San Diego, known for its beaches, sunshine, and diverse culture, is one of California’s most vibrant cities. Yet behind the beautiful landscape lies a harsh reality: substance use disorders continue to impact thousands of San Diegans and their families. Addiction to fentanyl, methamphetamine, alcohol, and prescription opioids has risen dramatically in the region, creating an urgent need for accessible, effective treatment options.
At Design for Change Recovery, our mission is to provide evidence-based, holistic drug and alcohol rehab services that give individuals the tools to achieve long-term recovery. Whether you are seeking help for yourself or a loved one, our accredited programs offer the right balance of structure, compassion, and healing.
San Diego County has faced a surge in drug-related overdoses in recent years.
In 2023, nearly 1,000 people in San Diego County died from overdoses, a record high (San Diego County Health & Human Services).
Fentanyl was involved in more than 70% of these deaths, making it the most deadly drug in the region.
Methamphetamine remains the most frequently cited substance in local treatment admissions and often co-occurs with fentanyl overdoses.
Alcohol misuse continues to be one of the top reasons for rehab admissions in San Diego, especially among adults over 30.
Communities throughout the county, from downtown San Diego to North County and the South Bay, are impacted, making treatment access a county-wide need.
These statistics reveal the urgent demand for effective, compassionate rehab near San Diego.
At Design for Change Recovery, we focus on whole-person healing. Addiction impacts not only the body but also the mind and spirit, so treatment must address all three. Our programs blend evidence-based therapies with holistic practices to help clients recover physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Personalized care: Every treatment plan is customized to fit the individual.
12-step and non-12-step tracks: Clients can choose the pathway that best aligns with their values.
Holistic options: Nutrition, meditation, art therapy, music therapy, and outdoor activities.
Family involvement: Programs that involve loved ones to strengthen support systems.
Small group therapy: More focused, personalized attention.
We provide a full continuum of care so clients receive the right level of support at every stage of recovery.
Our specialists assist families through helpline interventions or face-to-face interventions, helping loved ones take the first step into treatment.
Detox is the first phase of recovery. Clients are monitored around the clock in a safe environment, with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) available to ease withdrawal symptoms.
Residential rehab provides 24/7 support in a structured environment. Clients live on-site and receive therapies such as CBT, DBT, relapse prevention, and holistic healing. Programs typically last 30, 60, or 90 days, with extensions available.
Outpatient treatment allows clients to live at home while attending therapy several days per week. IOP offers a more intensive schedule (4–5 sessions per week for 8–12 weeks). Both are ideal for those transitioning from inpatient rehab.
PHP is the most intensive outpatient program, with clients attending therapy five days per week, 20+ hours total.
Recovery doesn’t end after treatment. We provide aftercare planning, alumni programs, relapse prevention strategies, and sober housing options to ensure clients remain connected and supported.
Our team includes licensed therapists, medical professionals, and counselors with lived experience in recovery. We maintain a low client-to-counselor ratio (1:4) to ensure personalized attention. Staff members bring not only clinical expertise but also compassion and understanding that clients find invaluable during treatment.
Design for Change Recovery is fully licensed by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and accredited by the Joint Commission (JCAHO). These designations ensure we consistently meet rigorous standards of safety, quality, and client care.
We believe cost should not prevent anyone from receiving treatment. Design for Change is in-network with most major insurance providers, including:
Aetna
Anthem
Beacon | Carelon
Blue Cross BlueShield
Cigna | Evernorth
Humana
Magellan
MHN | Health Net
MultiPlan
TRICARE & TriWest
Our admissions team verifies coverage and works directly with insurance providers to maximize benefits.
Q: What are the most common addictions in San Diego?
Fentanyl, methamphetamine, and alcohol are the most prevalent substances driving overdose deaths and treatment admissions.
Q: How far is Design for Change from San Diego?
Our facility is located in Lancaster, CA. While outside the county, many clients prefer treatment further from home to escape local triggers.
Q: Do you provide detox services?
Yes. Our medically supervised detox includes 24/7 monitoring and MAT options when needed.
Q: Do you accept insurance?
Yes. We work with most major providers and will verify coverage for you.
Q: What makes Design for Change unique?
We provide both 12-step and non-12-step options, integrate evidence-based and holistic therapies, and offer personalized treatment plans in a supportive environment.
If you are coming from North San Diego, CA, near Black Mountain Ranch, get on the I-15 N ramp from Camino Del Sur and Rancho Bernardo Rd. Follow I-15 N and I-215 N to CA-138 W in San Bernardino County. Take exit 131 from I-15 N. Then, continue onto CA-138 W. Take E Palmdale Blvd to Avenue J/E Ave J in Lancaster. Our rehab facility will be on the right.
If you are coming from West San Diego, CA, near La Jolla, you’ll want to get onto CA-52 E from Torrey Pines Rd and La Jolla Pkwy. From there, take I-15 N and I-215 N to CA-138 W in San Bernardino County. Take exit 131 from I-15 N. Then, continue onto CA-138 W. Take E Palmdale Blvd to Avenue J/E Ave J in Lancaster. Our rehab facility will be on the right.
If you are coming from South San Diego, CA, near the San Diego Zoo, get on the CA-163 N ramp from Upas St, Richmond St ad Robinson Ave. From there, take I-15 N and I-215 N to CA-138 W in San Bernardino County. Take exit 131 from I-15 N. Continue onto 138 W. From there, take E Palmdale Blvd to Avenue J/E Ave J in Lancaster. Design for Change will be on the right.