California Alcohol Abuse Statistics
In 2020, 8% of Californians (roughly 2.7 million people) reported having a substance use disorder (SUD). Another 18% of adults in California admitted to alcohol abuse, including binge drinking or heavy drinking within the past month.1
There are more alcohol-related deaths in California than anywhere else in the U.S. To put that in perspective, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that Californians lost a total of 308,831 years of potential life thanks to alcohol abuse.1 However, underage drinking is very low in the state.
Alcohol abuse demographics in California look like this:1
20% of white (non-Hispanic) adults make up CA’s highest excessive drinking rates
15,443 deaths in California are attributed to alcohol abuse every year
Californians lost 376,899 years of potential life as a result of alcohol abuse or alcoholism
Alcohol abuse cost CA taxpayers $35 billion in 2010 (equal to $47 billion in 2022)
- 21.9% of excessive drinkers are men
- 14.2% of excessive drinkers are women
- 3% of alcohol-related fatalities are age 35 and older
- 3.3% of alcohol-related fatalities are under the age of 21
California Drug Abuse Statistics
In 2021, about 12.7% of adults reported using prescription drugs nonmedically—including pain relievers, stimulants, and sedatives—or illicit drugs, excluding cannabis. This is 0.7% above the national average.2
Here are a few more statistics related to nonmedical drug use among CA adults:2
314,000 CA teens (age 12-17) report using drugs in the last month.
9% of all the nation’s drug overdose deaths occur in California.
CA doctors write enough prescription opioids for 46% of residents to have one.
129,153 cases of HIV/AIDS in CA are caused by intravenous drug use.
- 15% of men report nonmedical drug abuse
- 10.3% of women report nonmedical drug abuse
- 20.5% College graduates report the highest rates of nonmedical drug use
California Addiction Treatment Center Admissions
In 2019, roughly 146,000 people aged 12 and over were admitted to drug rehab centers in California.3 About 33,000 of those admissions went to alcohol rehab centers, while the remaining admissions went to addiction treatment centers for nonmedical substance misuse.3
Here is a breakdown of California rehab admissions in 2019:3
CA rehab admissions were for marijuana and/or hash-related abuse
CA rehab admissions were for methamphetamine or amphetamine abuse
CA rehab admissions were for opioid abuse (including heroin and other)
- 60% of admissions were men
- 40% of admissions were women
- 72.3% White (non-Hispanic) adults made up most admissions
Understanding the Cost of Rehab in California
The cost of alcohol and drug rehab in California can depend on various factors, including:
- Treatment setting (inpatient vs. outpatient)
- Location of treatment center
- Funding
- Insurance
- Amenities and features
- Time in treatment (30 to 90 days or longer)
Typically, inpatient rehab or residential California rehab costs more than outpatient services because you pay to reside at the facility. Drug rehab programs that are classified as “executive” or “luxury treatment center” are costlier to patients.
However, treatment costs should not prevent your access to care. California offers several free and low-cost rehab treatment options that provide sliding-scale fees based on your current financial standing. If you have health insurance, whether it is private or public, several facilities will accept your insurance and provide at least partial coverage, depending on your provider or plan.
California adults who previously avoided rehabilitation care due to cost decreased 28% from 11.9% to 8.6% between 2019 and 2020.2
California Rehab Payment Options
Circa 2019, there were over 1,700 rehab facilities across the state of California. These facilities accept several payment methods.4 Of those facilities, the following numbers reflect how many accept their respective payment methods:4
1,511 accept self-payment or cash
961 offer sliding-scale fees for those without insurance
685 accept Medicaid insurance coverage
432 accept Medi-Cal insurance coverage
1,130 accept private health insurance
742 offer free or low-cost treatment
73 offer free treatment for all clients
Regardless of which California treatment program you decide is best for you, ask about insurance accepted, financing, or alternative payment options. Most facilities are able and willing to assist you, no matter your financial situation.
Popular Centers for Drug and Alcohol Rehab in California
California is home to several specialized treatment centers. Here are a few of the most popular alcohol and drug rehab centers in California.
Los Angeles
The Hills Treatment Center
The Hills Treatment Center, a four-acre property located in the rolling hills of Los Angeles, provides progressive addiction treatment and recovery methods. Professionals at The Hills tailor treatment to fit each person’s specific needs. They offer a variety of specialized services, including:
- Residential treatment program
- Family immersion program
- Family therapy program
- Dual diagnosis treatment program
- Sober companion services
Revive Recovery and Detox Services in Fairfax
Founded in 2014, Revive Recovery and Detox Services is a residential treatment center located in Fairfax, Los Angeles. It offers services to aid detox and rehabilitation from drugs or alcohol. This facility provides a variety of specialized programs for men, women, young adults, and LGBTQ+ clients. Their services include:
- Individualized treatment alternatives
- Leading expert team
- High-end luxury location in West LA
- Neurofeedback therapy
- Nutrition therapy
- Emotional and psychological support
- Family support and guidance
- Continued care planning
Bel Air Treatment
Bel Air is a residential treatment facility offering several luxury amenities, including a meditation room, yoga studio, music room, and art activities. Residents have immediate access to scenic views and surrounding hiking trails for exercise and outdoor activities. Accredited by both the Joint Commission and CARF, Bel Air offers a variety of rehab programs, including:
- Alcohol rehab
- Dual diagnosis
- Opioid rehab
- Outpatient rehab
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)
- Intervention services
- Aftercare support
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Fitness therapy
San Francisco
Foundations San Francisco
Foundations San Francisco is a Joint Commission-accredited facility offering dual diagnosis intensive outpatient treatment in the heart of downtown San Francisco. Their part-time program provides quality addiction treatment services and any co-occurring mental health concerns. Foundations also offer a variety of client amenities, including:
- Private setting
- Oceanfront views
- Yoga studio
- Meditation room
- Massage room
- Acupuncture room
Ohlhoff Recovery Programs
For over 60 years, Ohlhoff has provided addiction treatment in Northern California. This facility offers all levels of care, including nonmedical detox services, short– and long-term residential, intensive outpatient programming, and more. Ohlhoff accepts most major private insurance plans that can be verified with one of their program assistants. Ohloff’s addiction treatment programs include:
- Adult program
- Elderly rehab
- LGBTQ+ friendly rehab
- Men’s rehab
- Young adult program
San Diego
Real Hope Recovery
At Real Hope Recovery (RHR), patients experience a combination of addiction treatment and intensive therapy. This facility provides a small, intimate environment that enables individualized care and recovery. Real Hope Recovery offers several levels of care, including:
- Alcohol rehab
- Dual diagnosis
- Opioid rehab
- Medical detox treatment
- Partial hospitalization program
- Outpatient rehab
Douglas Young Wellness Recovery Center
Douglas Young BPSR Center in San Diego is a Bio-Psychosocial Rehabilitation program of Community Research Foundation. It offers psychosocial rehabilitation services for adults 18 and older diagnosed with serious mental illness and individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Their levels of care include:
- Dual diagnosis
- Outpatient rehab
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
What You Can Expect From Drug or Alcohol Rehab in California
Most people are not sure what to expect when they start alcohol and drug rehab. The process can often seem overwhelming and a bit daunting. However, seeking help is the most important decision you can make for yourself or your loved one. In the time leading up to your treatment, it is completely normal to feel anxious or uneasy. To provide some peace of mind, here are a few things you can expect out of drug rehab in California.
Inpatient Drug Rehab in California
If your alcohol or drug rehab is a designated inpatient program, you will reside at the facility for the duration of your treatment, which could last anywhere from 30 to 90 days, if not longer, on an as-needed basis.
Upon arrival, the first thing you will be asked to do is complete intake paperwork, and your personal belongings will be searched for prohibited items like drugs, alcohol, weapons, etc. Then, a treatment expert will conduct your first assessment and evaluate your personal history, including:
- Your substance use
- Your family history of substance use
- Your mental and physical health
- Your history of withdrawal
- Your treatment history
After your assessment, a specialist will create an individualized treatment plan tailored to serve your specific needs. While every California rehab facility offers different programs and treatment methods, your initial plan will likely look similar to this:
- Individual therapy, such as CBT
- Group counseling
- Family therapy
- Peer support group meetings
- Drug education and relapse-prevention classes
- Medication maintenance
- Aftercare planning
Depending on your chosen facility, your treatment plan also may include experimental or holistic activities like creative arts or yoga.
Outpatient Drug Rehab in California
Outpatient programs allow you to live at home and continue your daily work/activities while attending regular therapy sessions at a facility. Depending on where you receive outpatient treatment, your sessions can vary in frequency and length. Standard outpatient rehab includes a few hours of care per week and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) providing several hours of therapy per day.
If you opt for outpatient treatment, there are a variety of flexible options offered in California and ranging in levels of intensity:
- Most intense – Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)
- Medium intensity – Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs)
- Least intense – Standard outpatient treatment
Many people who select outpatient programs also supplement their treatment with other forms of peer support and therapy. Groups included in this category include step-by-step programs like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
By definition, a person with a dual diagnosis has both a mental health disorder and an alcohol or drug use disorder.5 These conditions are often co-occurring. About half of people who have a mental health disorder will also have a substance abuse disorder at some point in their lives.5 Fortunately, many facilities in California offer dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders, including most of the centers we listed above.
Telehealth and Virtual Services
Location and travel have frequently been cited as major obstacles to alcohol or drug rehabilitation. Many people still do not have the option or the ability to obtain in-person treatment.
Fortunately, virtual and telehealth services help provide access to treatment regardless of your location. These forms of virtual treatment vary in program type but may include group therapy, individual counseling, and doctor’s appointments. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to see if virtual care is covered under your plan before choosing this option.
Telehealth and virtual addiction treatment are now available from many sites, including:
- New Bridge Foundation
- Valley Hope
- Renaissance Recovery
- Gateway Foundation
Addiction Treatment Laws in California
California Employee Protections for Drug or Alcohol Rehab: According to California Labor Code Section 1025-1028, employers with 25 or more employees are required to provide accommodation to employees who voluntarily elect to attend alcohol or drug rehab. These accommodations may include anything from unpaid time off or permission to use sick leave or vacation time. Employees who want to attend addiction treatment may be able to request time off under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or the California Family Rights Act (CFRA).
Treatment Opportunities for Individuals Convicted of Non-Violent Crimes: Proposition 36, also known as the Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act of 2000, is a criminal sentencing initiative passed in California in November 2000. Prop 36 states that eligible nonviolent drug offenders may serve their time in a drug treatment program instead of in jail or prison.6
California Government Prevention and Care Services: California’s substance use disorder services have been expanded under Senate Bill 110 to include contingency management (CM)—an incentivized treatment program—as a benefit covered by Medi-Cal.7 Patients who exhibit substance-free behavior, like drug-free urine tests, are rewarded with vouchers or gift cards as part of a CM program. The most common use of CM is to treat addictions to methamphetamine and cocaine, but it also is helpful for recovery from alcohol use disorders.8
California Ethical Treatment for Persons with Substance Use Disorder Act: California Senate Bill 349 officially passed as of April 2022. It created the California Ethical Treatment for Persons with Substance Use Disorder Act to protect drug addiction treatment clients and their families. This bill calls for all individuals and families of individuals receiving addiction care to be treated with dignity, honesty, and respect. It requires treatment providers doing business in the state to adopt a client bill of rights for persons receiving treatment for substance use disorder, as specified, and to make the bill of rights available to all clients and prospective clients.9
California’s Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention LA: In 2013, California became the tenth state to institute a 911 Good Samaritan overdose fatality prevention law.10 This law provides limited protection from arrests, charges, or prosecution for people who seek emergency medical care or someone experiencing a drug overdose. When people engaging in drug or alcohol witness a potential overdose, they often resist calling for help for fear of legal repercussions. Fortunately, the Good Samaritan law prioritizes the safety of those who need serious medical attention over punishment for illegal substance use.
How to Choose the Right Alcohol Rehab in California
Addiction treatment is a unique and personal experience for everyone. What works best for someone else may not be the best option for you. It takes time to find the correct rehab facility for you or someone close to you. Here are a few things to consider:
- Setting and Location: California offers treatment facilities in various settings, from busy city locales to more slow-paced rural feels. Take time to think about how the type of setting and proximity to home would affect your overall experience.
- Insurance: If you are planning on using private health insurance to finance your treatment facility costs, you must make sure the places you are considering are in your network.
- Cost: Of course, the first factor for many clients is the cost of treatment. Find out which rehab centers offer sliding scale fees or payment plans conducive to your financial situation.
- Treatment Levels: Every drug rehab in California offers different levels and types of treatment. Make sure to do your research and find the one that best suits your specific needs and will make you feel the most successful.
- Amenities: If you are looking into in-patient treatment, you may want to consider what amenities are offered at each facility.
- Visitor Policies: For loved ones of those seeking treatment, visitor policies may be a big factor. These vary from rehab to rehab, so be sure to ask for specific rules and regulations regarding visitation.
Finding the right center for drug or alcohol rehab in California is an extremely important decision, but it should not be a difficult one, necessarily. Do not be discouraged, however, if the multitude of options state-wide becomes overwhelming.
It is our mission to connect you with the facilities and resources that can best aid your specific recovery. Our team of treatment specialists can help you narrow down your options to find the perfect fit. Call
800-926-9037
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today to get started.
Resources
- America’s Health Rankings analysis of CDC, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, United Health Foundation. (2021). Trend: Excessive Drinking, California, United States.
- America’s Health Rankings analysis of CDC, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, United Health Foundation. (2021). Trend: Non-Medical Drug Use, California, United States.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. (2019). Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS): 2009-2019.
- National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). Quick Statistics.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2021). Dual diagnosis, MedlinePlus.
- Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2005). Substance Abuse Treatment for Adults in the Criminal Justice System. Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series 44. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 13-4056. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- California Legislative Information. (2021). Bill Text.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Contingency Management Interventions/Motivational Incentives (Alcohol, Stimulants, Opioids, Marijuana, Nicotine).
- California Legislative Information. (2021). Bill Text.
- California Drug Policy Alliance. (2013). Understanding California’s 911 Good Samaritan Law.
