Alcohol and Drug Use Statistics in Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto and the surrounding Santa Clara County have struggled with the burdens of drug and alcohol misuse, much like the rest of the United States. Here are some data concerning substance abuse in Santa Clara County:
In 2021, there were 154 deaths related to opioid overdose.
There were 326 emergency department visits related to opioid overdose in 2021.
There were over 444,000 prescriptions for opioids in Santa Clara County in 2021.
The majority of overdose fatalities were in individuals aged 20-24 years old.
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
- County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services. (2022). Fentanyl Overdose Deaths in Santa Clara County.
- California Department of Public Health. (2022). California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard.
- University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. (2022). County Health Rankings and Roadmaps: California-Santa Clara County.
