Alcohol and Drug Use Statistics in Walnut Creek, CA
Let’s talk about some of the most recent substance use statistics for Contra Costa County and Walnut Creek:1,4
In 2019, the rate of opioid-related deaths in all of Contra Costa County was attributed to heroin at 29%, fentanyl at 54%, and prescription opioids at 37%.
By 2020, Costa County saw at least 296 emergency department visits caused by opioid-related overdoses.
Out of 2020’s 296 emergency department visits for opioid overdose emergencies, 93 ended in death.
In 2020, 478,723 opioid prescriptions (excluding buprenorphine) were also written by healthcare professionals.
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 Health Care Almanac. (2022, January). Substance Use in California. https://www.chcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/SubstanceUseDisorderAlmanac2022.pdf
- California Department of Public Health. (2022, October 28). CA Overdose Dashboard. https://skylab.cdph.ca.gov/ODdash/?tab=Home
- California Department of Public Health. (2021). Contra Costa Overdose Dashboard. https://skylab.cdph.ca.gov/ODdash/?tab=CTY
