Top California Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab Centers

Studies have shown that California teens and adults have higher rates of illicit drug use compared to national averages. The state has taken steps to prevent drug abuse and expand access to drug and alcohol treatment in California, including the following laws:

• California Tobacco Control Program in 1989: Rates of cigarette smoking decreased by 51% from 1988 to 2014, and the state now has the second-lowest adult smoking prevalence rate in the country.⁶
• California recently state a law to curb opioid overprescribing and broadened reimbursement for treatment services for Medicaid recipients.
• California legalized marijuana for personal use in 2016.⁷ It remains to be seen if this will affect rates of use in CA.
• California passed Senate Bill 482, which went into effect in 2017. The law requires doctors to check a database of a patient’s prescription history before prescribing opioids.⁹
• In 2015, California expanded substance abuse treatment services to people on Medi-Cal, including inpatient care, case management, recovery services, and added medication.¹⁰

There are 1,004 outpatient programs in California, 521 residential programs, and 30 hospital inpatient programs. Opioid treatment programs are offered at 142 facilities in California.⁴

Addiction Statistics in California

• California teens have low rates of cigarette smoking. 72% of high school students in the state report never trying cigarettes, compared to 68% nationwide.³
• Teens also have lower rates of alcohol use than U.S. averages. 15% report binge drinking in the past month compared to 18% nationwide, and 29% report having at least 1 drink on at least 1 day during the past month, compared to 33% nationwide.³
• Rates of past-year alcohol dependence and abuse and illicit drug dependence and abuse among Californians age 12 and older have consistently been above national averages since 2010-2011. However, these rates have declined over the past few years.⁵
• About 4,500 Californians died from drug overdose in 2014, up by 1,500, or 50%, from 2002. More than twice as many Californians die of drug overdoses than are murdered.²
• Stimulants, marijuana, and heroin were the most commonly cited reasons for drug treatment admissions in the state from 1992-2012.⁸
• The number of people receiving methadone in the state increased from 29,874 in 2009 to 30,872 in 2013. The number of people receiving buprenorphine increased from 1,392 in 2009 to 2,154 in 2013.¹

How Much Does Rehab Cost?

As you’re looking for an alcohol or drug rehab program in California, you also need to consider how to cover the cost of rehab. There are a number of factors that will influence the cost of rehab, including:

• Location.
• Length of stay.
• Type of treatment (inpatient, outpatient, hospital-based, etc.).
• Amenities offered.

85% accept cash or self-payment, 51% accept private health insurance, 19% accept Medicare, 29% accept Medicaid, and 63% offer a sliding scale fee.⁴

In general, inpatient programs cost more than outpatient programs because they provide around-the-clock care. However, a high price tag doesn’t guarantee high quality and it’s important to spend time researching and inpatient or outpatient treatment facility in California before making a decision.

If you find a drug or alcohol rehab program in California that is out of your financial reach, you can ask if the program offers grants, scholarships, payment plans, or a sliding scale. Many treatment facilities take insurance as well, so be sure to check your insurance for substance abuse treatment coverage.

Substance Abuse Treatment Options

Don’t wait until your substance abuse or addiction spirals out of control to get the help you need. The sooner you seek help, the better. The consequences of continued alcohol or drug abuse can lead to overdose, incarceration, financial problems, violence, or challenges in personal relationships.

When you enter drug or alcohol treatment in California, you will first be given a physical exam and your doctor will create a treatment plan for you. Depending on your situation, your treatment might start with detox, followed by a period of inpatient or outpatient treatment. If your addiction is more severe, it may be recommended that you stay in treatment for a longer period of time so that you have enough time to stabilize and focus on your recovery.

During the first days or weeks of rehab, you might experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, headaches, nausea, or trouble sleeping. In some cases, withdrawal symptoms can be safely managed through a combination of medication and therapy, if the drug or alcohol rehab program offers those services.

Drug and Alcohol Addiction-Related Resources in California

• Licensed residential facilities and/or certified alcohol and drug programs: A list of programs by county with contact information and services, provided by the California Department of Health Care Services.
• Medi-Cal: Information on Medi-Cal, a public health insurance program for low-income individuals and families.
• California Youth Crisis Line: Resources and a 24/7 hotline for youth and families in crisis.