Substance Use Services

Behavioral Health Services offers comprehensive, person-centered care for people living with a substance use disorder (also known as addiction). Substances include alcohol or drugs such as:

Cannabis or marijuana
Opioids
Fentanyl
Methamphetamines

A substance use disorder makes it hard to quit drugs or alcohol and may affect relationships, work, and overall health. Some people can have both a mental health and a substance use condition - known as a co-occurring or a dual diagnosis - and can receive care for both.

With the right treatment and support, recovery is possible. People can reduce the harms of substance use and go on to live healthy, fulfilling lives. Help is always available no matter what stage you are in your recovery.

Explore the page below or call 9-8-8 to speak to someone who can help find the right service for you or someone you care about. You can also call 9-8-8 to speak to a trained crisis specialist if you need help now.

Reduce Risks of Substance Use and Overdose

Expand All | Collapse All

Recognize Signs of a Substance Use Condition
- Postcard: What is Substance Use Disorder? (pdf)
- Visit It’s Up to Us for tips on how to recognize signs of a substance use challenge and ways to start conversations about alcohol and substances.
- Get tips on how to talk to someone you're worried about.
Reduce Risks and Prevent an Overdose
- Practice safer substance use by using fentanyl test strips to test your drugs and carrying naloxone to prevent accidental overdoses.
- Learn how to prevent an opioid overdose through the San Diego Opioid Project.
- Find safe medication drop-off locations for unneeded or expired prescriptions.

Find Treatment

The services below are available for people who are enrolled in or eligible for Medi-Cal. If you need help and aren’t sure whether BHS is the right specialty provider for you or a loved one, you can:

Talk with your primary care provider for a substance use screening and find out what options are available, or
Call 9-8-8 or dial 1-888-724-7240.

Substance Use Outpatient Services

Get treatment and support without staying overnight

Substance Use Residential Services

Live in a safe, supportive environment while receiving treatment

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Program

Programs that help people who have been convicted of a DUI meet requirements to regain their license

Get Help for a Crisis

Call or text 9-8-8 to connect with trained counselors who can help, including local professionals at San Diego County’s Access & Crisis Line. Support is available 24/7 if you or someone you know is struggling emotionally.
Walk in to one of our Crisis Stabilization Units. There are six locations around the county open 24/7, including one for ages under 18.
Visit our Crisis Services webpage for other ways to get help.

Get Involved

Visit the links below to learn how you can get involved in your community.

Go to the Connect with BHS webpage for more ways to engage.

Regional Substance Misuse Prevention Programs

The County of San Diego’s Regional Substance Misuse Prevention programs provide prevention education for youth and adults, facilitate community-based coalitions, and provide harm reduction outreach and distribution to help prevent overdose. Visit the links below to learn more.

Central: SAY San Diego
North Central: SAY San Diego
North Inland: Turn Behavioral Health Services
North Coastal: Vista Community Clinic, North Coastal Prevention Coalition
South: Institute for Public Strategies
East: Institute for Public Strategies

Not sure where to start?

Call or text 9-8-8 or dial 1-888-724-7240 to speak to someone who can help find the right service for you or someone you care about. Both numbers are operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with support available in over 200 languages. For more information visit Get Help Now or All Services. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 9-1-1.