Rehab in Fullerton, California

Fullerton is a city located in the northern part of Orange County, California.

It is one of the older cities in the county, with a traditional downtown area stemming back to the 19th century, though the area was settled long before that, by Native Americans. It’s also one of the county’s larger communities, with nearly 143,000 residents.

Orange County definitely has been affected by the opioid crisis. Its opioid overdose death rate outpaces Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties, and surpasses the state’s rate overall.

The Orange County Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board & OC Health Care Agency issued a report with 2011-18 data. Among its findings of opioid-connected overdose deaths:

• Seven out of every 10 drug-connected deaths in the county included opioids (and half of those involved prescription opioids).
• Males have been affected more than females (10.4 deaths per 100,000 vs. 5.7 for women).
• Whites are affected the most (78.5%) followed by Hispanics (15.9%), Asian/Pacific Islanders (2.9%), African-Americans (1.1%), and other (1.5%).
• 45-52-year-olds were the most affected age group (22.5%).

Not only have prescription opioids been a problem, but heroin and fentanyl overdoses have been on the rise, too.

Student Substance Abuse in Fullerton, California

Fullerton is home to many public and private schools, including Fullerton School District (for grades K–8) and Fullerton Joint Union High School District (grades 9–12). They’re responsible for educating thousands of students each day.

Orange County is home to more than 20 colleges and universities. Fullerton is home to three, but there are more than 100 colleges within a 50-mile radius of Fullerton.

The three colleges located in Fullerton are:

• Fullerton College, a public 2-year institution
• California State University Fullerton, a public 4-year school
• Hope International University, a private 4-year college

Among the trio, CSU-Fullerton is the largest with an enrollment of more than 40,000.

Substance use is no stranger to adolescents and young adults. Many don’t partake, but they are at an impressionable age, so some will.

High Schoolers

The National Institute on Drug Abuse released its Monitoring the Future study, which looked at trends in drug use among high schoolers. For 2020 they found that:

• Nearly half (46.6%) of 12th graders had tried illicit drugs at some point in their lives.
• More than six out of 10 (61.5%) had tried alcohol.
• Nearly half (47.2%) had vaped (any vaping, which could be nicotine, marijuana, or flavoring).
• 5.3% tried narcotics other than heroin.

College and Young Adult

Among college-age adults in 2018, NIDA found:

• Daily cannabis use was higher among non-college students (11.1%) than college (5.9%).
• Past-month marijuana vaping was higher among college students (10.9%) compared to 9.9% of non-college goers.
• Prescription drug misuse dropped from 2013 to 2018 among both groups, halving among college students (5.4% in 2013, to 2.7% in 2018), and reducing by two-thirds (from 9.6% to 3.2%) among non-college groups.

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Adderall, commonly prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is sometimes used off-label as a study drug. College students overall tend to use Adderall more than non-college adults (11.1% vs. 8.1%). Among females, however, 10.1% of the non-college crowd used Adderall, compared to 8.8% of collegiates. Among males the pattern reverses: 14.6% of college students used the stimulant, compared to 5.3% of non-college men.

For 2018, the rate of binge drinking (five or more drinks in a row anytime in the past two weeks) dropped to 28% among college groups and 25% for non-college.

Colleges and universities are aware of the risks of substance use (especially on younger adults, since the brain continues to develop until around age 25, making it potentially more habit-forming for some). Schools like Cal State-Fullerton have programs in place to prevent use, educate students, and assist them if they are struggling to stop. Screening services and recovery meetings are two options students may look into.

What to Look for When Choosing from Rehabs in Fullerton, California

There are a number of criteria to consider when looking for inpatient rehab in the Fullerton area. Safe, quality care is a top priority.

To find rehabs in Fullerton, California, and surrounding areas, people should consider specific indicators. They include:

Accreditation

The accreditation of a drug or alcohol rehabilitation facility is an important thing to consider.

When a clinic receives accreditation from a third-party entity like the Joint Commission or Legit Script (two common accreditations among the addiction treatment industry), it’s a sign that the facility is making an added effort to provide quality care. The accrediting organization usually performs an on-site survey—arriving unannounced—to ensure compliance standards are met. Surveyors talk to patients as well as staff, and observe doctors and nurses in action.

A facility’s accrediting and licensing information can be found online, or you can contact the center and ask about it.

Demographics

Even though anyone could develop a substance use disorder—no sexual orientation or gender identity, income or education level, faith or culture is immune—a lot of people do find it helpful to recover among a similar demographic. That’s especially true among certain groups.

While Asians make up 7% and Hispanics and Latinos 18% of the U.S. population, Orange County and Fullerton, CA, are more diverse. According to 2019 U.S. Census data, Orange County is 22% Asian and 34% Hispanic or Latino, and Fullerton is 24% Asian, and 37% Hispanic or Latino.

An individual raised with values and norms specific to a certain culture, as a result, may respond and relate better with culturally competent care that makes them feel more understood and more respected.

Patient-to-Staff Ratio

The patient-to-client ratio of a facility is important as well. That’s when each staff member has a smaller number of patients under their care. The fewer patients under a nurse’s or therapist’s watch, for example, gives them more time to work with each client. The result is a better understanding of the patient and more insight into what may have driven their drug and alcohol abuse. That can lead to better, and more lasting outcomes.

Services Included in Treatment

When it comes to addiction treatment people may know they want to get sober and learn how to stay that way, but there are a number of factors worth considering when searching for an inpatient drug rehab in Fullerton, California. There are various treatments to consider, like medication-assisted treatment or talk therapy, but looking at the services a center has to offer can help narrow the decision-making process as well.

Some things to consider include whether a facility has/offers:

• A gym
• Fitness classes
• Acupuncture
• Meditation
• Yoga
• Art therapy
• Resort-like amenities
• Private rooms
• Alumni meetings

What to Expect During Inpatient Drug Rehab in Fullerton

Residential rehab treatment can vary widely, with some facilities being more luxurious and others more modest in accommodation. Inpatient rehab does have one key advantage in that it removes you from a number of temptations and can help you work through uncomfortable withdrawal with greater ease. Once free of drugs and other toxins, you’ll have time to focus on the issues that led to substance abuse in the first place.

Stages of inpatient rehab include:

• Intake. Here you will meet with staff and undergo a physical and mental health assessment. The staff will use this information to shape your treatment program.
• Detox: This is often a make-or-break stage for many people with substance use disorders because as the body detoxes the patient can experience highly uncomfortable (and sometimes dangerous) withdrawal symptoms, anything from trembling to nausea to insomnia. Inpatient rehab can make the process play out in comfort and safety. Once detox is over the patient can move on to the treatment stage.
• Treatment: Here the patient learns about their addiction, develops coping skills, and learns what kinds of triggers they should avoid. Therapy will address problems that could have led to drug or alcohol abuse, including any co-occurring mental disorders. (If that applies, those will get treated concurrently.) Treatment (including support groups) arms you with the tools to stay sober upon checking out.
• Aftercare: Top centers will connect you with outpatient programs, therapists, and 12-step (or comparable) groups close to home so you have a better support network once you leave the facility.

Types of Treatment Available

There are some common treatment terms that come up when searching for drug and alcohol rehab programs in Fullerton, CA. They include:

• 12-step rehab: These programs use a series of 12 steps to address substance abuse and addictions. They tend to be more faith-based in nature, asking participants to admit they’re powerless and encourage following a higher power. Alcoholics Anonymous is the best-known 12-step.
• Non-12-step rehab: 12 steps aren’t for everyone, and some may prefer to focus on self-empowerment or scientific approaches. LifeRing and SMART Recovery are two non-12-step options.
• Luxury rehab: This type of rehab spares no expenses. Luxury could indicate the location (such as near the ocean), or a luxury rehab facility may resemble a spa getaway more than a medical treatment center.
• Inpatient drug rehab and alcohol rehab means the patient stays at the facility while they receive medical treatment (if needed) and therapy. The goal is to allow them to focus on recovery without distraction.
• IOP stands for intensive outpatient program. This allows people to remain at home during treatment, but they’ll be required to visit a treatment facility regularly (sometimes several times a week, or for a few hours at a time) during the course of their recovery.
• Dual diagnosis rehab treats co-occurring disorders (usually some form of mental illness like depression or bipolar disorder) as well as the particular addiction. Both are treated at the same time since one can often contribute to the onset of the other. This dual approach can remedy both issues and improve outcomes.
• Holistic rehab focuses on the mind, body, and spirit, and can include meditation, massage, yoga, and other options to help people develop better coping mechanisms and boost overall health.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) works on changing negative or destructive thinking patterns and replacing them with healthier and more productive ones.
• Aftercare planning procedures: Here, the staff works with the patient to map out life after rehab. It’s a vital part of recovery because it includes outpatient treatment options, support groups, and therapists in the patient’s community. Aftercare helps keep a patient engaged in their recovery, and reduces the chances of relapse upon leaving the inpatient facility.

A person might use one, some, or all of these treatment approaches, or something else entirely, on their recovery journey.

Paying for Rehabs in Fullerton, California

Staying at an inpatient rehab treatment and incorporating behavioral therapies can be highly effective in addiction recovery. Some people may be hesitant to seek help because of the cost. There are several ways to pay for that treatment.

A prospective patient may reach out to treatment centers they’re considering. The staff frequently work with insurance companies to help maximize their patients’ coverage. A client can also call their own health insurance provider to determine the extent of their coverage.

Some rehab centers charge patients on a sliding scale, can help arrange payment or financing plans, and accept cash payments.

The Affordable Care Act deemed mental health and substance use disorder services as essential health benefits, so many individual and small group insurance plans cover mental health and substance use disorder services. Exactly what will be covered will vary.

Public insurance options like Medicaid Alternative Benefit Plans also provide some coverage. That doesn’t mean anyone with health coverage can go to any rehab center, but that usually amounts to some, just not all, options. Medi-Cal, California’s public health insurance, covers some treatment of substance use disorders, including for residents of Orange County.

Traveling to Fullerton, California Rehab Centers

In traveling to Fullerton, California, rehab centers, a person may consider flying into Orange County’s John Wayne Airport. Located in Santa Ana, it’s about 30 minutes from Fullerton.

Southern California also has the Metrolink commuter rail service, allowing commuters to travel more than 500 miles of rails through six counties, along seven routes. One of its stops is at Fullerton Transportation Center. There are also Amtrak routes in the area, providing another option for getting around.

One last thing to consider when seeking a rehab center is asking the staff about transportation options. Many facilities will pick up patients within a certain radius (sometimes up to a two-hour drive) and return them once they complete rehab, so clients have one less thing to worry about. When researching rehabs, it’s a good idea to inquire about getting to and from the center.

Fullerton, California Addiction Treatment Resources

12-Step Support Groups:

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is for people who abuse alcohol. AA follows the 12-step model. Fullerton has many meeting options.
• Al-Anon and Alateen are connected with AA. People concerned about alcohol-dependent loved ones can find emotional support at group meetings. Alateen is specifically for teenagers.
• Marijuana Anonymous (MA) holds regular meetings for people trying to recover from cannabis addiction.
• Cocaine Anonymous (CA) is for people wishing to stop using cocaine or other mind-altering substances. Meetings are held throughout Orange County.
• Nar-Anon groups meet to discuss being affected by another person’s addiction.
• Narcotics Anonymous is for anyone struggling with addiction to drugs. Orange County holds a number of meetings.
• Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA) is a 12-step for people with dual diagnosis disorders. To join, members must want to stop using alcohol or intoxicating drugs, and they must want to manage their mental illness in a productive and healthy way. Meetings are held throughout Southern California.
• Celebrate Recovery (CR) is a Christian 12-step program where people work on all kinds of issues, from codependency to addictions. The group originated in Lake Forest, California. Meetings are held at church campuses in Fullerton and surrounding communities.

Before attending a meeting, it is a good idea to check if meetings are held in-person or virtually.

Non 12-Step Support Groups:

• LifeRing Secular Recovery takes a secular approach to quitting drugs and alcohol. Fullerton residents might want to attend LifeRing Secular Recovery gatherings in Huntington Beach, California.
• SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) also takes a secular and science-based approach to recover from addiction. Meetings are held throughout Orange County. Many have been moved online due to COVID-19.
• Women for Sobriety (WFS) helps women who have substance abuse problems, using affirmation and empowerment. WFS meetings are held in various Southern California locations.
• Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) helps people who grew up in homes where alcohol was abused. Meetings are held around Orange County as well as online.
• Moderation Management (MM) takes a different approach in that they don’t urge people to quit drinking entirely. Rather, they suggest moderation over abstinence. A handful of meetings are held in person in California, but there are online options.

It’s a good idea to double-check with an organization to check whether they are meeting in person or online only.

Veterans Affairs Addiction Treatment

Military veterans often experience physical injuries or the trauma and pain of combat, which last long beyond their tours of duty. As a result, some may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with mental or physical pain, even becoming dependent on substances.

Various programs exist to assist veterans with addiction or mental and physical issues, including:

• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
• California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet).
• California Association of County Veterans Service Officers (CACVSO).
• OC4Vets.

Veterans also can visit the North Orange County Vet Center located in Garden Grove. The center offers individual and group counseling, substance abuse assessment and referrals, and more.

California State University’s Fullerton campus also has a Veterans Resource Center which offers wellness programs and more.

Treatment Options at Rehab Centers in Fullerton, California

Addiction treatment options in and around Fullerton, California, may include many kinds of therapy, many types of support groups, holistic offerings, and approaches that address both mental health as well as drug and alcohol addiction.

When searching for substance use disorder treatment, it’s a good idea to consult with mental health professionals or an addiction specialist to determine which approaches may be most effective. Over time adjustments may be made to fine-tune the process. The right treatment approach can help a person understand why they resorted to drugs or alcohol, and it can prepare them for a sober future.