Detox Centers in Blythe, CA

Located near the Arizona/California border, Blythe, CA, is home to one of the busiest entrance points into the state.¹ Due to its border location, law enforcement frequently stops vehicles attempting to smuggle drugs across state lines.

In February 2022, deputies found close to 10 pounds of methamphetamine during a traffic stop near Blythe.² In December 2020, agents working the Border Patrol checkpoint near Blythe discovered 25 pounds of methamphetamine, a loaded handgun, marijuana, and other drug paraphernalia.³ A month earlier, border patrol agents at the same checkpoint discovered a spare tire filled with 50 packages of meth worth more than $132,000.⁴

Blythe Police are also busy working to keep illegal drugs off the streets. In January 2022, a man was arrested after officers discovered 330 suspected fentanyl pills, meth, and ecstasy.⁵ That same month, the Colorado River Station Special Enforcement Team and the Blythe Police Department searched a suspected marijuana grow house in Blythe and recovered plants and other items worth approximately $1.6 million.⁶

Additional statistics show that alcohol is also a concern in the community. In 2019, research from SHAPE Riverside County indicated 19.3% of people in Blythe reported binge drinking at least once over 30 days.⁷ This is up a full percentage point from the prior year and is higher than the county average of 17.4%.⁷

Effective treatment needs to address all of a patient’s needs, not just drug or alcohol use. This can include treatment for mental health issues or other health disorders.

California is home to more than 1,500 treatment facilities to address substance use disorders.⁸ One facility in Blythe offers inpatient residential care as well as dual diagnosis treatment that addresses mental health and substance use simultaneously.⁹

An inpatient facility can provide a safe environment for patients free from temptation and distraction so they can begin the recovery process. Patients dealing with dual diagnosis concerns, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder, will have those needs integrated into their care plan.

Most people going through addiction treatment will utilize various approaches, including inpatient and outpatient programs, counseling, and medication. The best facilities in Blythe for substance use disorders treat the whole patient with a combination of therapies and services to help stop the cycle of addiction.

Support groups, such as those offered by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can be helpful to people who are not only going through treatment but have also completed a treatment program and want to maintain their sobriety. Support groups offer a safe space for people to share their addiction experiences and coping techniques. It also provides a place to connect with others facing the same challenges.

People in Blythe struggling with alcohol can find AA meetings at two locations throughout the week.¹⁰ They are Todd Park on North Broadway and 187 North 7th St.¹⁰ Local NA chapters are available to help as well.

Research has shown that attending addiction support groups help improve a person’s chance of achieving and maintaining long-term recovery.¹¹

Sources:

1. City of Blythe. (n.d.). Mayor’s welcome.
2. Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. (2022, February 14). Possession and transportation of methamphetamine for sale.
3. U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (2020, December 28). Christmas meth smuggling attempt foiled by Border Patrol canine.
4. U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (2020, November 10). Blythe agents intercept second meth smuggling attempt in vehicle spare tire within a week.
5. Avendano, U. (2022, February 9). BPD finds suspected fentanyl, meth, ecstasy following probation search: local 43-year-old suspect arrested.
6. Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. (2022, January 20). Narcotics violation.
7. SHAPE Riverside County. (n.d.) Community dashboard.
8. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2018). National survey of substance abuse treatment services.
9. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). FindTreatment.gov.
10. Alcoholics Anonymous Central Intergroup Office of the Desert. (n.d). Blythe meetings.
11. Laudet, A. et al. (2002). Pathways to long-term recovery: a preliminary investigation. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, Volume 34(3), 305-311.