Carlsbad, California, is a city in northern coastal San Diego County with a median age of 42 years old.1 People older than 35 are more likely to receive prescriptions for drugs like painkillers and sedatives, which puts them at greater risk of addiction to these medications.
San Diego County residents as a whole are increasingly abusing prescription drugs. According to data from 2011, 56% of drug overdose deaths involved prescription drugs like oxycodone, hydrocodone, alprazolam, and diazepam.2 Although public health and law enforcement officials have tried to reduce the harm caused by prescription narcotics and sedatives, overdose deaths continue to increase.
In 2016, prescription drug–related deaths rose slightly from the year before, although many prevention and education programs had been put in place in San Diego County. In fact, painkiller abuse among high school students rose despite drug education programs offered in schools. The rise occurred after overdose rates had fallen for three years, between 2012 and 2014.3
For every 1 drug overdose death in Carlsbad and the greater San Diego area, there are 32 emergency room admissions for misuse or abuse of drugs and 10 admissions to treatment programs.2 Those who have an addiction to prescription drugs need increased access to evidence-based detox and rehabilitation.
If you or someone you know lives in Carlsbad and has a substance use disorder, they need professional treatment as soon as possible to ensure the best outcomes. Refer to our directory for treatment options.
There is no obligation to enter treatment and you can opt out at any time.