El Dorado County Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Services offers the following services:
Who is Eligible for Services?
El Dorado County residents enrolled in Medi-Cal are eligible to receive substance use services. For more information regarding Medi-Cal enrollment and eligibility requirements, please visit the
El Dorado County Social Services page. For more information about your Medi-Cal benefits relating to substance use treatment, please review the
Beneficiary Handbook.
What Happens If I am Eligible for Services?
When people call or are referred to SUDS and found to be eligible for services during the phone screening, the first service provided is an assessment of the impact of alcohol and drugs on their life. The assessment may take place at the County office or at the contracted treatment provider location.
At the assessment, the person is asked about their medical history, if they work or receive money from any source, alcohol use, drug use, if they have been in trouble with the law, relationships with family and friends, and psychiatric history/current status.
After the assessment, SUDS Coordinators/ Addiction Specialists will determine if there is a need for SUD treatment services, as well as what level of service may best meet the person’s needs. Those services could include outpatient treatment, short-term residential treatment or long-term residential programs with our community partners.
Once a service plan is agreed to, the SUDS coordinator will work to match the person to an appropriate funding source and facilitate placement into treatment. The coordinator will also provide case management throughout the course of the treatment episode. Individualized treatment plans are offered to every client who is placed in a licensed treatment and treatment length will vary.
What is Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of FDA approved medication to help individuals manage symptoms of withdrawal and cravings from substances. MAT treatment is most commonly used in the treatment of opiate and alcohol addiction.
MAT is available through the following partners:
- El Dorado Community Health Center
- Marshall Hospital – CARES program
- Barton Medical
El Dorado County Naloxone Overdose Reversal Kit Distribution
Naloxone is a medication that rapidly reverses the effects of opioid overdose and is the standard treatment for overdose. In the wake of the opioid epidemic, efforts are underway to make this emergency treatment more readily available and accessible.
More information about Naloxone from NIH.
In partnership with
El Dorado County Public Health, Naloxone kits are available at no cost to individuals and loved ones of individuals at risk for opioid overdose. Please call 530-621-6109.
Hepatitis C and HIV-AIDS Education is also available for at-risk groups through
Public Health.
Confidentiality
In the substance abuse field, confidentiality is governed by federal law [(42 U.S.C. § 290dd-2) and regulations (42 CFR Part 2)] that outlines under what limited circumstances information about the client’s treatment may be disclosed, with and without the client’s consent. 42 CFR Part 2 applies to all records relating to the identity, diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment of any patient in a substance abuse program that is conducted, regulated, or directly or indirectly assisted by any department or agency of the United States.
How Can I Get Help?
Any El Dorado County resident can contact our access line and request to speak to an addiction specialist who can provide them with information, referrals, and screening.
The person who is seeking services or a legal parent/caregiver needs to be the one to call and request services. Family members and other loved ones may call and receive information about services.
Access Line for SUD services on the West Slope and South Lake Tahoe: 530-621-6290
What if I have a problem with my Treatment?
If you have an issue with the treatment services you are provided, at any time, you may file what is called a grievance.
Grievance Procedures & Forms
Additional Information and Resources
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): A division of the National Institute of Health (NIH) with free information and resources related to substances, effects of substances on individuals and scientific research articles related to substance use. Has a section specifically for teens and parents.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Federal agency designed to provide substance use and mental health service information to the public and professionals within the field. Has free information and resources regarding issues related to both substance use disorders and mental health.
American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM): Learn about ASAM Placement Criteria and level of care. Additional information on various topics about addiction treatment.
Find a local Community Support Meeting:
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): Traditional 12-step program for individuals with problem alcohol use.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA): Traditional 12-step program for individuals with problem narcotic use.
Gamblers Anonymous (GA): Traditional 12-step program for individuals with problem gambling.
Al-Anon/Al-Ateen: Support for family members and friends who are concerned about a loved one’s substance use.
SMART Recovery: A science-based support group for individuals with problematic substance use
Refuge Recovery: A Buddhist based support group for individuals with problematic substance use
Celebrate Recovery: A Christian based support group for individuals with problematic substance use
Nar-Anon Family Groups: A 12-Step Program for Family & Friends of Addicts
There are many other free online and in-person community resources and support. Keep searching until you find one that fits for you.