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:1,2
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.
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 National City, CA
National City is the second oldest city in San Diego County, and it has a lot of cultural attractions, recreational centers, restaurants, and shopping. During your stay in National City for addiction treatment or to visit your loved one in the city, you may decide to explore these attractions. The following travel tips may be a valuable guide for planning your trip and stay in National City, CA:
- National City is nestled between San Diego and the US-Mexico border — five miles south of San Diego’s downtown neighborhood and 11 miles north of the US-Mexico border.
- The closest airport for travel to and from National City is the San Diego Airport, which is 6.9 miles away.
- The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) provides public transport for San Diego County. The MTS Blue Line Trolley offers service from National City to San Diego and all the way down to the Mexican border. MTS provides bus services within San Diego county as well. Adult trolley and bus fares are $2.50 one-way.
- National City is a very walkable city, and you can expect to accomplish most errands without a car.
- Taxis, Lyft, and Uber provide fast and convenient travel options within National City and the surrounding area.
- There are plenty of hotels to choose from in National City, including the Rodeway Inn, Stardust Inn, Ramada Inn, Red Lion, and Holiday Inn.
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 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.