Addiction Treatment in San Diego
Last Reviewed by Paul Alexander June, 2025
Drug addiction is a major health issue that can affect every community in the United States. San Diego, California is one of the countless cities dealing with the crippling effects of drug and alcohol abuse. Addiction is an equal opportunity destroyer of lives and tears families apart.
Northbound Treatment is one of the pre-eminent drug and alcohol rehabs in San Diego. Call us today and learn more about our effective treatment programs.
Addiction Statistics in San Diego
The statistics reveal the story. According to the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency quarterly report in 2024, overall, substance abuse continues to be a significant public health challenge in San Diego. Trends show both persistent and emerging threats from opioids, methamphetamine, and polysubstance use
Fentanyl is driving the majority of opioid-related deaths in San Diego County, with young adults (25–34) and males being most affected.
Methamphetamine use remains high, especially among those involved in the criminal justice system.
Alcohol and marijuana use are prevalent among youth, with high rates of binge drinking and experimentation with other substances.
In 2023, over 1,000 people died from opioid overdoses in San Diego County, a figure comparable to larger urban centers.
Preliminary data for Q2 2024 indicate that 70% of overdose deaths in San Diego County were opioid-related, and of those, 92% were attributed to fentanyl.
Methamphetamine remains the most commonly used drug among adult arrestees in San Diego. In 2022, 55% of female and 52% of male arrestees tested positive for meth.
So the need for appropriate drug and alcohol treatment remains a pressing issue in the San Diego area.
San Diego: A Perfect Environment for Recovery
San Diego is an ideal location for recovery with its serene beaches, perfect weather, and peaceful environment that promotes healing. San Diego has a strong recovery community thanks to its abundance of treatment centers, sober living homes, and support groups like AA and NA. The city’s warm weather, active lifestyle, and scenic beauty promote wellness, while a culture of acceptance and recovery-friendly events fosters lasting sobriety and connection.
Get Help With Alcohol and Drug Rehab
Making the decision to enter alcohol rehab in San Diego is a life-changing choice. When you make that commitment, you show the willingness to tackle your addiction head-on, address the underlying issues of your addiction, and work through those issues in order to find sobriety.
While committing to seeking alcohol addiction treatment in San Diego is a major step forward, finding the right rehab to fit your needs can be challenging.
There are countless drug treatment programs in San Diego that offer a wide spectrum of treatment programs and services. With the multitude of treatment options available and claims of high success rates of clients, where will you go for alcohol addiction treatment in San Diego?
In your search for addiction treatment programs in San Diego, keep the following in mind when selecting a rehab:
Responsiveness
San Diego, California drug rehab centers are in the business of helping people from all walks of life recover from the ravages of substance abuse. They need to quickly answer questions about their services and be available to give tours of their facility to prospective clients.
When you reach out to drug and alcohol rehabs in San Diego, you should receive a response within 48 hours, by email or phone. If a facility fails to reach you quickly, move on to the next one.
Safe, Substance-Free Environment
Drug rehab programs in San Diego must provide all clients with a safe, secure, and substance-free environment to focus on working their recovery program. You need to feel a sense of comfort and security and have a barrier from the triggers in your home environment, which can lead to relapse.
Additionally, drug and alcohol rehabs in San Diego need to have a strict substance-free policy on or around the facility.
Expert Counseling
Alcohol addiction treatment in San Diego needs compassionate and experienced mental health counselors with years of proven experience working with a wide cross-section of people and substance abuse issues.
With their patience and guidance, you can uncover the root causes of your addiction in a safe and non-judgmental environment. Counselors who specialize in alcohol recovery in San Diego must have a proven track record of success.
Start Your Journey with Northbound Today
If you or a loved one are seeking alcohol or drug treatment, we are here to help. You can beat addiction. Our dedicated team of licensed recovery specialists will be there for you every step of the way.
Northbound Treatment’s Alcohol and Drug Programs
You have unique needs when it comes to drug treatment, and a one-size-fits-all approach will do you more harm than good. Fortunately, Northbound in San Diego offers multiple levels of care that are personalized to meet your specific needs.
Located in the beautiful San Diego neighbourhood of La Jolla, Northbound’s location offers stunning coastal views, scenic trails, 7 miles of sun-kissed beaches and vibrant local culture in this relaxed, upscale area. With surf, white sand, and tide pools during low tides, people come to see the sea lions and seals. And there are many other attractions as well, including the marvelous architecture of the Salk Institute.
We offer the following alcohol and drug treatment programs in San Diego:
Medically Supervised Detox
Medical detox is often seen as the most important component of drug rehab. Detox allows you to wean from substances gradually, and will help make withdrawal symptoms more tolerable in treatment. Depending on the individual and the substance, detox usually lasts 7 to 10 days.
Experienced medical staff will use medications and other appropriate interventions to get you both mentally and physically stable. During the detox process, staff will perform a comprehensive evaluation to pinpoint any underlying medical and mental health issues that may complicate your recovery. Our alcohol and drug detox in San Diego includes:
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Medication management
- 24-hour nursing staff
- Therapeutic interventions and activities
- Daily visits with experienced addiction specialists
- Individual and group therapy
Residential Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Northbound Treatµent Services in San Diego offers evidence-based intensive inpatient treatment programs for alcohol and drug abuse. Staff will create a personalized treatment plan that uses a wide variety of programs and services such as individual and group therapy, life and skills training, holistic therapies, and therapeutic techniques.
These may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), and experiential therapies.
Depending on the severity of your addiction, we offer program lengths of 30, 60, 90 days, or even longer.
Outpatient Treatment
While inpatient residential treatment is effective, it may not be the best fit for you. If you can’t be away from family and work or if your addiction issues are not severe, an outpatient rehab program will be a better fit.
Outpatient treatment programs offer the same evidence-based treatment services as inpatient programs, but with more flexibility. You can attend programming during the day or at night, typically 2 to3 times a week for several hours each session. Northbounds offers traditional outpatient, intensive outpatient (IOP), and day treatment options.
Dual Diagnosis
Suppose you have a co-occurring mental illness along with an addiction issue. Northbound offers dual diagnosis treatment programs. These programs allow you the space and support needed to address your co-occurring issues, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma, while gaining the skills and support you need to better manage your dual diagnosis.
Aftercare Program
At Northbound, we help you prepare with relapse prevention skills for once you leave treatment and re-enter your daily life. These programs can feature the following components:
- Relapse prevention skills training
- 12-step recovery programs
- Individual and group therapy
- Medication management
- Educational and employment assistance
- Sober living
- Educational workshops
- Alumni programs and aftercare support
Verify Insurance Coverage for San Diego Treatment
Wondering if your insurance covers rehab in Newport Beach, CA? We work with most major providers, including Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross, and Medicare/Medicaid, to maximize your benefits. Our team handles the verification process—quickly and confidentially—so you can focus on recovery. Call now to check your coverage and start your journey today!
Our Admissions Process
We make the admissions process at Northbound Treatment as easy as possible. We understand that the sooner you are able to get the care you need, the better. Our enrollment is relatively stress-free to make what is already a difficult time that much easier. We are here to help! The main steps are as follows:
Get in Touch with Northbound
Verify Your Insurance
Coordinate Your Travel
Arriving at Northbound Treatment Center in San Diego
Begin Your Recovery Journey
FAQs
What services are offered in San Diego?
Northbound San Diego offers the full range of services: medically-supervised detox, inpatient residential care, outpatient, dual diagnosis, and aftercare.
Can I get outpatient care in San Diego?
Yes, Northbound offers traditional outpatient, intensive outpatient (IOP), and day treatment options.
How long does rehab typically last?
Treatment varies based on severity and personal progress. Common options include:
- 30-day programs (short-term intensive treatment)
- 30-90-day programs (more in-depth recovery)
- Extended care (sober living or outpatient support for long-term success)
Have more questions?
Call us anytime for confidential guidance. You’re not alone—we’re here to help.
Get Help for Addiction in San Diego Today
Entering a drug rehab in San Diego is a considerable investment of both your time and money. Choosing the right rehab will ensure you get the services and support you need so you can achieve and maintain long-term recovery.
If you need drug and alcohol rehab in San Diego or the surrounding areas, call Northbound Treatment Services today. Our substance abuse and mental health programs are evidence-based and administered by experienced staff with over three decades of experience in the field of California addiction treatment.
In addition to our traditional treatment offerings, we also have effective, dynamic, and unique programs such as art therapy, music therapy, telemedicine, and faith-based services. The tools and support offered at our top-rated California rehab facility in San Diego will transform your life forever.
Contact us today and become empowered to make the change for the better.
Table of Contents
Are you or a loved one struggling with drug or alcohol addiction? Call our 24-hour confidential helpline to speak with a recovery expert.
We Accept Major Insurances
