| Name rehabs | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| El Cajon Treatment Center East Office | 234 North Magnolia Avenue El Cajon, CA 92020 | (619) 579-8373 |
| San Diego Health Alliance | 234 N Magnolia Avenue El Cajon, CA 92020 |
Rules and Regulations
El Cajon adheres to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the California Department of Health Care Services.
Certification Procedures
- Methadone clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and licensed by the state health department. Staff must meet educational and training requirements.
- Clinics must follow security protocols, counseling requirements, and quality assurance standards. Patient admission requires a medical examination and diagnosis.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
- Reduces illicit opioid use and risk of overdose death
- Improves patient survival and retention in treatment
- Allows normalization of brain function
- Supports employment and healthy relationships
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Clinics provide methadone doses daily under medical supervision to treat opioid use disorder. The structured environment provides counseling and referrals to improve patients’ health and well-being. The ultimate purpose is recovery through comprehensive evidence-based treatment.
Insurance Coverage
Medi-Cal and Medicare cover methadone treatment. Some private insurers provide coverage as well, often with copays or limitations. Uninsured patients may qualify for free or reduced-cost treatment through state and federal grant programs. Clinics can provide details on current insurance coverage and financial assistance options.
Drug Use in El Cajon
In 2017, the opioid crisis was declared a nationwide public health emergency by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This impacts cities like El Cajon, where opioid overdoses and deaths have been rising.
Statistics on Drug Overdoses and Deaths
- In 2020, there were 812 overdose deaths in San Diego County, a 55% increase from 2019. Opioids were involved in 80% of these deaths.
- El Cajon specifically saw 95 overdose deaths in 2020. The drugs involved were not reported.
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Length of stay is typically 28 days. Procedures include medical detox, counseling, group therapy, etc. Services like meals and housing are provided.
Outpatient Treatment
Services occur 1-5 days per week for several hours at a time. Locations are clinics, counselor offices, etc.
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 40% of those receiving addiction treatment in El Cajon did not report their treatment level in statewide surveys.
Comparison of Treatment in El Cajon vs. Los Angeles
| Feature | El Cajon | Los Angeles |
| Treatment Facilities | 15 | 326 |
| Inpatient Beds | 120 | 1,526 |
| Cost of Treatment | $10,000 | $15,000 |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is an opioid agonist medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs, also known as opioid treatment programs (OTPs), to treat opioid use disorder. It binds to opioid receptors and reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Patients take methadone orally once daily under medical supervision.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is carefully monitored and regulated:
- Urine Testing: Patients must undergo at least 8 urine tests in the first year to detect illicit drug use.
- Take-Home Access: For the first 14 days, take-home doses are limited to 24-hour supply. After that, take-homes increase with demonstrated progress.
- Monitoring: OTPs utilize an interprofessional team including physicians, nurses, and counselors.
- Prescription Drug Monitoring: Clinicians should review the state’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) data when determining dosage.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone has been used effectively since 1947 to treat opioid addiction. Studies show it reduces opioid use, disease transmission, and crime. Patients on MAT have 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests and are 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment compared to non-medication approaches. Staying in treatment reduces overdose and disease transmission risks and increases employment opportunities.
However, methadone does carry risks if misused or diverted. It can cause severe withdrawal, QTc prolongation, cardiac issues, respiratory depression, and overdose when combined with other substances. It is as effective as buprenorphine in reducing opioid use but requires careful oversight by qualified medical professionals.
About El Cajon
Location, County & List of Neighboring States
El Cajon is located in San Diego County in southern California, United States. It borders the following counties and areas:
- Santee to the northwest
- Lakeside to the north
- Eucalyptus Hills and Bostonia to the northeast
- La Presa and Spring Valley to the east
- Rancho San Diego to the southeast
- Jamul to the south
- Fletcher Hills and San Diego to the west
Capital and Largest City
San Diego is the largest city and county seat of San Diego County.
Land Area
El Cajon has a total land area of 14.4 square miles.
Infrastructure
El Cajon, located in San Diego County, California, is a city with infrastructure including highways, surface streets, public transportation, utilities, airports, and other civic facilities needed for functioning as an urban area in the United States.
Population Statistics
Total Population
As of 2021, the population of El Cajon was 103,922.
Demographics:
Gender
- Male: 51%
- Female: 49%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 24.4%
- 18 to 64 years: 59.3%
- 65 years and over: 16.3%
Occupations
Top occupations in El Cajon:
- Office and administrative support
- Sales
- Transportation and moving
- Food preparation and serving
- Management
