Santa Cruz Drug & Alcohol Rehab, Detox & Treatment Resources
Santa Cruz, California is a vibrant coastal town just 30 minutes south of San Jose. It has a population of around 64,000 and most notably is a haven for surfers. Every day, hundreds of surfers enjoy the waves at world-renowned surf spots, including Steamer Lane and Pleasure Point. The coastal town is also home to University of California, Santa Cruz, better known as UCSC. UCSC is over 2,000 acres and the sprawling campus has breathtaking views of Monterey Bay. Santa Cruz is a beautiful oasis from the hustle and bustle of Silicon Valley. From watching beautiful ocean sunsets, hiking in redwood forests or riding the Ferris wheel at California’s oldest amusement park, there is plenty to do and enjoy in Santa Cruz.
In the midst of this California city is an underlying issue that plagues much of the country: drug abuse. In recent years, law enforcement has cracked down on MDMA, fentanyl, methamphetamines and prescription drugs.
888 Hillhurst Rd. Ridgefield, WA 98642
(360) 857-0007
In addition, the California Healthy Kids Survey revealed that nearly one in three high school juniors binge drink in Santa Cruz, which is higher than the state average of one in five students. Drug and alcohol misuse has reverberating effects that can negatively alter your relationships and future goals. If you struggle with substance misuse, know that there is hope for a better life.
Santa Cruz is grappling with its drug misuse issue along with the rest of the country. In particular, there is a recent increase in drug misuse among the student body at UC Santa Cruz. The campus has a history of embracing marijuana use, but the drug culture has changed. Now, harder drugs are more prevalent, including heroin, cocaine and prescription drugs.
Finding Help in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Alcohol Rehab Centers and Drug Centers
Santa Cruz drug rehab centers welcome people who struggle with substance misuse, and help them get back on their feet. The professionals are trained and understand your needs as you move through the program. Rehab programs typically include residential treatment programs, partial hospitalization programs and outpatient programs. These programs offer varying levels of care, but all focus on helping you recover from the drug use disorder. Alcohol and drug rehab centers in Santa Cruz help you recover not only physically, but also mentally as well.
The most intensive treatment program is a residential treatment program. Residential programs require you to live on-site and receive around-the-clock care. These programs are for those who are near the end of detox or those who have just finished detox. Simply detoxing the body of substances does not fix a substance use disorder. Rather, recovery requires further therapy. This therapy typically includes medication management, as well as teaching you how to change your thought and behavior patterns to avoid substance misuse in the future. Residential treatment programs are highly structured, which helps you stay focused on your recovery.
Partial hospitalization programs, or PHPs, are an intermediary step between inpatient and outpatient programs. Some PHPs require you to live on-site, but most PHPs are daytime programs. These programs are best for people who have completed detox and for those who are personally vested in making progress. Often, Santa Cruz drug rehab centers want to see that you have a support network in the family or community before returning home. PHPs continue to utilize individual and group therapy and can incorporate recreational therapy as well. A major component of PHP is creating a discharge plan, which helps you prepare to return home.
Outpatient drug rehab in Santa Cruz offer a level of accountability and care that many people need when first returning home. These programs require you to live off-site at home. You can expect to attend the alcohol and drug rehab center in Santa Cruz during the day, typically around five to seven times a week. Outpatient treatment programs are important for people who experience withdrawal symptoms because the constant check-ins help prevent relapse. Additionally, returning home can create new situations and problems. Continuing therapy in both individual and group settings helps you work through any new issues in a constructive way.
Santa Cruz alcohol and drug treatment facilities help anyone with a substance use disorder. Professionals are ready to evaluate your particular situation and to give you the right guidance and tools towards recovery. Alcohol and drug rehab centers in Santa Cruz provide holistic care, taking into account your needs both physically and emotionally. They teach you important skills that help you on your recovery journey, including information about substance misuse, gaining self-esteem and improving relationships.
Detox Centers
At some alcohol and drug rehab centers residents in Santa Cruz, medical detoxification programs are available on-site alongside rehab programs. In other places, a Santa Cruz drug detox center only handles the detox process. Detox is a stepping-stone towards recovery, but it’s not meant to cure an addiction. The process cleanses your body of substances and toxins. The process typically has both physical and emotional effects, and they can be life-threatening. For this reason, never attempt to detox on your own. Santa Cruz alcohol and drug detox should always be done under the care of professionals.
Recovery Meetings Near You
Recovery meetings play an integral role for many people who have a history of substance misuse. They offer constant support in a non-judgmental and educational setting. Whether it’s Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous or SMART Recovery, the mission is the same, which is to welcome those recovering from substance misuse to share their journeys and grow together. Recovery meetings take place throughout the week in nearly every city of America. If you are looking for a support network or a chance to continue learning and growing on your sobriety journey, attend a recovery meeting near you. When used as aftercare following a treatment program, recovery meetings will help decrease the likelihood of experiencing relapses to your substance use disorder.
Alcoholics Anonymous is a worldwide organization that has helped countless recovering individuals. It teaches a 12-step program that prompts people to evaluate themselves and their lives and to make proactive changes in maintaining recovery. Anyone is welcome to join a meeting, and participation is voluntary. There is no specific timeline imposed with the 12-step program. Rather, you move through the steps at your own comfort level. The AA program includes a sponsor component, which is something many people utilize. A sponsor is a mentor that guides you through the program and someone you can call if you find yourself on the verge of relapse.
Santa Cruz Friends Meeting
225 Rooney St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
New Life Community Services
707 Fair Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Barrios Unidos
1817 Soquel Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Narcotics Anonymous is a 12-step program for anyone who has a history of narcotics misuse. Like AA, NA offers a spirituality-based program. It’s not based on a specific religion, but rather it asks the participant to think about the role of a higher power in his or her life. NA meetings provide stability and accountability for recovering individuals. Meetings take place on a regular basis and use different formats including Topic Discussion, Book Study and Newcomer. Participation is completely voluntary, and new members are warmly welcomed. If you’re looking for a network of support, attend a local NA meeting near you.
First Presbyterian Church
350 Mission St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Calvary Episcopal Church – Little Red Church
532 Center St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Veteran’s Hall
846 Front St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
SMART Recovery is a scientific alcohol and drug treatment program available in Santa Cruz designed to help people with a history of substance misuse. Rather than a 12-step program, SMART Recovery teaches its members four principles. The goal of SMART Recovery is to help people become self-sufficient and self-empowered. The meetings are always free, and participation is voluntary. It gives you a chance to discuss your goals, progress on achieving goals and any difficulties you’re facing. The program asks people to analyze substance misuse and negative behavior habits in a scientific format. Conveniently, SMART Recovery is available in-person or online. It’s a great alternative when AA or NA is not working out.
Calvary Episcopal Church
532 Center St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Elevate Addiction Services Creekside
9057 Soquel Dr. Building A Unit G
Apots, CA 95003
Elevate Addiction Services
262 Gaffey Rd.
Watsonville, CA 95076
Experiencing a loved one struggle with substance misuse is life changing and emotional. Al-Anon and Nar-Anon provide meetings specifically for family members. Often, it’s difficult to share your personal struggles because it’s hard to expose your family member’s issues or to find people who truly understand. Attending Al-Anon and Nar-Anon is a freeing and educational experience for family members. These meetings give you a chance to find a network of lifetime support. As well, these meetings teach you more about substance misuse and your role in your loved one’s life. They ask you to look inside yourself to grow spiritually and personally, giving you a chance to evolve into an empowered and insightful individual alongside your loved one.
Al-Anon
St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church
125 Canterbury Dr.
Aptos, CA 95003
Nar-Anon
Saving OurSelves
2900 Chanticleer Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Santa Cruz is close to many smaller towns, including Aptos and Watsonville. As well, its proximity to Silicon Valley means there are many resources available in nearby cities.
Resources in Nearby California Cities
Agoura Hills
Alhambra
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Arcadia
Auburn
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Berkeley
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Brea
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