Drug and Alcohol Statistics in Aliso Viejo
Opioids, especially synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, have a severe impact on the youth and young adults of Orange County. In 2021, opioid overdoses increased drastically, causing deaths in the following categories:
19 children between 10 and 17 died
80 young adults between 18 and 24 died
Other drugs were present in the system of young adults at the time of their deaths. The data show:2
23 had stimulants other than cocaine
22 had marijuana
18 had sedatives
14 had alcohol
Overdoses do not always end in death, and there are fortunate Orange County residents who were treated in the emergency departments of hospitals in 2021, including:1
1,513 emergency room visits for opioid overdose
315 hospitalizations
You don’t have to be from Aliso Viejo to receive treatment services. Starting recovery in a new place can benefit you if you live outside Orange County or the state. The first step is assessing your needs, which may include detox. Some people may have extreme physical withdrawal symptoms and require medication assistance. These people will start in an inpatient detox program. Others whose withdrawal symptoms are not as severe can begin treatment at the outpatient level of care.
How to Pay for Substance Abuse Treatment in California
Private Insurance
Every insurance provider in the U.S. is required by law to provide at least some coverage for mental health and substance abuse treatment. In California, residents should contact their insurance provider to confirm specific coverage with their carrier, including applicable copays.
Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program. Funded by federal and state taxes, this program pays for medical services for children and adults who have limited income. To qualify for Medi-Cal, California residents must meet income requirements and be one of the following: pregnant, responsible for a child under 21 years old, blind, disabled or a disabled family member, or 65 years or older.
California Medicare
California Medicare is a government program providing coverage to residents who are over the age of 65 or who have end-stage renal disease. California residents can use Medicare to cover the cost of rehab and other addiction treatment services; however, not all rehabs accept Medicare insurance.
Sliding Scale Payment Options
Sliding scale payment plans only charge California residents what they can afford, based on their income. To qualify, residents typically need to provide proof of income and assets.
TRICARE in California
California TRICARE (West Region) is a government program that provides health insurance for military personnel, veterans, and their dependents. TRICARE coverage includes addiction treatment services, such as rehab and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
IHS-Funded Drug Rehabs
Drug rehab programs funded by the Indian Health Service provide free addiction treatment to California Natives and Indigenous peoples in the U.S.
Resources
- California Department of Public Health. 2021. California Overdose Surveillance Orange County Dashboard.
- Orange County Healthcare Agency. 2022. Drug and Alcohol Deaths Among Youths and Young Adults.
- Orange County.net. 2022. Orange County Visitor Center.
- Aliso Viejo. 2022. The City of Aliso Viejo.