Drug and Alcohol Abuse Statistics in Delano, CA
In 2019, Delano’s Kern County was among the California counties with the highest rates of opioid-related overdose deaths in the state, and more people were hospitalized for opioid overdose that year than for methamphetamines.2 Here are a few more recent statistics about drug and alcohol use in Delano and Kern County.
Between 2016 and 2019, Kern County saw a steady increase in hospitalizations and deaths from opioid-related overdose.
Between 2017 and 2019, the death rate from opioid overdose increased by 48%.
In 2019, the leading cause of opioid overdose deaths in Kern County was the potent painkiller fentanyl, followed by prescription opioid medications and the street drug heroin.
In 2021, 411,305 prescriptions for opioid painkillers were written for residents of Kern County.
The highest rate of death from opioid drugs is among people aged 40 to 44.
In 2021, Kern County recorded 270 deaths related to opioid drugs including prescription medications, fentanyl, and fentanyl analogs.
In the same year, the county logged 709 emergency room visits and 133 hospitalizations due to opioid drugs.
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 Health Care Foundation. (2022). 2022 Edition- Substance Use in California.
- Kern RX Return. (n.d.). The Opioid Epidemic.
- California Department of Public Health. (2021). California Overdose Dashboard: Kern County.