San Diego County Expands Detox Services to Combat Substance Abuse

San Diego County is set to enhance its detox services in response to rising substance abuse and homelessness. Supervisors Paloma Aguirre and Monica Montgomery Steppe announced plans to add residential withdrawal management beds at a press conference earlier this month. This initiative is aimed at addressing the urgent needs of county residents who struggle with addiction.

At the press conference, Aguirre highlighted the severity of the issues, noting that an estimated 10,000 people sleep unsheltered each night in the county. In the past year, 293 lives were lost due to drug- or alcohol-related causes. Aguirre emphasized the human impact behind these statistics, stating, “These numbers represent real people and a system that needs to do better. We have a chance to change that. To build a system that saves lives instead of losing them.”

Currently, only two withdrawal management beds are available in District 1, a figure Aguirre described as inadequate. “That leaves many waiting in the emergency room or struggling in the streets without support,” she said. “This isn’t about a lack of compassion; it’s about the need for urgency.”

New Treatment Beds to Aid Recovery

The supervisors announced that the county will introduce 44 new treatment beds in downtown San Diego. This expansion is expected to assist approximately 2,700 people each year in taking the first step toward recovery and stability. Montgomery Steppe, who represents District 4, pointed out that downtown and central San Diego are home to many individuals facing both homelessness and substance use challenges.

With the increase in available beds, Montgomery Steppe expressed hope that residents in need will access services more quickly and efficiently. “Addiction doesn’t stop at district boundaries; it’s a countywide challenge that demands resources where the need is greatest,” she stated. “Every day, San Diegans struggling with substance use disorder are reaching out for help, and too often they are being told there are no beds available for them.”

The initiative comes at a critical time for San Diego County, as the ongoing opioid crisis and increasing rates of homelessness necessitate immediate action. The county supervisors’ proposal reflects a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive support systems to assist those affected by substance abuse.

As the county moves forward with these plans, the focus remains on creating a more effective response to the dual challenges of homelessness and addiction. Aguirre and Montgomery Steppe’s commitment to expanding detox services not only aims to save lives but also to foster a more supportive community for those in need.