Santa Ana Alcohol and Drug Use Statistics
Santa Ana, California, is in Orange County, where substance abuse and addiction have been serious concerns for decades. Some of the most noteworthy Orange County and Santa Ana drug and alcohol use statistics in recent years include:1, 2

In 2020, nearly 21% of Orange County residents reported needing professional help for substance abuse or a mental health condition within the last year

In 2020, there were more than 500 opioid-related overdose deaths

In 2020, there were nearly 1,200 opioid-related emergency department visits and just under 270 hospitalizations
In 2016, more than 20% of Orange County 11th grade students reported consuming alcohol at least once per month
In 2015, nearly 36% of Orange County adults reported engaging in binge drinking behavior
Cost of Rehab in Santa Ana
The cost of going to drug or alcohol rehab in Santa Ana can vary widely based on several factors. Variables that may impact your overall treatment expenses include:
The type of treatment program you choose (residential vs. outpatient)
Facility amenities (luxury vs. standard)
Length of your treatment program
Whether you have health insurance
Whether a rehab facility accepts your insurance
The type and extent of coverage your insurance provide
Whether the facility offers any form of payment assistance (sliding-scale services, scholarships, etc.)
Rehab should not feel financially infeasible. If it does, many centers for alcohol and drug rehab in Santa Ana offer various payment options to make treatment accessible. Health insurance, payment plans, scholarships, and sliding-scale rehab programs can significantly reduce addiction treatment costs.
Low-Cost and Free Rehabs in Santa Ana
State-funded alcohol and drug rehab in Santa Ana provide treatment services at little to no cost for eligible persons. To qualify for enrollment at a state-funded alcohol or drug rehab in Santa Ana, you must prove you:
- Lack finances to pay for your own addiction treatment
- Do not have health insurance
- Are a legal resident of the United States
- Are a legal California resident
Although state-funded facilities have free or reduced-cost treatment services, these rehab centers often have limited capacities. If you are eligible for enrollment, be aware that you may be put on a waiting list for entry.
Health insurance also can reduce the cost of addiction treatment programs. According to the 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA), insurance providers must provide some amount of coverage for addiction and mental health treatment services.3 Whether you have insurance through a private company or carry public insurance like Medicaid or Medicare, your plan can pay for part or all of your rehab program. Keep in mind: Coverage varies depending on your plan and the type of insurance facilities accept.
If you need assistance verifying your insurance coverage at any drug or alcohol rehab in Santa Ana, you can call our 24/7, confidential helpline at
800-926-9037
(Who Answers?)
for help.
How Do I Pay for Drug Rehab in Santa Ana?
If you do not qualify for free treatment do not have insurance, addiction treatment still can be affordable. Sliding-scale payment programs, rehab scholarships, and payment plans can lower the cost of rehab significantly.
Choose a Program That Offers Payment Plans: A payment plan can make addiction treatment easier to repay. These plans split the cost of your treatment into several monthly payments, much like a financing agreement. You must fill out an application to qualify. Most applications ask for proof of income and credit information.
If you are eligible for a payment plan, the rehab facility may provide in-house financing or a contract with a third-party lender that provides a loan. You will make payments toward your balance over a predetermined period until your agreement reaches its term. Depending on your needs, the rehab center may let you make payments after you finish rehab and return to work.
Apply for a Rehab Scholarship: Rehab scholarships offer funding that you do not have to repay. Some Santa Ana drug rehabs offer in-house scholarships, while others coordinate with third-party foundations that provide funding. To find scholarships, you can call local treatment facilities directly to inquire about financial assistance. Some rehab centers may point you in the direction of facilities that offer treatment funding, even if they do not offer scholarships themselves. You can contact local social service agencies to learn about available rehab scholarships.
All rehab scholarships require an application and are awarded as needed. To be eligible for one, you must demonstrate that you are unable to attend rehab without financial assistance. You may be asked to detail your plans for recovery, as well as any other steps you have taken to obtain outside funding for rehab.
Find a Sliding Scale Rehab Program: To make treatment more affordable for all, many centers for drug or alcohol rehab in Santa Ana offer sliding fee services. At these facilities, your out-of-pocket treatment costs are based on your income and ability to pay, which means you never pay more than you can afford. If you can only cover a small portion of your treatment expenses, that is what you will pay. Be aware that you must provide proof of income to demonstrate that you are unable to afford the full cost of care.
Popular Centers for Alcohol and Drug Rehab in Santa Ana
New Start Recovery
New Start Recovery is a Joint Commission-accredited rehab facility that specializes in holistic therapies, mental health treatment, and a full continuum of care for addiction treatment. Medical detox, inpatient rehab, outpatient programs of various intensities, aftercare, and alumni groups are all available at this facility.
Cornerstone of Southern California
Cornerstone of Southern California is accredited by the Joint Commission and has provided addiction treatment services since 1984. This facility offers:
- Medical detox
- Inpatient treatment
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs)
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Relapse prevention therapy
- Family therapy
Extended care programs, individual and group therapy, and sober-living housing also are available here.
Pacific Sands Recovery Center
Pacific Sands Recovery Center is a CARF-accredited alcohol and drug rehab facility specializing in treating substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Available services include:
- Medical detox
- Residential treatment
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Intensive outpatient programs
- 12-step therapy
This facility offers a small setting with private accommodations, low therapist-to-client ratios, and highly personalized care.
OC Health Care Agency Behavioral Health Services
OC Health Care Agency Behavioral Health Services is operated by the Orange County government and provides numerous addiction treatment and mental health services for community members. These include:
- Detoxification
- Residential care
- Intensive outpatient treatment
- Standard outpatient care
- Aftercare services
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Sober-living housing
- Assessments
- Perinatal treatment services
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab in Santa Ana
Investigate what settings for alcohol and drug rehab in Santa Ana best suit your needs. This will help you find the right treatment center. Both inpatient and outpatient rehabs offer personalized therapy designed to guide you toward long-term addiction recovery and improved wellbeing.
Benefits of Inpatient Addiction Treatment
Inpatient care takes place in highly structured hospital or residential settings where you have around-the-clock access to professionals. This is the most intensive level of rehab and may last anywhere from 30 to 90 days or longer. Longer stays have been linked to improved effectiveness.19
Often, inpatient treatment begins with medical detox. This process provides a safe environment for you to eliminate toxic substances from your system. After completing detox, you will transition to a therapeutic community environment where you will engage in various addiction therapies, either individually or in a group.4, 5
Common therapies and supports included in residential treatment include:
- Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational enhancement therapy (MET), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which helps mitigate substance cravings and rebalance brain chemicals affected by substance abuse
- Individual, group, or family counseling
- Self-help or peer support groups
- Dual-diagnosis treatment for co-occurring addiction and mental health disorders
- Holistic therapies
Inpatient programs often provide access to vocational and life skills training, as well as aftercare planning and support to help you sustain recovery long after treatment ends. Some benefits of residential rehab include:
- Continual access to treatment professionals
- A treatment environment secluded from daily trials and triggers that impede recovery
- More intensive time in treatment, which lets you to engage deeply in therapy
- More exposure to therapists, helping your providers tailor your treatment plan to your needs
- Close community with peers who also work through recovery
Typically, inpatient rehab is best for persons whose substance abuse has impacted their lives and who do not have strong support at home. Be aware that when you first seek treatment, an addiction professional will make a comprehensive assessment. This evaluation plays a major role in determining the best treatment for you.
Benefits of Outpatient Addiction Treatment
Outpatient drug or alcohol rehab in Santa Ana often involves many of the same therapies, supports, and services as inpatient treatment. But outpatient rehab is ambulatory, which means you travel to and from each treatment session. If an outpatient program is right for your needs, your provider will recommend one of the following levels of treatment:
Standard outpatient treatment: As the least intensive form of outpatient rehab, standard programs provide roughly five to 10 hours of therapy per week split between one to three treatment sessions.
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs): A step down in intensity from PHPs, IOPs provide three to five days of treatment per
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs): As the most intensive level of outpatient rehab, a PHP provides five to seven treatment sessions per week and several hours of therapy per session.
Some of the most notable benefits of outpatient addiction treatment include:6
- The ability to continue participating in work and/or school
- The opportunity to get ongoing support from family and/or friends as you work through recovery
- The ability to receive medications that help manage substance cravings
- The ability to continue caring for family while you engage in addiction therapy
- More affordable treatment that does not require paying for room and board
Generally, outpatient rehab is intended for people who have a stable, healthy, supportive home environment and not for those with serious addiction or mental health disorders. If you have transportation and know you can commit to your recovery while in your everyday environment, an outpatient program may be right for you.
Types of Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Santa Ana
Many Santa Ana alcohol rehabs and drug rehabs provide specialized programs that cater to the needs of certain populations. As you research facilities, you may encounter some of these types of treatment programs.
Dual Diagnosis Rehab
Nearly 40% of adults with substance use disorders have a co-occurring mental health disorder, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar, or personality disorder.7 Researchers also estimate that 60-75% of adolescents with substance use disorders have co-occurring mental health concerns.8 When a person has both an addiction and mental health disorder, clinicians call this dual diagnosis.
For some people, a mental health condition may lead to alcohol or drug abuse. For others, substance abuse causes or exacerbates mental health issues. In many cases, co-occurring disorders are intricately intertwined; both conditions must be treated simultaneously for effective recovery. Dual-diagnosis treatment provides concurrent therapy for addiction and mental health conditions to improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of relapse. If you have co-occurring disorders and only receive treatment for one condition, the untreated condition may interfere with your recovery progress.
- Depression and Addiction
Nearly 40% of adults with substance use disorders have a co-occurring mental health disorder, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar, or personality disorder.7 Researchers also estimate that 60-75% of adolescents with substance use disorders have co-occurring mental health concerns.8 When a person has both an addiction and mental health disorder, clinicians call this dual diagnosis.For some people, a mental health condition may lead to alcohol or drug abuse. For others, substance abuse causes or exacerbates mental health issues. In many cases, co-occurring disorders are intricately intertwined; both conditions must be treated simultaneously for effective recovery. Dual-diagnosis treatment provides concurrent therapy for addiction and mental health conditions to improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of relapse. If you have co-occurring disorders and only receive treatment for one condition, the untreated condition may interfere with your recovery progress.
- Anxiety and Addiction The Anxiety and Depression Association of America estimates that approximately 20% of adults with anxiety disorders also have substance use disorders. In many cases, symptoms of one disorder can make symptoms of the other disorder worse.10
If you have anxiety, you may use substances to cope with symptoms; if you have an addiction, alcohol or drug use can trigger anxiety. To improve treatment outcomes for both conditions, integrated therapy addresses both simultaneously. Treatment may include a combination of pharmacological interventions, addiction therapy, and behavioral therapies such as exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. - PTSD and Addiction
Studies estimate that approximately 46% of people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) also have a co-occurring alcohol or drug use disorder.11 Researchers have also found that nearly one of three veterans in treatment for addiction also has PTSD.12
As with other co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders, comorbid addiction and PTSD can benefit from dual-diagnosis treatment. Effective rehab typically involves a combination of addiction-focused therapies like CBT alongside trauma-focused therapies like cognitive processing therapy.13 Medications also can benefit you depending on your needs and if you have any other mental health conditions. - Bipolar Disorder and Addiction
Research suggests that approximately 22-59% of people with bipolar disorder will develop a substance use disorder (SUD) at some point in their lives.14 Because substance use can worsen bipolar symptoms and vice versa, persons with these co-occurring conditions should receive simultaneous treatment for both.
Dual-diagnosis therapy for co-occurring SUD and bipolar disorder typically involves evidence-based psychotherapies for addiction, such as CBT or family therapy. Pharmacotherapies, such as mood stabilizers and antidepressants, typically are integrated into treatment. - Personality Disorders and Addiction
Studies suggest that approximately 46% of people with personality disorders (PDs), such as borderline PD and antisocial PD, also have an SUD.15 People with co-occurring PD and SUD often benefit from dual-diagnosis treatment that integrates evidence-based psychotherapies with pharmacological interventions. Often, dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychoeducation are used.
Should I Travel for Alcohol or Drug Rehab in Santa Ana?
Traveling for rehab in Santa Ana can benefit you depending on your needs, financial situation, insurance coverage, and personal preferences.
If the area you live in does not have the right addiction treatment resources for your needs, you may benefit from traveling for rehab. Or, if your health insurance covers treatment at a Santa Ana rehab facility, traveling may also be a good option.
Going to rehab outside of your normal environment may be beneficial if you want to get away from situations in your daily life that might make recovery more challenging. Often, traveling for treatment allows people to focus more closely on their recovery, which can improve long-term treatment outcomes.
Neighborhoods in Santa Ana to Consider for Treatment
To find an alcohol or drug rehab in Santa Ana, our directory is a good reference to begin your search. If you have a specific area of the city in mind, you can research facilities in that area. But if you are unsure where in Santa Ana you would like to go to rehab, here are a few neighborhoods to consider:
- Artesia Pillar: This area of Santa Ana is home to Santa Ana College and is known for its collection of murals along Civic Center Drive that reflect the strong Latin culture of the area.
- Lyon Street: Located on the eastern side of Santa Ana, the Lyon Street area is known for its many parks, restaurants, and cafes, as well as its urban vibe.
- Floral Park: Located on the northern tip of Santa Ana, historic Floral Park is one of the most established neighborhoods in Orange County. This area is known for its hundreds of vintage homes, annual home and garden tour, and welcoming residents.
- Centennial Park: Situated on the southern side of Santa Ana, this neighborhood offers an urban-suburban feel, full-service community center, several parks, and many dining and entertainment opportunities.
Alcohol and Drug Laws in Santa Ana
California Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Statute: Calling 911 during an overdose may save a life. Calling 9-1-1 during a suspected overdose may save a life. Unfortunately, many people are hesitant to call for help due to fear they will be punished for illicit drug possession. The California Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Law was passed to protect people from legal repercussions in such a situation. When a person notifies medical personnel or police of a suspected overdose, that individual cannot be arrested or prosecuted for a drug-related crime. However, protections are limited under this law. Only people in possession of illicit substances meant for personal use have immunity under this statute.17
AJob Protection for Employees Who Voluntarily Enroll in Rehab: Under California Labor Code Section 1025-1028, employers with at least 25 staff members must accommodate employees who voluntarily seek addiction treatment. Accommodations may include permission to use vacation time or sick days for rehab or the option to take unpaid leave with job protection.18
Santa Ana, California is home to many alcohol and drug rehab facilities that can help you start your road to addiction recovery. If you would like to learn more about alcohol or drug rehab in Santa Ana that may be a good fit for your needs and budget, please call
800-926-9037
(Who Answers?)
to speak with a treatment support specialist. They can inform and direct you to the appropriate program.
Resources
- California Department of Public Health. (2022). California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard, Alameda County Dashboard.
- Orange County Health Care Agency. (2019). Alcohol & Other Drug Prevention Strategic Plan FY 2018-2023.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). What Does the Affordable Care Act Mean for Behavioral Health?
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition) Types of Treatment Programs.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). MAT Medications, Counseling, and Related Conditions.
- McCarty, D., Braude, L., Lyman, D. R., Dougherty, R. H., Daniels, A. S., Ghose, S. S., & Delphin-Rittmon, M. E. (2014). Substance abuse intensive outpatient programs: assessing the evidence. Psychiatric Services (Washington, D.C.), 65(6), 718-726.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Comorbidity: Substance Use and Other Mental Disorders.
- Youth.gov. (n.d.). Co-Occurring Disorders.
- Hunt, G. E., Malhi, G. S., Lai, H., & Cleary, M. (2020). Prevalence of comorbid substance use in major depressive disorder in community and clinical settings, 1990-2019: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of affective disorders, 266, 288-304.
- Anxiety & Depression Association of America. (n.d.). Substance Use.
- Lortye, S. A., Will, J. P., Marquenie, L. A., Goudriaan, A. E., Arntz, A., & de Waal, M. M. (2021). Treating posttraumatic stress disorder in substance use disorder patients with co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of different types and timings of treatment. BMC Psychiatry, 21(442).
- National Center for PTSD. (2022). PTSD and Substance Abuse in Veterans. U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- National Center for PTSD. (2020). Treatment of Co-Occurring PTSD and Substance Use Disorder in VA. U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). An Introduction to Bipolar Disorder and Co-Co-occurring Substance Use Disorders.
- Parmar, A., & Kaloiya, G. (2018). Comorbidity of Personality Disorder among Substance Use Disorder Patients: A Narrative Review. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 40(6), 517–527.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition) Behavioral Therapies.
- Drug Policy Alliance. (2013). Understanding California’s 911 Good Samaritan Law.
- California Legislative Information. (n.d.). Labor Code, Chapter 3.7. Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation [1025-1028].
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition) How long does drug addiction treatment usually last?