Substance Abuse Resources in California

It’s estimated that around 800,000 people use hard drugs like cocaine and heroin in California every year. Additionally, almost 5 million use marijuana. Another 2.1 million abuse alcohol in the state every year.¹

As a result, 6 percent of all deaths in California were linked to alcohol and drugs in the last ten years. Likewise, there were almost 26,000 injuries from crashes in the state involving drivers who had ingested alcohol or drugs.¹

Many Californians struggling with addiction have challenges finding useful resources to help them toward recovery. 

If you need low-cost addiction treatment or advice in California, use our resources here to help.

State-Funded Substance Abuse Resources

Getting state-funded rehab in California is possible by applying for government-funded health insurance. Or, you can find a treatment center that receives federal or state government grant funding.

At California state-funded rehab centers, you can receive free and low-cost addiction treatment through government funding.

Sources of government funding include Medicaid coverage for rehab and government grants for addiction treatment providers.

State-funded addiction rehab can include:

• Inpatient and outpatient treatment
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• Counseling

We want to ensure you have the best options when choosing a state-funded rehab center.

The following addiction treatment providers have:

• Accreditation
• Positive customer testimonials
• High Google ratings
• Evidence-based treatment

Bakersfield Recovery Services
Bakersfield, California
531 Knotts St. Bakersfield
CA 93305
(661) 325-1817
https://bakersfieldrecoveryservices.com/ 

The Empire Recovery Center
Redding, California
1237 California St. Redding
CA 96001
(530) 243-7470
https://www.empirerecoverycenter.org/ 

Safe Refuge
Long Beach, California
1041 E. Redondo Ave. Long Beach
CA 90804
https://asaferefuge.org/

The Tule River Alcoholism Program (T.R.A.P.)
Porterville, California
1012 N. Reservation Rd. Porterville
CA 93257
(559) 781-8797
https://tulerivertribe-nsn.gov/trap/

Support Groups in California 

Support groups can be an essential resource for the person suffering from addiction and their family and friends.

Family members may experience various emotional responses to their loved one’s addiction, including:

• Guilt
• Shame
• Anxiety
• Grief
• Anger

Support groups may be run by one of the following:

• Social worker
• Psychotherapist
• Addiction counselor

Groups often include peers working through similar struggles with addiction. They typically provide a safe and supportive environment. People can process and heal any emotional wounds they’ve gained from addiction.

Support groups can help validate these normal emotional responses. People can share what they’ve done to deal with their struggles, including seeking therapy and setting healthy boundaries.

Alcoholics Anonymous is run all over the country, including in California. AA California is a recovery group devoted to supporting people in the state struggling with alcoholism.

AA California helps those struggling with alcoholism find the help they need locally. Use AA California to join a meeting in your nearest city and take steps to overcome alcoholism.

SMART Recovery is a non-profit organization offering support groups and assistance for people struggling with addiction. SMART stands for self-management and recovery training.

There’s a SMART Recovery in San Diego offering free meetings daily, in-person, and online. These meetings address addictive problems using a self-powering, non-12-step approach.

AA California
Los Angeles Central Office
4311 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 104
Los Angeles
CA 90010
1-323-936-4343
https://lacoaa.org/

SMART Recovery San Diego
8322 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
IT Tech Office
San Diego
CA 92111
(619) 750-4328 https://smartrecoverysd.org/

Nar-Anon Family Groups California
Nar-Anon Central California Region
3463 State St #424
Santa Barbara
CA 93015
(800) 477-6291
https://www.naranoncentralca.org/ 

VA Benefits & Rehab Coverage in California

VA insurance includes treatment for: 

• Substance abuse
• Mental health problems
• Other co-occurring disorders

Due to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), substance abuse and mental health treatment coverage are essential in all long-term health insurance plans.

Central California VA Health Care System
2615 E. Clinton Avenue Fresno
CA 93703
559-225-6100
https://www.va.gov/central-california-health-care/ 

Los Angeles Ambulatory Care Center
351 East Temple Street Los Angeles
CA 90012
213-253-2677
https://www.va.gov/greater-los-angeles-health-care/

Oakland Behavioral Health Clinic
525 21st Street Oakland
CA 94612
510-587-3400
https://www.va.gov/northern-california-health-care/

Sacramento Mental Health Clinic at Mather
10535 Hospital Way Mather
CA 95655
916-366-5420
https://www.va.gov/northern-california-health-care/

National Resources

Various national resources are available to help you deal with substance abuse issues.

Suicide Crisis Line
988
https://988lifeline.org/ 

Veteran Crisis Line
Dial: 988 and press 1
Text: 838255
https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ 

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/ 

Find A Health Center
https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/ 

NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator
https://alcoholtreatment.niaaa.nih.gov/

MentalHealth
https://www.mentalhealth.gov/