San Jose Alcohol and Drug Use Statistics
According to the Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services Prevention Department, opioid and prescription drug abuse is a serious problem in San Jose. Approximately 24% of residents have used their prescription drugs in an unsanctioned way. Roughly 22% of residents have used prescription medications without a prescription, while 7% have misused over-the-counter drugs.1
Other Santa Clara County and San Jose drug and alcohol use statistics of note include:1 2, 3
- In 2017, approximately 16% of Santa Clara County residents reported using cocaine in their lifetime, and 3% reported using it in the last month.
- Approximately 2% of San Jose County middle school students and 9% of high school students used marijuana at least once per month in 2017.
- In 2017, about 10% of Santa Clara County residents reported using methamphetamine at least once in their life, and 3% reported using it in the last month.
- In 2019, 88 San Jose residents experienced a fatal, opioid-related overdose. Of those overdoses, 41 were caused by heroin, 25 were caused by fentanyl, and 32 were caused by prescription opioids.
- In 2020, the number of fatal, opioid-related overdoses in Santa Clara County increased significantly from the previous year to 143.
- In 2020, there were 258 opioid overdose-related emergency room visits and 78 hospitalizations in Santa Clara County.
- In 2020, fentanyl was the most common substance involved in fatal opioid overdoses, contributing to more than 50% of deaths.
Cost of Drug Rehab in San Jose
The cost of treatment varies from facility to facility based on several factors, including:
- The type of program (residential, outpatient, dual diagnosis, etc.)
- The type of facility (luxury, private accommodations, standard accommodations, hospital, etc.)
- The length of the program (30 days versus 90 days or longer)
- Whether you have health insurance that helps cover your care
- The insurance providers and plans each facility accepts
- Facility location (within the city or outside it in a more secluded area)
- Whether the facility receives city, state, or federal funding
Generally, you can expect to pay more for inpatient than outpatient, as residential programs require you to pay for room and board. Luxury facilities with special amenities typically also cost more than San Jose drug rehabs that do not provide an array of upscale features.
Low-Cost and Free Drug Rehab Centers in San Jose
If you cannot afford to pay, you may be able to receive free help funded by the State of California. These facilities operate at no charge to low-income California residents.
However, to qualify for enrollment in one of these facilities, you must demonstrate proof of legal U.S. residency, California residency, and income status. You may also be asked to verify your lack of insurance and your addiction status to be eligible for care.
Does Insurance Cover Rehab Center Costs?
Yes, health insurance typically covers addiction treatment in San Jose. But the extent of coverage depends on several factors, including your policy’s behavioral health benefits, your needs, and whether your program provider is in-network with your plan.
Private Insurance
The Affordable Care Act regards substance abuse help as an essential health service. The act requires private insurers to provide some form of addiction treatment coverage to policyholders.
Some of the most popular private health insurance providers with California coverage include:
- Aetna
- Anthem
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna
- Humana
- Kaiser Permanente
- United Health
Your particular health insurance plan will determine your coverage level, out-of-pocket costs, and which centers are in your provider network.
Medicaid
Medicaid is an insurance program partially funded by the federal government and each state. Individual states administer this type of insurance, which provides health coverage for eligible low-income adults and people with disabilities. It also provides coverage for pregnant women and the elderly.
All Medicaid plans provide some degree of coverage for drug or alcohol rehab in San Jose. Still, the extent of coverage varies by state, and provider.5 Federal guidelines require Medicaid to comply with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. This act ensures that insurance plans provide equal coverage for both substance abuse/mental health disorders and other health conditions.6
Medicare
Medicare is federal health insurance for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as some younger individuals with specific disabilities. Both Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare provide coverage for alcohol use disorder and substance use disorder treatment. These plans cover various options, including:4
- Screenings
- Inpatient
- Outpatient
- Partial hospitalization
- Behavioral health services
- Prevention counseling
Does Your Insurance Plan Cover Addiction Treatment?
If you’re unsure whether your insurance plan covers care at a specific location, please call our helpline at
800-926-9037
(Who Answers?)
to verify your coverage and find an in-network provider. To learn more about your policy’s coverage details, you can also call the number on your insurance card to speak directly to a plan representative.
How to Finance Addiction Treatment in San Jose
If you don’t have health insurance, don’t qualify for free help, or all free San Jose facilities are full, you can still get the care you need. Other forms of financial assistance, including grants, scholarships, and income-based, sliding-scale programs, are available.
Apply for a Scholarship
You may be able to apply for a scholarship if you need assistance paying for drug rehab in San Jose. Some scholarships cover the entire cost of inpatient or outpatient at a particular facility, while others only provide partial coverage. Generally, programs deemed “optional” or “luxury,” such as massage and acupuncture, are not covered.
To qualify for a scholarship, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial need, your recovery plan, and your commitment to making lasting change.
Find a Sliding-Scale Program
Sliding-scale programs base your costs on what you can reasonably afford to pay. They look at your household income and other situational factors to determine your out-of-pocket costs.
Although they can make getting treatment significantly more affordable, you must demonstrate the financial need to qualify for reduced pricing.
Choose a Program That Offers Payment Plans
If you don’t qualify for free or sliding-scale programs, financing can help make addiction treatment more affordable. Many accredited San Jose drug rehabs offer payment plans that split costs into several payments spread over a predetermined period. With these, you’ll make monthly payments toward the total cost of your care.
Generally, clinics with payment plans have financing options for several income levels and various credit histories. You’ll need to apply for a payment plan and get approved to qualify for financing.
Addiction Treatment Settings
Multiple levels of care exist within San Jose alcohol rehabs. Some residents will need all levels of care during their journey to recovery, while others receive only the less intensive options. The setting that’s best for your needs will depend on your addiction status, history of substance abuse, your living situation, your provider’s recommendation, and other factors.
Medical Detox
Detox is the process of clearing drugs or alcohol from your system in a safe and comfortable manner. This takes place in a supervised medical setting. Many people choose a medical detox to prevent severe withdrawal symptoms. This is usually the first step in the treatment process, completed before transitioning into formal treatment services.
Inpatient
Inpatient or residential treatment involves living at an addiction treatment center to receive 24/7 care. A combination of interventions is provided, including individual and group therapy, nutritional counseling, and medication.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)
PHPs allow San Jose residents to live at home while receiving care at a hospital. They often receive many of the same treatments as inpatient care but can return home during off hours.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)
IOPs are a step down from PHPs. They allow San Jose residents to attend counseling several days each week while spending the rest of their time at home, working, or fulfilling other duties.
Standard Outpatient
Standard outpatient care is the least intensive option. This is best for San Jose residents who are highly motivated and have a strong support system. It involves just one or two hours of treatment per week.
Aftercare
Aftercare, also known as relapse prevention, provides ongoing support after the rehabilitation program is complete. Aftercare may include 12-step groups, non-12-step groups like SMART Recovery, ongoing therapy, sober living homes, and more.
You can choose from many drug and alcohol rehabs in San Jose, which can make finding the right program slightly overwhelming. If you need assistance determining which facility is right for you, we’re here to help, day or night. Please call our free and confidential helpline at
800-926-9037
(Who Answers?)
to speak with a support specialist.
Specialized Rehab in San Jose
Many facilities and detox centers in San Jose specialize in programs for various populations. Enrolling in one of these facilities may help you feel better understood since you’ll be surrounded by peers like yourself.
Veteran
Veterans who need addiction treatment may have a co-occurring disorder and may benefit from specialized therapy provided by a program designed for military personnel.
LGBTQ+
Stigma frequently makes LGBTQ+ individuals hesitant to seek addiction help from a traditional facility. Members of this community often have special needs that may go unaddressed in a conventional setting. To improve outcomes for these individuals, some facilities have implemented LGBTQ-specific programs.
Men-Only
Men may feel hesitant to seek help due to stereotypes, family obligations, and cultural and societal expectations. In an effort to improve outcomes, many facilities offer men-only programs. These specifically cater to the psychological, physiological, and emotional needs of men with addiction and/or mental health concerns.
Women-Only
Women-specific programs may be a good option for those who feel more comfortable in an environment that caters specifically to their needs. This may be especially true for pregnant women, mothers, and those who’ve experienced abuse that may be difficult to talk about in a co-gender setting.
Teen
Adolescents with addiction and/or mental health disorders have unique needs and often benefit from teen-specific programs. These provide specialized programming for individuals aged 12-17, which can improve outcomes. Adolescent-specific locations often encourage family involvement and provide teens with a healthy structure, peer support, and education that can help them maintain long-term sobriety.
Should You Travel for Drug and Alcohol Rehab in San Jose?
Whether you should travel to San Jose for treatment depends on your unique needs and recovery goals. Traveling away from your day-to-day environment can help you avoid triggers and focus more deeply on your recovery, which may be highly beneficial for you.
You may also want to consider traveling if you enjoy the temperate California climate or if your insurance covers care at accredited drug rehab centers in San Jose.
Alcohol and Drug Laws in San Jose
California Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Law
This law protects individuals who call 911 for a suspected overdose from a drug-related arrest or conviction. However, it only protects those who have small quantities of illicit substances and do not intend to distribute them.
If you witness what you believe is an overdose, call emergency medical personnel immediately, as your call may save someone’s life. If you’re worried about the legal repercussions of using drugs or being involved in an overdose situation, this law protects you from prosecution.
Employee Protections for Addiction Treatment in California
Under California Labor Code Section 1025-1028, employers with 25 or more staff members must make reasonable accommodations for employees who voluntarily participate in an alcohol or substance abuse program.8
Accommodations may include unpaid time off with job protection, vacation time, or permission to use sick leave while getting help. In addition, the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) or the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may also provide employees the right to time off.
The California Ethical Treatment for Persons With Substance Use Disorder Act
Under Senate Bill 349, all San Jose and California facilities must comply with certain requirements. This bill states that all persons receiving care at California facilities have a right to respect, privacy, and ethical treatment. It also outlines requirements for evidence-based care, provider and staff credentials, individualized plans, dual diagnosis treatment, and more.9
Resources
- San José At-A-Glance. (n.d.). San Jose.
- ME-C data dashboard – Office of the Medical Examiner-Coroner. (n.d.). County of Santa Clara.
- FindTreatment.gov. (n.d.). FindTreatment.gov.
- Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services Prevention Department. (2017). Santa Clara County Substance Use Assessment 2017.
- California Health Care Foundation. (2022). California Health Care Almanac, Substance Use in California: Prevalence and Treatment.
- California Department of Public Health. (2020). California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard, Santa Clara County Dashboard.
- Medicare.gov. (n.d.). Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services.
- Medicaid.gov. (n.d.). Substance Use Disorders.
- Medicaid.gov. (n.d.) Parity.
- Medley, G., Lipari, R.N., Bose, J., Cribb, D.S., Kroutil, L.A., & McHenry, G.. (2016). Sexual Orientation and Estimates of Adult Substance Use and Mental Health: Results from the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
- California Legislative Information. (n.d.) Labor Code, Chapter 3.7. Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation [1025-1028].
- California Legislative Information. (2022). Senate Bill No. 349 Bill Text.