Education, Prevention, Intervention, and Recovery

The Substance Use Disorder Services Program supports people across Santa Cruz County with education, prevention, early help, treatment, and recovery from substance use challenges.

We work to make sure services are available, easy to access, and responsive to the needs of our diverse community. In addition to the programs listed below, our team also oversees and supports prevention and treatment services across the county.

Our Goals for Treatment and Early Intervention

  • Reduce substance use and involvement with the justice system
  • Support people in finding and keeping jobs or continuing their education
  • Improve overall health and family well-being

Our Goals for Prevention Services

  • Increase awareness and understanding of alcohol and drug-related issues among youth, parents, and the broader community
  • Support safe, healthy environments, including access to alcohol- and drug-free activities and spaces

Community Results

RESOURCES

 

Self-Help Alternatives

Self-Help groups are community-based and support people working to reduce or stop substance use. 

Self Help Alternatives
 

Outpatient Services

Outpatient programs provide substance use disorder (SUD) counseling and services to support individuals who would like to reduce or cease their use of substances. Outpatient programming includes assessment, group counseling, individual counseling, and case management.

Outpatient Services
 

Residential Treatment

Residential programs provide 24/7 substance use disorder treatment using a harm-reduction approach and offer a variety of services for people who want to reduce or stop their substance use.

Residential Treatment
 

Withdrawal Management

Withdrawal management programs provide 24/7 residential care for people experiencing substance withdrawal. Participants are monitored and may receive medication to ease symptoms. Using a harm reduction approach, providers work with each person to create a treatment plan that supports their substance use goals.

Withdrawal Management
 

Drinking Driver Programs

Drinking Driver programs offer group psychoeducation and individual or group counseling for people arrested for driving under the influence. Program length and weekly hours vary depending on legal factors.

Drinking Driver Programs
 

Gender‑Responsive Services for Women

Gender‑responsive services for women provide substance use disorder treatment through residential and outpatient programs designed for their unique needs and experiences. Services include women’s‑only counseling groups, support for survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence, and assistance with parenting and women’s health issues.

Gender‑Responsive Services for Women
 

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs use a harm-reduction approach to provide medications and services, including counseling and case management, for individuals in treatment for alcohol and opioid use disorders.

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
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