Expert Insights
If ever there were a clear example of red tape getting in the way of saving lives, this story I came across recently certainly meets the criteria in my opinion. San Bernardino, CA has seen more homeless people die from drug overdose deaths in the last two years than any other years on record. That’s what makes organizations that specifically help the addicted homeless population so important in this area. The Harm Reduction Institute was one of the few organizations in San Bernardino providing free naloxone and case management for the homeless. But thanks to some arbitrary local zoning code, the Institute was forced to close its doors as the city revoked its occupancy permit. We can only hope the organization will prevail in court so they can reopen their doors and continue saving lives.
~ Natalie Baker
How Expensive is Drug Rehab in San Bernardino?
The cost of a San Bernardino drug or alcohol rehab varies based on the type of treatment you choose. A residential inpatient facility will typically cost more than a standard outpatient center since you live at the facility full-time while receiving treatment. California does offer low-cost and free rehabs for people who find cost a barrier to getting addiction treatment.
How to Find Low-Cost and Free Rehabs in San Bernardino
There are low-cost and free rehabs that utilize government funding or other grants to keep costs low. These rehabs often require you to meet income requirements, show that you do not have insurance, and verify that you are a resident of California. The San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health can help you identify free or low-cost rehabs.3
San Bernardino County also offers free substance use disorder and recovery services (SUDRS). These services are available after you’ve completed residential, outpatient, or medication-assisted treatment or if there is a lapse of services as you transition between levels of care.3 These services are based on your personal goals and can include an ongoing recovery plan, outpatient individual or group counseling, education and job skills support, and family support.4
How Does San Bernardino Compare in Alcohol and Drug Use?
Located in the foothills of the San Bernardino Valley, San Bernardino, CA, is known for its scenic location. But it’s also struggling with the opiod epidemic as well. Since February 2021, 14 teens have died in the county from fentanyl overdoses.2 Alcohol rehab or drug rehab in San Bernardino can provide the rehab services you’re looking for. From inpatient to outpatient and the options in between, there are 87 accredited drug rehabs in San Bernardino designed to meet your individual recovery goals.
Located in the Inland Empire region of Southern California, San Bernardino is one of the larger cities in California and is the county seat of San Bernardino County. Substance use disorder admissions to county treatment facilities did go down 15% between 2018 and 2020.1 However, over the 10 years ending in 2020, admissions were up by 1%.1
Between 2010 to 2020, there was a 103% increase in opiate addiction admissions in the county and an 18% increase in alcohol admissions.1 During this time, drug-induced and alcohol-related deaths also increased in San Bernardino County.1 Drug-induced deaths increased steadily to a 2018 rate of 12.9 deaths per 100,000.1 Despite the increase, this rate is better than the overall statewide rate of 13.7.1
Deaths associated with chronic alcohol misuse have gotten worse in San Bernardino County, from 12.4 per 100,000 in 2008 to 15.5 per 100,000 in 2018.1 This is higher than the statewide average.1 In 2019, alcohol-involved car crashes left 77 people dead in San Bernardino County.1
There are concerns among the teenage population in the area as well. The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District reports they’re seeing an increase of counterfeit prescription pills laced with fentanyl, a dangerous synthetic opioid. Since February 2021, 14 teens have died in the county from fentanyl overdoses.2 The Fire District said they’ve also seen an increase in the availability of fake oxycodone, Xanax pills, and fentanyl powder.2
Drug and Alcohol Laws in San Bernardino
California Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Law: AB 472 is California’s 911 Good Samaritan Law. It provides limited protection for people who call for medical help at the scene of a suspected drug overdose. If the person who calls stays at the scene and assists either EMS or law enforcement, they cannot be arrested or charged with low-level drug law violations. Good Samaritan laws are designed to encourage people to call for help quickly to reduce the number of accidental overdose deaths. A similar law to protect minors from alcohol-related charges is also in place.
San Bernardino County Veterans Treatment Court: This interagency treatment strategy is designed to help veterans who are in the criminal justice system due to substance use disorder. The Veterans Treatment Court utilizes the drug court model to help veterans struggling with addiction, mental illness, or a co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder stay out of jail and get the help they need. This coordinated response promotes sobriety and recovery through partnerships with traditional law enforcement, social workers, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The San Bernardino County Youth Opioid Response Program: The San Bernardino County Youth Opioid Response program was created to help address the growing number of opioid use disorders, increase access to medication-assisted treatment, and reduce the number of overdoses among 12 to 24-year-olds.7 This partnership of healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and juvenile detention centers works with high-risk and addicted young adults in San Bernardino County’s juvenile prison system.7 The program uses a combination of medication, therapy, and community outreach to help these young adults recover from their opioid addiction.7
Resources
- San Bernardino County. (2022). Community Indicators – Substance Abuse.
- San Bernardino County Fire Protection District. (2022). Teen Opioid Abuse.
- San Bernardino County Behavioral Health. (2022). Substance Use Disorder and Recovery Services.
- San Bernardino County Behavioral Health. (2020, February 25). Substance Use Disorder and Recovery Services (SUDRS).
- California Department of Health Care Services. (2022, February 28). Do You Qualify for Medi-Cal Benefits?.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020, June 3). How effective is drug addiction treatment?.
- Neeki, M. M., Dong, F., Archambeau, B., Cerda, M., Ratliff, S., Goff, A., Roloff, K., & Tran, L. (2020). San Bernardino County Youth Opioid Response: Improving Access to Evidence-Based Medical Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder. Cureus, 12(8), e9781.
