The quiet mountain town of Tehachapi, CA offers scenic views and small-town charm. But despite its natural beauty, Tehachapi has gained an unfortunate reputation as part of “Heroin Alley,” a corridor along Highway 58 and Interstate 5 known for drug trafficking. This has contributed to an increase in substance misuse, overdoses, and related crime in Kern County.
For families searching for drug & alcohol rehab near Tehachapi, CA, finding a trusted, accredited program is crucial. At Design for Change Recovery in Lancaster, less than an hour away, we provide a full continuum of care designed to treat the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of addiction.
Tehachapi’s location along major trafficking routes has made it vulnerable to drug distribution and use. Local data highlights the severity of the crisis:
In 2022, Kern County recorded more than 470 overdose deaths, a sharp increase from prior years (Kern County Department of Public Health).
Fentanyl is the leading driver of these deaths, often found in counterfeit pills disguised as Xanax, Adderall, or Oxycodone.
Methamphetamine remains widespread, contributing to ER visits, arrests, and long-term rehab admissions.
Alcohol misuse continues to be a major factor in traffic accidents and hospitalizations in the region.
Rural communities like Tehachapi face additional challenges due to limited treatment access, making regional centers like Design for Change critical for recovery.
These statistics illustrate the need for accessible, effective rehab options near Tehachapi.
At Design for Change, we understand that recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every client has unique needs, circumstances, and goals. That’s why we provide customized treatment plans supported by both evidence-based therapies and holistic practices.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Personalized programs: Gender-specific, faith-based, secular, 12-step, and non-12-step tracks.
Comprehensive care: From medical detox through aftercare and sober living.
Holistic therapies: Fitness, meditation, nutrition, music, art, and mindfulness.
Accreditation & licensing: JCAHO Gold Seal of Approval + California DHCS licensed.
Insurance-friendly: We work with most major providers to make treatment affordable.
Our programs treat the whole person — not just the symptoms of addiction — with therapies such as:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Group & Individual Counseling
Family Therapy & Education
Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
Psychodrama & Experiential Therapy
Biosound Therapy
Music & Art Therapy
Fitness & Nutritional Programs
Relapse Prevention Education
We provide multiple levels of care to meet clients where they are in their recovery journey.
We assist families with helpline interventions and structured face-to-face interventions to encourage loved ones to enter treatment safely and respectfully.
The first step in recovery, detox eliminates substances from the body under 24/7 medical supervision. MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment) may be provided to ease withdrawal.
Our residential program offers a secure, home-like environment where clients focus fully on recovery. Programs typically last 30, 60, or 90 days, with extended care available.
Flexible outpatient and IOP options allow clients to live at home while attending therapy sessions several times per week. IOP provides more intensive support with 3–5 sessions weekly.
PHP is the most intensive outpatient program, requiring clients to attend treatment five days a week for 6–8 hours each day.
Recovery continues after treatment. Our aftercare programs include sober living residences, alumni groups, relapse prevention training, and ongoing counseling to support long-term sobriety.
We treat a wide range of addictions, including:
Opioids & Heroin
Fentanyl
Alcohol
Methamphetamine
Cocaine & Stimulants
Benzodiazepines
Prescription Drugs
Club Drugs & Hallucinogens
Inhalants
Poly-Substance Use & Cross Addictions
Additionally, our dual-diagnosis programs treat clients who struggle with co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder.
We work with most major insurance providers to reduce financial barriers, including:
Aetna
Anthem
Blue Cross BlueShield
Cigna | Evernorth
Humana
Magellan
MHN | Health Net
MultiPlan
TRICARE & TriWest
Our admissions team verifies coverage before treatment begins so clients know exactly what to expect.
Q: Why is Tehachapi called Heroin Alley?
Tehachapi sits on a trafficking route where heroin and fentanyl are frequently transported, making drugs more accessible locally.
Q: How far is Design for Change from Tehachapi?
Our Lancaster facility is located less than an hour away, providing convenient access to treatment in a safe, supportive environment.
Q: Do you offer detox services?
Yes. We provide medically supervised detox with MAT options to ensure client safety and comfort.
Q: Do you treat co-occurring disorders?
Yes. Our dual-diagnosis programs treat both substance use and mental health conditions simultaneously.
Q: Do you accept insurance?
Yes. We work with most major providers and verify benefits before admission.