Drug and Alcohol Abuse Statistics in San Rafael, CA
Substance use data collected by Marin Health & Human Services, the CDC, and the California Department of Public Health emphasizes the following alcohol- and drug-use statistics:1,3,4,5
From 2016 to 2020, nearly 27% of driving deaths in Marin County involved alcohol-impaired drivers.
In 2020, roughly 21% of Marin County residents reported needing help with substance use and/or mental health problems.
In 2021, the stimulant-related fatality rate in San Rafael’s 94901 zip code exceeded California’s overall rate by 50% and Marin County’s rate by 64%.
Levels of Care for Substance Abuse
Multiple levels of care exist for alcohol and drug rehab in California. Some residents require all levels of care during their journey to recovery, while others receive only the less intensive options.
Medical Detox
Detox is the process of safely and comfortably removing drugs or alcohol from your system while in a supervised medical setting. Many people choose a medical detox program to prevent severe, and potentially dangerous, withdrawal symptoms. This is often the first step in the recovery process, completed before transitioning into formal inpatient addiction treatment services.
Inpatient Care
An inpatient or residential setting involves living at an accredited rehab facility 24/7 to receive treatment for addiction. A combination of evidence-based interventions are provided, including individual and group therapy, nutritional counseling, and medication administration.
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)
PHPs are a type of outpatient treatment in California that often involve many of the same therapies and methods of inpatient care. The difference is that you only visit the drug rehab during scheduled session times, then you can return home.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)
A step down from PHPs, IOPs are a type of outpatient treatment in California allowing you to attend onsite sessions for several hours a day, multiple days each week, while spending the rest of your time at home, working or fulfilling other obligations.
Standard Outpatient
As the least intensive setting, standard outpatient care is appropriate for California residents who are highly motivated and have a strong support system. It involves just one or two hours of treatment per week.
Relapse Prevention
Aftercare, or relapse prevention, provides ongoing support after a rehab program is complete. Aftercare may include 12-step groups, non-12-step groups like SMART Recovery, ongoing therapy, sober living homes, and more.
How to Pay for Substance Abuse Treatment in California
Private Insurance
Every insurance provider in the U.S. is required by law to provide at least some coverage for mental health and substance abuse treatment. In California, residents should contact their insurance provider to confirm specific coverage with their carrier, including applicable copays.
Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program. Funded by federal and state taxes, this program pays for medical services for children and adults who have limited income. To qualify for Medi-Cal, California residents must meet income requirements and be one of the following: pregnant, responsible for a child under 21 years old, blind, disabled or a disabled family member, or 65 years or older.
California Medicare
California Medicare is a government program providing coverage to residents who are over the age of 65 or who have end-stage renal disease. California residents can use Medicare to cover the cost of rehab and other addiction treatment services; however, not all rehabs accept Medicare insurance.
Sliding Scale Payment Options
Sliding scale payment plans only charge California residents what they can afford, based on their income. To qualify, residents typically need to provide proof of income and assets.
TRICARE in California
California TRICARE (West Region) is a government program that provides health insurance for military personnel, veterans, and their dependents. TRICARE coverage includes addiction treatment services, such as rehab and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
IHS-Funded Drug Rehabs
Drug rehab programs funded by the Indian Health Service provide free addiction treatment to California Natives and Indigenous peoples in the U.S.
Traveling to San Rafael, CA: Transportation, Where to Stay, and Local Attractions
Are you interested in traveling to a drug or alcohol rehab in Marin for treatment? Are you planning to visit someone in one of the city’s recovery centers? Either way, here’s what you should know to start planning your trip:
- If you’re planning to fly in, you can book a flight to Oakland International Airport, which is roughly 40 minutes from San Rafael by car. San Francisco International Airport is also nearby and located about 38 miles south of the city.
- If you need public transportation, Marin Transit provides fixed-route bus service throughout San Rafael and all of Marin County. Golden Gate Transit also operates regional, fixed-route bus service in Marin, Contra Costa, Sonoma, and San Francisco Counties.
- San Rafael is the second-most walkable, mid-sized city in the Bay Area; however, bike lanes are fairly scarce.
- There are a few national chain and non-branded hotels in San Rafael. However, if you’re willing to stay a few miles outside the city, you’ll find more options in nearby Corte Madera.
- San Quentin Beach, San Rafael Bay, McNears Beach, China Camp Beach, China Camp State Park, Mountain Park, and Memorial Park offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun.
- Popular local attractions include the historic Mission San Rafael Arcángel 1817, the Downtown San Rafael Arts District, Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center, Falkirk Cultural Center, Marin Shakespeare Company, and the Marin History Museum.
California Alcohol and Drug Laws
California law includes the following policies related to substance abuse:1,2,3,4,5
California Employee Protections for Drug or Alcohol Rehab: California’s labor code requires employers with 25 or more employees to provide accommodation to staff who voluntarily choose to attend alcohol or drug rehab. This may include unpaid time off or use of sick or vacation time. Employees who wish to request time off for addiction treatment may be able to request it under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act.
Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act: This act provides treatment opportunities for individuals who are convicted of non-violent crimes. Eligible offenders may serve their time in drug treatment rather than in prison.
California Government Prevention and Care Services: Senate Bill 110 expanded these services to include contingency management (an incentivized treatment program) as a benefit covered under Medi-Cal. Patients who demonstrate substance-free behavior, such as drug-free urine tests, are rewarded with vouchers or gift cards.
California Ethical Treatment for Persons with Substance Use Disorder Act: This bill protects residents undergoing addiction treatment by requiring alcohol and drug rehabs in California to adopt a client bill of rights that seeks to ensure every client is treated with dignity, honesty, and respect.
California’s Good Samaritan Law: This law encourages California residents to call 9-1-1 if an overdose is suspected. It protects individuals who seek emergency medical care for overdose from legal repercussions for possession of a controlled substance/drug paraphernalia or providing alcohol to minors.
Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. CDC Wonder Online Database. (2021). Underlying Cause of Death, 1999-2020 Results, Deaths occurring through 2020.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). FindTreatment.gov.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). PLACES: Local Data for Better Health, Place Data 2022 Release.
- California Department of Public Health. (n.d.). California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard, Marin County Dashboard.
- Healthy Marin County. (2020). Mental Health and Substance Abuse Dashboard.