Miracles in Action

They are set up for 3 levels: outpatient, detox and telemedicine. Of the 8 centers within 14 miles of Northridge, 4 offer a bed.

They detox from alcohol, benzodiazepines, cocaine, methamphetamines and opioids. Which substances a place handles matters more than the word detox, and 6 of the 8 centers near Northridge offer one at all.

They work in Spanish as well as English. Ask whether the group sessions in Northridge are in Spanish too, or only the one to one ones.

They treat pregnancy and the postpartum period, which matters because withdrawal in pregnancy is managed differently and not every place near Northridge is set up for it.

They do video appointments, which matters if Northridge is a drive for you.

The weeks right after a program are the highest risk stretch, so what is arranged for them matters. Having something scheduled for the first week back is better than having good intentions for it. Ask what the alumni side of it involves, because it is often the most useful free thing on offer.

Mandated treatment is ordinary treatment with reporting attached, and many centers take court referrals as a matter of course. Drug court programs often have their own approved list and their own funding attached. Check whether the program is approved for your specific order before enrolling in it.

The two feed each other, which is why handling them separately tends to work badly. An integrated program treats both in one place. A sequential one treats the substance use first, which leaves a gap. Ask who to speak to if the mental health side gets worse mid program.