Taking A Step Toward Recovery

YOU'VE reached Santa Cruz County's Alcohol and Drug Abuse help pages. If you think that you, a family member, or a friend has an alcohol or drug problem, you've come to the right place.

What Can You Do?

For whatever reasons, people of all ages abuse and become addicted to alcohol and drugs. Can addictive behavior be stopped? Yes. It's called recovery — a way to gradually re-establish control. Listed here are four basic approaches to the treatment of addiction. Keep in mind that recovery typically involves the use of more than one of these strategies. A full list of options is included in the navigation area to the left.

12-Step Programs — These programs assist users with a step-by-step path to sobriety. By attending meetings, members become part of a community committed to achieving a sober and drug-free life. more...

Outpatient (Day) and Counseling Programs — For those who need a well structured program but don't require or can't commit to a residential program. Outpatient programs include individual and group education and counseling sessions. Sharing experiences in a group setting is part of the process. more...

Residential (Live-in) Recovery — These programs require a commitment of 28 to 180 days in a drug-free environment. Individuals receive intensive education, monitoring, counseling, and group interactions designed to help regain control of their lives. Some of these programs offer detoxification to help the addict through withdrawal. more...

Interventions — With the help of an interventionist, an addict is confronted by family and/or friends about the impact of their addictive behavior. The goal is to pave the way for entry into treatment. more...