Substance Use Disorder Care

Turn to UC San Diego Health for comprehensive addiction recovery and treatment services for adults with substance use disorders.

We provide compassionate, whole-person care in a welcoming, judgment-free environment. Our team understands that addiction is influenced by both biological and sociocultural factors. Using evidence-based treatments, we help you improve your health, daily functioning and overall quality of life.

Referral Required

Please note that you need a referral from a UC San Diego Health physician to be seen at our substance use disorders clinic.

Substance Use Disorders Treated

We treat all types of substance use disorders, including the following.

Alcohol

Cannabis or marijuana

Opioids Includes heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl and other opioids

Methamphetamine and cocaine

Nicotine Free smoking cessation program

Prescription drugs

Care for All Stages of Recovery

Because we bring the best available science to our care plans, we employ a "harm reduction" approach to addiction treatment and lifelong recovery. This nonjudgmental, evidence-based method of care uses practical strategies to reduce the consequences of drug use and is open to individuals (age 18 and older) in all stages of recovery, including:

Abstinence
Active use
Maintenance
Relapse

We can also help to identify early signs of problematic substance use, provide care for those experiencing significant consequences of drug use, and offer continuity of care following discharge from a residential detoxification program.

Your First Appointments

The first stage of treatment includes:

An orientation to our services
A comprehensive assessment
Treatment planning, including long-term recovery planning

The results of your assessment help us identify your needs, personal strengths, and areas to work on. We can then work with you collaboratively to determine your treatment goals and treatment plan.

Services for Treating Addiction

Medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders Incudes buprenorphine for opioid use disorder, long-acting injectable and oral naltrexone and other medications for alcohol use disorder and smoking cessation drugs

Problem-focused individual and family therapy

Group therapy To address a range of topics such as recovery, relapse prevention, mood management, ADHD/ADD, mindfulness and trauma

Education on substance use disorders Includes a family program to educate and encourage involvement and support of loved ones

Medication management of co-occurring mental health issues Includes medications to treat depression and anxiety-related disorders

After-care weekly group sessions To foster long-term recovery and success

Help with linking to peer-support groups For further support, community and lifelong recovery

Specialized Care Team

Your care is led by board-certified psychiatrists and licensed psychologists who specialize in treating addiction. Registered nurses, licensed social workers and marriage and family counselors are also available to ensure you receive the care and support you need. Together, we can address all aspects of your treatment and recovery.

Substance Use Disorder Specialists

Find a substance use disorder specialist to help you break free of the cycle of addiction.

Location

Emergency Help Available 24/7

For a mental health emergency, call 988 or go to the nearest emergency room. 988 is the national suicide and crisis hotline.

You can also call the San Diego Crisis Line at 888-724-7240 for confidential, free support.

UC San Diego Health Emergency Departments