Drug And Alcohol Addiction In San Diego, California
Nicknamed America’s Finest City, San Diego, California, is known for its mild year-round climate and beautiful beaches; however, it is struggling with high rates of substance abuse. Luckily, San Diego is a very recovery-friendly city, it offers quality treatment centers and numerous drug-free housing services.
While Methamphetamine, Marijuana, Heroin and alcohol are the most commonly treated substances in San Diego, California, there are treatment programs available for every addiction. The city also has treatment options for every financial situation, including luxury rehabs and state-funded centers.
Should I Travel Outside Of San Diego For Rehab?
While San Diego has many top-notch treatment centers, the best program for your needs may be located outside the city. It’s important to find a rehab with experience treating your addiction that also provides an environment where you’ll feel comfortable. Sometimes, being free of familiar triggers and surroundings can be the best for recovery.
Drug Abuse Is On the Rise
As is the case in Los Angeles, illicit drugs are widely available in San Diego due largely to the city’s proximity to Mexico—the Mexican border is a mere 17 miles from downtown San Diego. Drug trafficking is prevalent in the area and prohibited substances are smuggled into the city from Mexico and South America often.
In the 1990s, San Diego was known as the “Meth capital of the world”—a title that, until recently, was slowly becoming obsolete thanks to increased education, prevention, treatment and enforcement in the area.
However, Meth seems to be making a comeback in San Diego, with increasing amounts of the drug being smuggled in from Mexico.
Other drugs commonly smuggled into San Diego include:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Heroin
Alcohol, Methamphetamine, Heroin, and Marijuana make up the top 4 most commonly treated addictions in San Diego.
Addiction And Drug Abuse Statistics In San Diego
14
years
One San Diego resident received just under 14 years in prison for dealing Fentanyl which killed a young woman.
29
percent
Per CDC data, US overdose fatalities have skyrocketed 278% since the turn of the century.
4
times over
Fentanyl-related deaths in San Diego County quadrupled from 2018 to 2020.
Addiction Treatment Services In San Diego
The city of San Diego is located in San Diego County. The San Diego County Behavioral Health Services (BHS) Division provides Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) services to San Diego residents. If you or someone you care about needs help in San Diego, there are a number of programs offered by the County’s AOD services, including:
- Inpatient and outpatient adolescent treatment
- Inpatient and outpatient adult treatment
- Medical detox
- DUI programs
- HIV testing and counseling
- Prevention programs
- Women’s treatment
The BHS Division has contracts with local treatment service providers, allowing them to offer low-cost or no-cost prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery services across the county. These services are funded by BHS and are provided regardless of a person’s ability to pay. These programs also accept Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program.

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Second Chance Program
San Diego’s Second Chance program helps people become contributing members of society by creating opportunities for them to change their lives. The program provides workforce training and job placement to veterans, youth and adults who are former addicts or have been incarcerated.
Second Chance also has a clean and sober housing program. The program’s 8 sober living facilities provide affordable, supportive housing for those struggling with substance abuse who want to turn their lives around. Second Chance offers referrals to treatment facilities, as well.
Find Addiction Help Now
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, know that help is readily available and merely a phone call away. Whether you’re looking for a rehab in San Diego or just outside the city, there are treatment options available. For more information, contact a treatment provider today.
Published:
Author
Jeffrey Juergens

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Jeffrey Juergens earned his Bachelor’s and Juris Doctor from the University of Florida. Jeffrey’s desire to help others led him to focus on economic and social development and policy making. After graduation, he decided to pursue his passion of writing and editing. Jeffrey’s mission is to educate and inform the public on addiction issues and help those in need of treatment find the best option for them.
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