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.2, 3
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.
Levels of Care for Substance Abuse
Multiple levels of care exist for alcohol and drug rehab in California. Some residents require all levels of care during their journey to recovery, while others receive only the less intensive options.
Medical Detox
Detox is the process of safely and comfortably removing drugs or alcohol from your system while in a supervised medical setting. Many people choose a medical detox program to prevent severe withdrawal symptoms. This is often the first step in the recovery process, completed before transitioning into formal inpatient addiction treatment services.
Inpatient Care
An inpatient or residential setting involves living at an accredited rehab facility 24/7 to receive treatment for addiction. A combination of evidence-based interventions are provided, including individual and group therapy, nutritional counseling, and medication administration.
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)
PHPs are a type of outpatient treatment in California that often involve many of the same therapies and methods of inpatient care. The difference being that you only visit the drug rehab during scheduled session times, then you can return home.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)
A step down from PHPs, IOPs are a type of outpatient treatment in California allowing you to attend onsite sessions for several hours a day, multiple days each week, while spending the rest of your time at home, working, or fulfilling other obligations.
Standard Outpatient
As the least intensive setting, standard outpatient care is appropriate for California residents who are highly motivated and have a strong support system. It involves just one or two hours of treatment per week.
Relapse Prevention
Aftercare, or relapse prevention, provides ongoing support after a rehab program is complete. Aftercare may include 12-step groups, non-12-step groups like SMART Recovery, ongoing therapy, sober living homes, and more.
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.
Traveling to and Within Delano, CA
If you’re looking for addiction treatment in Delano, or if you’re visiting a friend or loved one who’s receiving alcohol and drug rehab in Delano and the Bakersfield area, you may want to know a few things about travel, transportation, and accommodations in Delano and surrounding areas:
- Delano is an agricultural and industrial center that attracts people from around the country for its employment opportunities and affordable housing.
- The city has a variety of restaurants, parks, and local shopping options, with easy travel to Bakersfield’s amenities and attractions.
- Delano is located 32 miles north of Bakersfield on State Route 99.
- Travel options between Delano and Bakersfield include Kern County and Greyhound bus lines.
- Delano and surrounding areas are served by Delano Area Rapid Transit bus lines.
- The city is served by Delano Municipal Airport and Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield, 29 miles away.
- Delano has several national hotel and motel chains including Holiday Inn, Hyatt, and Motel 6.
California Alcohol and Drug Laws
California law includes the following policies related to substance abuse:1,2,3,4,5
California Employee Protections for Drug or Alcohol Rehab: California’s labor code requires employers with 25 or more employees to provide accommodation to staff who voluntarily choose to attend alcohol or drug rehab. This may include unpaid time off or use of sick or vacation time. Employees who wish to request time off for addiction treatment may be able to request it under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act.
Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act: This act provides treatment opportunities for individuals who are convicted of non-violent crimes. Eligible offenders may serve their time in drug treatment rather than in prison.
California Government Prevention and Care Services: Senate Bill 110 expanded these services to include contingency management (an incentivized treatment program) as a benefit covered under Medi-Cal. Patients who demonstrate substance-free behavior, such as drug-free urine tests, are rewarded with vouchers or gift cards.
California Ethical Treatment for Persons with Substance Use Disorder Act: This bill protects residents undergoing addiction treatment by requiring alcohol and drug rehabs in California to adopt a client bill of rights that seeks to ensure every client is are treated with dignity, honesty, and respect.
California’s Good Samaritan Law: This law encourages California residents to call 9-1-1 if an overdose is suspected. It protects individuals who seek emergency medical care for overdose from legal repercussions for possession of a controlled substance/drug paraphernalia or providing alcohol to minors.
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.