TABLE OF CONTENTS
When thinking about which rehab programs and treatment options to explore, some good questions you should consider asking are:
There are various factors which will impact your rehab options, such as the severity of your addiction, your financial position, and your unique personal situation.
For more information on how to make all of these decisions, read our guide to Choosing the Right Rehab.
The cost of rehab can be high, depending on your needs and location. Whether or not you have insurance, there are ways to break free of your addiction. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), there are 70 licensed substance abuse treatment centers in the San Diego area. Many of these organizations are on a mission to provide substance abuse recovery services to residents, regardless of their financial status. Out of the 70 treatment centers, Capalina Comprehensive Treatment Center in San Marcos received the highest score based on our five core metrics.
We used these five core metrics to evaluate the quality of each facility. For more information, feel free to read a full breakdown of our filtering process and ranking methodology.
The Capalina Comprehensive Treatment Center comes in first place with an overall score of 5.2 points out of 10 possible points. This facility provides outpatient medication-assisted treatment to individuals in the San Diego area who are struggling with opioid addiction, utilizing medications such as Methadone. Patients who enroll in a treatment program are also provided with emotional support therapy designed to help them achieve long-term recovery.
This facility scores a 3.75 for cost due to the fact that patients must be prepared to pay for their total treatment cost in advance. However, Medicaid, private insurance, military insurance, and private pay are all viable payment options, in addition to the use of a sliding scale to help defray costs. The center scored very low for special programs for unique groups as it only offers tailored programs for patients referred from the judicial system and pregnant or postpartum women.
The Downtown Family Health Center at Connections has an overall score of 4.8 points out of 10 points. The center scored a 2.49 for rehabilitation services as it only offers generalized substance abuse treatment, although it does welcome clients with opioid addiction. Its medical providers work closely with substance use disorder counselors to create personalized plans for clients to reduce the negative impact of substance abuse on their lives. Treatment approaches range from trauma-related counseling to motivational interviewing to relapse prevention.
Some of the many ancillary services offered at this center include employment counseling and training, mental health services, educational sessions, individual counseling, and support groups. The main drawback of this facility is that there are no special programs for unique demographics. Payment options include Medi-Cal health insurance, which makes their services accessible to many more patients and contributes to the high score it received for cost.
Scoring 4.6 out of 10 possible points, McAlister Institute is one of the San Diego area’s largest alcohol and drug treatment facilities. It treats over 10,000 patients each year, helping them to overcome debilitating drug and alcohol dependency. It offers a host of treatment approaches that are meant to provide behavioral therapy, counseling, intervention, and prevention in both short-term and long-term residential care and regular and intensive outpatient treatment settings.
This facility scores high for its special programs because of the wide range of services offered for unique groups, such as pregnant women, teens, homeless persons, Spanish speakers and more. It scored relatively low for cost as payment options are limited to private pay and Medicare, although a sliding scale and payment assistance may assist clients with treatment costs.
| Rank | Rehab | Total Score | Contact Information |
| #1 | Capalina Comprehensive Treatment Center | 5.2 | 1560 Capalina Road San Marcos, CA 92069 Main Tel: 866-845-8439 |
| #2 | Downtown Family Health Center at Connections | 4.8 | 1250 6th Avenue, Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92101 Main Tel: 619-515-2430 |
| #3 | McAlister Institute | 4.6 | 1400 N. Johnson Avenue, Suite 101 El Cajon, CA 92020 Main Tel: 619-442-0277 |
| #4 | Mental Health Systems | 4.5 | 9465 Farnham Street San Diego, CA 92123 Main Tel: 858-573-2600 |
| #5 | Community Research Foundation, Inc. South Bay Guidance Center | 3.8 | 835 Third Avenue Chula Vista, CA 91911 Main Tel: 619-427-4661 |
| #6 | Community Research Foundation, Inc. Turning Point Crisis Center | 3.6 | 1738 South Tremont Street Oceanside, CA 92054 Main Tel: 760-439-2800 |
| #7 | House of Metamorphosis, Inc. | 3.4 | 2970 Market Street San Diego, CA 92102 Main Tel: 619-236-9492 Intake Tel: 619-236-9217 |
In order to find the best rehabilitation center to suit your needs, you’ll need to learn about your health coverage. Reach out to your private or healthcare marketplace insurance provider to find out which centers you’re able to use. To learn if you qualify for low-income Medicaid services, and to determine your eligibility, visit www.coveredca.com. Regardless of the type of coverage you have, both public and private insurance companies must 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 treatment centers 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 the facilities in our database above to find out if they will provide this service.
Addiction treatment is a multifaceted industry and there are numerous techniques and philosophies. As a result, the science of studying addiction is constantly shifting and improving. However, the core elements of rehabilitation are very similar.
For more on what to expect in rehab, read our guide on the addiction rehabilitation process
The rehabilitation process can be a lifelong venture, and without proper aftercare upon release from a rehab facility, the chances of relapse increase. Many different aftercare options provide flexibility to the community, such as follow-up visits for continued therapy, sober living homes, and group therapy. Research shows that long-term participation in aftercare activities dramatically improves the outcome of rehabilitation efforts.
The 12-step process for recovering from alcohol addiction was created by Alcoholics Anonymous, a nationwide addiction support group. Today, there are many other resources that follow a similar path, including NA, or Narcotics Anonymous, for those struggling with drug addictions.
See our directory tool below to find local organizations that can help you find your local Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) group meetings. Meeting times and locations change periodically, it is best to call ahead to make sure the online information is accurate.
| Name | City | Program | Telephone | Spanish Hotline |
|---|
Sober living homes, or recovery residences, help recovering addicts evolve into functional members of society and encourage independence while helping residents maintain their sobriety. The supportive and positive environment is particularly helpful to addiction recovery, and residents’ recovery efforts benefit from the community that has a no-tolerance policy towards drugs and alcohol. Research shows that people who integrate into a community that incentivizes productivity, in particular, the cultivation of skills like those that could be used to find stable employment and build healthy relationships, encourages those people to focus on building a life outside of their addiction and break free of the cycle of substance abuse.
People in sober living are expected to care for their homes as if they were renting, and so chores are often assigned to residents, as well as rent costs. Support groups in each home are based upon house principles, and attendance is often mandatory. Residents are typically welcome to stay from a few months to as long as several years, given they follow all rules and don’t relapse, as these homes often have zero-tolerance drug use policies.
You can find halfway houses in San Diego by checking our database, or you can select the appropriate filter from our tool above. Alternatively, you can head to our guide on sober living homes and learn more about them, as well as search for a certified recovery residence in your area.
Data provided by the San Diego Department of the Medical Examiner reveals that deaths due to heroin and fentanyl overdoses continue to be a major problem for San Diego County. However, while heroin-related deaths have fluctuated over the last decade, fentanyl-related deaths were at their highest in 2017 at 84. This is an increase from only 12 deaths in 2012, a rise of 600% increase.
| Year | Heroin-Induced Deaths | Fentanyl-Induced Deaths |
| 2012 | 74 | 12 |
| 2013 | 89 | 14 |
| 2014 | 105 | 16 |
| 2015 | 90 | 21 |
| 2016 | 91 | 33 |
| 2017 | 86 | 84 |
| Percentage Change | +16.22% | +600% |
Many counties across California have seen a reduction in the rate of drug overdoses in recent years. However, in some California counties, including San Diego County, the number of drug overdoses continues to climb.
County |
ODs per 10,000 2015 |
ODs per 10,000 2016 |
ODs per 10,000 2017 |
Percentage Change |
| Imperial | 2.3 | 2.2 | 1.2 | -47.82% |
| Butte | 5.5 | 5.1 | 4.2 | -23.64% |
| Alameda | 2.2 | 2.0 | 2.0 | -9.09% |
| El Dorado | 3.6 | 4.6 | 3.3 | -8.33% |
| Humboldt | 7.2 | 7.6 | 6.8 | -5.55% |
| Fresno | 3.1 | 2.9 | 3.1 | 0% |
| San Diego | 2.7 | 2.8 | 2.8 | +3.70% |
| Contra Costa | 2.1 | 2.2 | 2.2 | +4.76% |
| Los Angeles | 2.0 | 2.2 | 2.2 | +10% |
Sources: CDC Wonder and CDC Overdose Death Report
Between the years of 2008 and 2017, there were 14,341 deaths in San Diego County as a result of drugs and alcohol. This amount equates to 6.63% of the total number of deaths in the county.
of San Diego County drug and alcohol-induced deaths, 2008-2017
of US drug and alcohol-induced deaths, 2008-2017
This percentage is considerably less than the percentage of U.S. deaths related to drug and alcohol abuse, which is 12.71%. However, for the state of California, San Diego County ranks among the highest for counties with the most drug and alcohol-related deaths in 2017. This list also includes Los Angeles County at 5.1%, Riverside County at 5.9%, and Sacramento County at 7.5% according to data from CDC Wonder.
| 0-17 | 18+ | All Ages | |
| Drug-Induced Deaths in San Diego County | 30 | 7,114 | 7,145 |
| Alcohol-Induced Deaths in San Diego County | 4 | 7,192 | 7,196 |
| Total Deaths in San Diego County | 2,850 | 213,383 | 216,242 |
| Percentage of Drug & Alcohol-Induced Deaths in San Diego County | 1.19% | 6.70% | 6.63% |
Source: CDC Wonder
While it may not be obvious at first glance exactly how many people in a society are struggling with substance abuse and its effects, we can look at several indicators to see the larger impact of substance abuse in San Diego County. We located data from sources in areas such as homelessness, traffic accidents, and suicide rates that offer a broader view of substance abuse issues and their impact in San Diego.
Data provided by the San Diego Rx Abuse Task Force indicates that heroin trafficking continues to rise. Seizures of heroin at San Diego County ports of entry were at their highest points in 2015 and 2017 and have increased by 35% since 2013.
According to the San Diego Regional Task Force on the Homeless, San Diego’s total homeless population remained relatively unchanged between 2013 and 2016. In 2017, San Diego’s homeless population reached its peak at 9,116 homeless individuals and then dropped in 2018 to 4,912. This decline in the number of homeless individuals appears to demonstrate that local government and community efforts to reduce the homeless population is having a positive effect.
However, the level of substance abuse among the homeless remains a relevant issue. In 2018, 5.23% of homeless individuals were reported to have substance abuse issues, an increase from 2.62% in 2016, when data was last available.
| Year | Homeless | Sheltered | Unsheltered | Homeless Per 1,000 | Percentage of Substance Abuse Among Homeless |
| 2014 | 8,506 | 4,521 | 3,985 | 6.16 | 5.42% |
| 2015 | 8,742 | 4,586 | 4,156 | 6.29 | 4.23% |
| 2016 | 8,692 | 3,752 | 4,940 | 6.16 | 2.62% |
| 2017 | 9,116 | 3,495 | 5,621 | 6.42 | N/A |
| 2018 | 4,912 | 2,282 | 2,630 | 3.46 | 5.23% |
| Percentage Change | -42.25% | -49.52% | -34.00% | -43.83% | -3.51% |
Data gathered from San Diego PIT “We All Count” Reports
According to data from the San Diego County Medical Examiner, between 2012 and 2016, San Diego County experienced a 29% increase in deceased drivers with a detectable blood alcohol level (BAL).
| Year | Population | Traffic-Related Fatalities | Percentage of Deceased Drivers with Detectable BAL |
| 2012 | 3,179,798 | 270 | 31% |
| 2013 | 3,216,522 | 247 | 23% |
| 2014 | 3,256,875 | 291 | 21% |
| 2015 | 3,290,044 | 302 | 36% |
| 2016 | 3,317,200 | 307 | 40% |
| Percent Change | +4.32% | +13.70% | +29.03% |
Data sourced from San Diego County Medical Examiner Reports
There are multiple resources in San Diego and the surrounding area for those who are struggling with substance dependency. Use our tool to discover a rehabilitation center near you that can help to determine your insurance coverage and your rehab needs. Many low-cost centers can help you if you don’t have insurance or feel like you are unable to afford treatment.