Substance Abuse Statistics in Vista, CA
Vista is located in the major metropolitan region of San Diego County. The following statistics represent a sampling of the substance abuse challenges facing this area:1,2
275 unintentional prescription-caused deaths occurred in 2019.
There were 151 fentanyl-caused deaths in 2019.
In 2020, the county experienced 576 unintentional prescription-caused deaths.
There were 462 fentanyl-caused deaths in 2020.
In 2019, there were 7,723 emergency department discharges with a diagnosis of opioid dependence or abuse.
46% of arrestees in 2020 reported lifetime prescription misuse/abuse.
15,080 adults were admitted to San Diego County Drug Treatment for prescription drugs in 2020.
1,352 defendants were prosecuted for prescription-related crimes in 2020.
- In 2020, there were 106 deaths due to heroin overdose.
- 10% of adult arrestees in 2020 tested positive for heroin.
- Meth is the primary drug of choice for 31% of admissions to San Diego County treatment programs.
- Alcohol is the primary drug of choice for 22% of admissions to San Diego County treatment programs.
- Heroin is the primary drug of choice for 26% of admissions to San Diego County treatment programs.
- 64% of individuals admitted to San Diego treatment programs are white, 25% are Hispanic, and 4% are Black.
- In 2020, emergency medical services reported 4,101 drug-related naloxone administrations.
- In 2020, the sheriff’s department reported 120 drug-related naloxone administrations.
- 67% of individuals who experienced prescription drug-related deaths in 2020 were white, 19% were Hispanic, and 9% were Black.
Local Information: Traveling to and Within Vista, CA
Incorporated in 1963, Vista is known as America’s Climatic Wonderland. Offering perfect weather and a vibrant community, the city has grown to just over 100,000 residents. Vista forms one leg of the Tri-City area in North San Diego County, along with the cities of Oceanside and Carlsbad. It is located about 40 miles north of San Diego along state route 78. It’s also just a short seven miles from the Pacific Ocean, placing Vista just minutes from some of California’s most scenic beaches.
The city offers a dense suburban feel, with an abundance of shopping, dining, and live entertainment options. Downtown Vista if full of exciting music venues, al fresco dining, and public art. The gently rolling hills of Vista provide an attractive setting that also offers a range of year-round outdoor adventure opportunities. The open land also allows plenty of space for an abundance of parks in Vista. For locals and visitors alike, there’s much to see and do throughout the city.
If you’ll be traveling to Vista, CA for substance abuse treatment or to visit someone in treatment, here are a few travel suggestions. Use these tips to guide your time in Vista and make getting there and back a little easier.
- The closest airport is McClellan-Palomar in Carlsbad, but only one commercial airline offers direct flights.
- Your best option for flights to Vista, CA is the San Diego International Airport, 42 miles away.
- Downtown Vista is worth exploring, with live music, outdoor art, and inviting eateries.
- For live entertainment options, check out the Avo Playhouse and the Moonlight Amphitheatre.
- The crime rate in Vista is 30% lower than the national average.
- Vista locals consider the southwest part of the city to be the safest.
- Popular day trips from Vista include Legoland, Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, Disneyland, and Knott’s Berry Farm.
- Local attractions within Vista include the Wave Waterpark, Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, Vista Farmer’s Market, and Alta Vista Gardens.
- Some of the best-rated beaches nearby include South Carlsbad State Beach and Oceanside Beach.
- Yes, it’s sunny, but winter temps can get as low as 46°F, so pack accordingly.
Resources
- San Diego County Prescription Drug Abuse Task Force. (2020). 2020 report card. https://timesofsandiego.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/report-card.pdf
- Prescription Drug Abuse Task Force. (n.d.). LiveStories. Retrieved October 24, 2022, from https://insight.livestories.com/s/v2/prescription-drug-abuse-task-force-report-card/4c6d7a3e-91ca-4516-b8fb-ea019e1e7083
- Davis, K. (2022, June 15). Sheriff’s Department agrees to make naloxone more accessible in jails – The San Diego Union-Tribune. San Diego Union-Tribune. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/watchdog/story/2022-06-15/sheriffs-department-agrees-to-make-naloxone-more-accessible-in-jails
