Detox Centers in Coachella, CA

Coachella, California is well-known for its music festival with music stars and emerging artists. However, Coachella is also famous for providing a life-changing experience to festival-goers, especially the 23% that use illegal substances like MDMA or cocaine.¹ But, with a population of 45,181 people, Coachella is much more than festivals, considering it has a poverty rate of 21.8% as of 2019.² In addition, California had the highest estimated number of chronically homeless individuals in the nation as of 2017.³

According to local news, an estimated 55% of the homeless population in Coachella Valley struggle with addiction.⁴ About 44% suffered from mental health issues, particularly depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.⁴ And at least 31% of those surveyed had a dual diagnosis of substance abuse and mental health disorder.⁴

But, it isn’t just the homeless population. According to a 2018 survey by the Health Assessment and Research for Communities (HARC) organization, nearly 1 in 5 adults in Coachella Valley experienced at least one binge-drinking episode in the last month.⁵ Interestingly, only 2% of local adults report using opioids, including heroin, or using prescription painkillers in a way not directed by their doctor.⁶ Nonetheless, 1 in 10 local adults sought prescription in Mexico in the past year, which means there is likely to be some under-reporting about opioid use in the region.⁶

In Coachella, CA, most local working-age adults have health insurance.⁶ Many, including homeless individuals, have access to Medicaid or Medi-Cal, which provides access to mental health and substance abuse treatment services.⁴ According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) treatment locator, there are 28 rehab facilities within 25 miles of Coachella, providing all types of treatment, including:⁷

• Detox.
• Outpatient.
• Hospital inpatient.
• Inpatient/residential.
• Transitional housing/sober living.
• Co-occurring mental health and substance abuse treatment.
• Telemedicine.

Still, at least 20.2% of people with an emotional, mental, or behavioral problem don’t know where to get help if they want it.⁶

Self-help group programs like the 12-Step Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can be a great support while individuals attend treatment for substance abuse and after.⁸ Support groups provide ongoing communal support and encouragement to stay in recovery and maintain sobriety.⁸

AA meetings in Coachella are available every day, starting at 6:00 pm.⁹ For more information about sessions in the area, visit the Central Intergroup Office Of The Dessert website.⁹ Coachella, California also counts with the Oficina Intergrupal Hispana Del Valle De Coachella for Hispanic members looking for meetings in Spanish.¹⁰

Furthermore, NA meetings in Coachella happen every Sunday at 8:00 am on Out of the Darkness, Rancho Las Flores Soccer Park.¹¹ When searching for NA meetings around Coachella, look for the Lower Desert Area serving Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and Indio. Most locations have meetings every day starting at 7:00 am, with the latest available around 7:30 pm.¹¹

To find support meetings in your area, you can also contact local hospitals, treatment centers, or faith-based organizations. These organizations often coordinate support groups for individuals struggling with substance abuse and their family members.⁸

Sources:

1. Cloud Cover Media. Music Festival Experiences Analyzed Over Time.
2. Data USA. Coachella, CA Census Place.
3. Megan H., Rian W., Lily R., Azim S. (2017). The US Department of Housing and Urban Development. The 2017 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress.
4. Nicole H. (2019, April 22). Drugs a ‘rational response to hopeless situation:’ 55% of Coachella Valley homeless struggle with addiction
5. Health Assessment and Research for Communities. (2018, April 23). Alcohol in the Coachella Valley.
6. Health Assessment and Research for Communities. (2020, March 11). Coachella Valley Community Health Survey 2019.
7. FindTreatment. Results.
8. NIDA. (2019, October 1). Step by Step Guides to Finding Treatment for Drug Use Disorders.
9. Alcoholics Anonymous Central Intergroup Office of the Desert. Meetings.
10. Alcoholics Anonymous. Find AA Near You.
11. CIRNA. Find a Meeting.