Alcohol and Drug Use Statistics in National City, CA
Being a major city in San Diego County, National City sees the drug use and overdose situation in the rest of the county. The following statistics illustrate the extent and impact of drug and alcohol misuse in San Diego County:
About 1.1 million prescriptions for opioid medications were issued in San Diego County in 2021.
Less than 1% reported heroin use in the past year.
Close to 700 residents died from an opioid-related overdose in 2021.
About 500 residents were hospitalized for an opioid-related overdose in 2021.
Close to 19% reported marijuana use in the past year.
Close to 53% reported alcohol use in the past month.
Nearly 25% reported binge alcohol use in the past year.
About 4% reported cocaine use in the past year.
- Less than 1% reported methamphetamine use in the past year.
- About 4% reported pain reliever misuse in the past year.
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 Overdose Surveillance Dashboard. (n.d.). San Diego County Dashboard.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). 2016 -2018 NSDUH Substate Region Estimates – Tables.