How many substance abuse resources are in California?

Women's Corner tracks 14 substance abuse resources for women in California.

Are substance abuse resources in California free?

10 of the 14 listed substance abuse resources in California are explicitly free or low-cost.

Which cities in California have substance abuse resources?

Listings span cities including Pomona, Los Angeles.

What are some examples of substance abuse resources in California?

Featured entries include Prototypes — Women's Treatment Center, Amity Foundation — Women's Programs, Shields for Families — LA, California AA Meetings, Oxford House California.

Do these listings include phone numbers?

5 of 14 California substance abuse listings include phone numbers.

Where do I start if I want help with addiction?

Call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) — free, confidential, 24/7. They connect you to local treatment, support groups, and women-specific programs. FindTreatment.gov lets you search by location, payment, and women's services. Medicaid covers treatment in every state under the Mental Health Parity Act.

Will I lose my kids if I go to treatment?

Voluntarily seeking treatment is almost always viewed favorably by family court and CPS — it shows responsibility. Many states have women-and-children residential treatment programs where your kids stay with you during recovery (search SAMHSA's directory for 'residential treatment for women with children'). Hiding addiction is far more dangerous to custody than addressing it.

Are there women-only treatment programs?

Yes — research shows women have better outcomes in gender-specific treatment because programs address trauma, parenting, pregnancy, and DV that fuel addiction differently for women. SAMHSA's directory filters by 'programs for women' and 'pregnant/postpartum women.' Most include childcare or family housing.

What about pregnancy and addiction?

Call 1-800-662-HELP immediately — they prioritize pregnant women for treatment, and federal law requires treatment programs to admit pregnant women on the same day or refer immediately. Medication-assisted treatment (methadone, buprenorphine) is safer for the baby than untreated addiction or withdrawal. Most states have laws protecting pregnant women seeking treatment from prosecution.

Best Substance Abuse in California — 14 resources

About Substance Abuse for Women

Substance use treatment in the US is delivered through state-licensed providers, mutual-aid programs (AA, NA, SMART Recovery, Women for Sobriety), hospital detox, methadone clinics, and sober living. SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) and findtreatment.gov locate local programs 24/7. For pregnant and parenting women, federally funded Pregnant and Postpartum Women (PPW) programs provide specialized residential and outpatient care that allows children on-site. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the standard for opioid use disorder, and family drug courts offer treatment-based alternatives to losing custody. This directory aggregates each state's single state agency for SUD, women-specific treatment, MAT providers, and recovery meetings.

Substance Abuse in California

California handles custody in superior courts across all 58 counties, with the Department of Child Support Services running enforcement through local child support agencies (LCSAs). Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, and Sacramento are the major metros. LAFLA, Bay Area Legal Aid, the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, and Planned Parenthood affiliates serve women statewide.

14 Resources

1. Prototypes — Women's Treatment Center

Pomona-based residential recovery program built specifically for mothers, with on-site childcare so women dont have to choose between treatment and their kids. Specializes in co-occurring trauma and substance use, with Medi-Cal accepted. Pregnant women and women with infants are prioritized for intake. The 24/7 admissions line walks you through screening and bed availability.

(800) 400-1011 · 845 E Arrow Hwy, Pomona, CA 91767 · 24/7 · Visit Website

2. Amity Foundation — Women's Programs

Long-term residential treatment in Los Angeles emphasizing community-based recovery for women with histories of incarceration, homelessness, and trauma. Programs blend clinical care with peer mentorship and reentry support. Medi-Cal, county contracts, and scholarship beds are available. Call to ask about current openings, transportation help, and family visitation policies.

(213) 745-5777 · Los Angeles, CA · 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Shields for Families — LA

South LA nonprofit running outpatient and residential SUD treatment for women, with parenting groups and child reunification support woven in. Particularly strong for mothers navigating CPS or dependency court cases. Medi-Cal accepted; sliding scale for self-pay. Bilingual English and Spanish staff. Located on S Western Ave near major bus lines. Call for an intake appointment.

(323) 242-5000 · 11601 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90047 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. California AA Meetings — Free

Free AA fellowship meetings held in every California county, including women-only and Spanish-language groups. No cost, no insurance, no ID required. The online meeting finder lets you filter by womens groups, mothers groups, and online formats. A reliable starting point for anyone exploring recovery without committing to formal treatment yet.

Multiple locations statewide · Varies · Visit Website

5. Oxford House California

Democratically-run sober living homes across California, including dedicated womens houses and houses that accept mothers with young children. Residents pay rent and follow house rules; no time limit on stay. A practical bridge between residential treatment and independent living. Search the online directory for current openings near you, or call to be added to a wait list.

(800) 689-6137 · Multiple locations statewide · 24/7 residences · Visit Website

6. CalHOPE — Substance Use Support — Free

Free statewide warmline run by CA Department of Health Care Services for emotional and recovery support. Peer counselors are available 24/7 and can connect callers to local treatment, harm reduction, and recovery housing. No diagnosis or insurance required. Especially useful for women hesitant to engage formal treatment but wanting to talk things through with a peer.

(833) 317-4673 · Statewide service · 24/7 · Visit Website

7. SAMHSA Treatment Locator — Free

Federal database at findtreatment.gov listing every licensed substance use and mental health facility in California, searchable by womens programs, Medicaid acceptance, and pregnant-women services. Each listing shows payment options, age groups served, and contact info. A good way to compare options before calling. The companion 1-800-662-HELP line offers live referral help.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

8. Narcotics Anonymous — Free

Free peer-led recovery fellowship for any drug, with strong CA presence including womens meetings in every major metro. Online and hybrid meetings make it easy for mothers and shift workers to attend. No dues, no membership requirements; only a desire to stop using. The meeting locator filters by language, format, and women-only sessions.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

9. SMART Recovery — Free

Science-based alternative to 12-step programs using cognitive-behavioral tools to manage urges and rebuild balanced living. Free in-person and online meetings, including women-focused groups. Self-paced workbooks and a robust online community let you participate without disclosing your identity. Especially appealing to women who dont connect with the disease or higher-power framing of AA.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

10. Women for Sobriety — Free

The first recovery program created specifically for women, founded in 1975. Uses 13 Acceptance Statements focused on self-esteem, emotional growth, and empowerment rather than powerlessness. Free in-person and online meetings, plus a moderated online community. A strong fit for women whose addiction is tangled with trauma, abuse, or postpartum struggles.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

11. Al-Anon Family Groups — Free

Free fellowship for women whose lives have been affected by someone elses drinking; partners, parents, or adult children. Meetings teach detachment, boundary-setting, and self-care. California hosts hundreds of weekly meetings including women-only groups. Newcomers are welcome at any meeting; no advance registration needed. Online meetings make participation possible from home.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

12. Nar-Anon — Free

Parallel to Al-Anon for those affected by a loved ones drug use. Free, anonymous peer support for mothers, sisters, and partners of people struggling with addiction. California chapters meet in nearly every major city, with online options for women who cant attend in person. Helpful for navigating boundaries, financial impact, and grief without losing yourself.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

13. Shatterproof — Free

National nonprofit fighting addiction stigma and pushing for evidence-based treatment standards. The Treatment Atlas tool lets women compare California facilities by quality indicators like medication-assisted treatment availability and clinician credentials. Information that is normally hard to find. Especially useful when researching a residential program for yourself or a loved one.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

14. Faces & Voices of Recovery — Free

National network amplifying recovery community voices and connecting people to Recovery Community Organizations across California. RCOs offer peer support, advocacy training, and free recovery coaching; services that bridge the gap between clinical treatment and independent sobriety. The state directory helps you find a women-led RCO nearby.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many substance abuse resources are in California?: Women's Corner tracks 14 substance abuse resources for women in California.
Are substance abuse resources in California free?: 10 of the 14 listed substance abuse resources in California are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in California have substance abuse resources?: Listings span cities including Pomona, Los Angeles.
What are some examples of substance abuse resources in California?: Featured entries include Prototypes — Women's Treatment Center, Amity Foundation — Women's Programs, Shields for Families — LA, California AA Meetings, Oxford House California.
Do these listings include phone numbers?: 5 of 14 California substance abuse listings include phone numbers.
Where do I start if I want help with addiction?: Call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) — free, confidential, 24/7. They connect you to local treatment, support groups, and women-specific programs. FindTreatment.gov lets you search by location, payment, and women's services. Medicaid covers treatment in every state under the Mental Health Parity Act.
Will I lose my kids if I go to treatment?: Voluntarily seeking treatment is almost always viewed favorably by family court and CPS — it shows responsibility. Many states have women-and-children residential treatment programs where your kids stay with you during recovery (search SAMHSA's directory for 'residential treatment for women with children'). Hiding addiction is far more dangerous to custody than addressing it.
Are there women-only treatment programs?: Yes — research shows women have better outcomes in gender-specific treatment because programs address trauma, parenting, pregnancy, and DV that fuel addiction differently for women. SAMHSA's directory filters by 'programs for women' and 'pregnant/postpartum women.' Most include childcare or family housing.
What about pregnancy and addiction?: Call 1-800-662-HELP immediately — they prioritize pregnant women for treatment, and federal law requires treatment programs to admit pregnant women on the same day or refer immediately. Medication-assisted treatment (methadone, buprenorphine) is safer for the baby than untreated addiction or withdrawal. Most states have laws protecting pregnant women seeking treatment from prosecution.