counties | 31.2 | 30.3 | 26.9 |
Santa Clara County (San Jose) | 34.2 | 31.6 | 29.7 |
Statewide | 47.8 | 45.5 | 41.8 |
CA DMV: 2015 DUI-MIS Report
Overall, there was a 36% increase in homelessness from 2013 to 2017, but the number of homeless people living on the street (unsheltered) increased at an even higher rate of 90% – that reflects an additional 1,266 unsheltered homeless people in 2017.
2013 | 2015 | 2017 | |
---|---|---|---|
Sheltered | 1,752 | 1,711 | 1,613 |
Unsheltered | 786 | 1,111 | 2,052 |
Total | 2,538 | 2,822 | 3,665 |
Percent Change (from previous year) |
N/A | 11% | 26% |
Substance abuse treatment is available for anyone who needs help in California– you don’t have to struggle alone. To get help, determine your insurance coverage, then use our tool to find and contact a rehab center near you to schedule an assessment. Remember, many low-cost rehab centers can help if you don’t have insurance coverage or feel that rehab is out of the question due to financial constraints.