Alcohol, Drug, and other Rehab Centers in San Diego, CA

1. Capalina Comprehensive Treatment Center

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.

• Rehabilitation Services Provided: 10
• Treatment Approaches: 3.85
• Cost: 3.75
• Special Programs for Unique Demographics: 0.67
• Ancillary Services: 4.03

2. Downtown Family Health Center at Connections

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.

• Rehabilitation Services Provided: 2.49
• Treatment Approaches: 6.16
• Cost: 8.75
• Special Programs for Unique Demographics: 0
• Ancillary Services: 7.44

3. McAlister Institute

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.

• Rehabilitation Services Provided: 1.66
• Treatment Approaches: 6.16
• Cost: 3.75
• Special Programs for Unique Demographics: 8.71
• Ancillary Services: 5.27

Start by determining your coverage

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.

Use our database to find a treatment center near you

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.

Schedule an assessment

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.

Contact the appropriate local organization to find an AA or NA meeting near you

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.

Deaths related to heroin and fentanyl overdoses continue to climb in San Diego

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.

Drug overdoses in San Diego County continue to increase, while other California counties see a decline

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.

Drug and alcohol deaths in San Diego County lower than the nation’s percentage

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.

Heroin seizures at San Diego County ports of entry continue to spike

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.

San Diego’s homeless population sees a slight decrease as drug abuse remains a related issue

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.

San Diego County has seen an increase in deceased drivers with a detectable blood alcohol level

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).