Substance Use Disorders Services

Education, Prevention, Intervention, and Recovery

The mission of the Substance Use Disorders Services Program is to provide opportunities to the diverse population of Santa Cruz County for the education about, prevention of, intervention into, and the recovery from substance use related problems. 

Treatment and early intervention objectives include reduction of substance use and criminality while increasing employment, educational achievement and health, and promoting family well-being.  In addition to the programs listed below, the Substance Use Disorders Services Program Administration also provides county-wide support and monitoring of contract prevention and treatment services.

Treatment and Early Intervention Objectives

• Reduction of substance use and criminality while increasing productive activity, such as employment and educational achievement
• Improved health and family well-being

Prevention Services Objectives

• Changes in awareness, knowledge and attitudes about alcohol and drug problems among youth, parents, and the community-at-large.
• Support for changes in environmental factors including availability of alcohol and drug-free social and recreational activities.

Substance Use Disorders Services Programs

• CalWORKs Case Management
• Drinking Driver Program
• Deferred Judgment Drug Programs
• Santa Cruz Friday Night Live & Club Live
• The Seven Challenges

Prevention Resources & Educational Materials 

•  A comprehensive on-line listing of agencies and organizations that provide alcohol and drug treatment services within the Santa Cruz County area. 

Substance Abuse Web Resources

• Video Library - Our video library contains approximately 90 videos/dvds and is being upgraded on a monthly basis. Videos can be signed out for various periods of time depending on the need. Please review the list provided and contact the Prevention Coordinator at (831) 454-5003 to arrange a time to check out a video.
• Printed substance abuse prevention materials are available upon request.
  Call (831) 454-5003 - Agencies/organizations needing large quantities of printed materials (more then 10) should contact one of the following organizations:
  • National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information provides books, reports, pamphlets, newsletters, posters, videos, etc. in both English and Spanish. Nearly all items are available free of charge and can either be ordered online or through the Publications Catalog which is also free of charge.
  • Youth Treatment FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)         
  • AlcoholAwareness.org - Links to information resources
    • The Dangers of Drunk Driving
  • AlcoholMD provides information, education, and online services on health and alcohol. It is designed for the general public, patients, their families, children and healthcare professionals.
  • Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute Library ADAI's mission has been to conduct and support research and disseminate research findings in substance abuse. Let's of good stuff here!
  • National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University
  • National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
  • SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
  • Web of Addictions