Pala, CA Detox and Rehab Centers

Drug and alcohol addiction continues to affect families nationwide, tearing many local communities apart. Pala is a small community on the Pala Indian Reservation in California’s San Diego County. With a population of about 1,100, this mostly Native American community is known for Southern California’s most popular gaming resort, Pala Casino Spa Resort.¹

Although there’s a lack of information on specific addiction trends for Pala, California, drug and alcohol abuse in many San Diego County towns is relatively high compared to other California counties.² Like many places in the U.S., rates of fentanyl overdose have increased drastically. The San Diego County Medical Examiner reported a 2,375% increase in fentanyl-related overdose deaths between 2016 and 2021.³

Much of the fentanyl in the U.S. is brought in through the Mexico-California border. In 2022, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized 5,091 pounds of fentanyl in San Diego County, which accounts for more than half of the fentanyl in the U.S.³

Many Pala district members are working to educate the community about addiction, prevent substance use disorder, and put laws in place to effectively persecute those involved in fentanyl trafficking and distribution.³

There are hundreds of options for detox and rehab available throughout California. Although Pala, California is relatively small, different treatment options for addiction are available in the community and neighboring towns such as Temecula, Vista, and Escondido. Pala may not have its own treatment center, but there are currently 50 treatment facilities within 25 miles of Pala, California.⁴

Many offer various substance use treatments such as inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, medical detox, treatment for co-occurring disorders, and behavioral therapies. Different forms of payment like private insurance, Medi-Cal, Medicaid, government funding, and IHS/Tribal/Urban (ITU) funding could be accepted depending on the center you choose.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has developed the Native Connections program to create resources to address behavioral health and substance abuse issues in Native American communities.⁵ Native Connections focuses on preventing and reducing suicidal behavior and substance use.

In 2019, SAMHSA awarded 2 grants to the Pala Band of Mission Indians. One is to develop a comprehensive plan to improve substance use prevention and mental health services for tribal children and adolescents aged 25 and under. The other is to increase mental health and addiction treatment services for adults.⁶

Many who struggle with addiction can find comfort through participating in support groups where like-minded people come together to share their experiences and encourage each other on the journey to recovery. Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meet regularly to provide a safe space for those struggling with addiction.

Various AA and NA meetings are available in Pala and nearby areas. Carry the Message, located at 12196 E. Pala Mission Rd in Pala, holds AA meetings on Mondays at 7:30 PM. Some other close-by meetings include, As Bill Sees It located at 800 W Mission Rd in Leucadia, California, 92069, Breakfast Meeting at 101 S Las Posas Rd in San Marcos, California, 92078 and Promise of a New Day on 3419 Grand Ave in San Marcos, California, 92078.⁷

There are also several NA meetings near Pala. The closest meeting is about 10 miles from the center of Pala at Living Waters Church. R&R Sober Living, located 15 miles from Pala’s center, hosts NA meetings, too.⁸

It’s not uncommon to feel alone and misunderstood in your recovery journey. Support groups are a great way to connect with others fighting the battle against addiction while holding each other accountable and celebrating wins together.

Sources

1. Pala Casino. (2022). Pala Casino.
2. California Health Care Almanac. (2022). Substance Use in California, 2022: Prevalence and Treatment.
3. Valley Roadrunner. (2022). Fentanyl here at home.
4. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. FindTreatment.gov. Search Results.
5. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d). Native Connections: Cooperative Agreements for Tribal Behavior Health.
6. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). CA Discretionary Funding Fiscal Year 2019.
7. AA Meeting Locator. (2022). AA Meeting: Carry the Message.
8. Find Recovery. (2022). NA Meetings Pala, CA.