Chemical Dependency Services

A variety of recovery programs for treating alcoholism and drug addiction.

Chemical dependency is a progressive illness affecting millions of men, women and children, regardless of age, ethnic group or social status. Dependence on alcohol, prescription medication or mood-altering illicit drugs produces disabling symptoms that progressively worsen over time, but chemical dependency is treatable.

At Sharp HealthCare, we understand that chemical dependency is a uniquely personal problem that requires individualized treatment. We provide a variety of services to help people acquire the tools to develop drug- and alcohol-free lifestyles. We also offer a number of treatment levels so that patients can choose the level that is most appropriate for them, including:

  • Inpatient care for patients requiring 24-hour care in a hospital/ residential setting
  • Intensive outpatient care for patients who are able to attend three hours a day, three days per week for six weeks.
  • Partial hospitalization care for patients who require all day sessions at the hospital four to six hours a day, up to seven days a week

Our specialized staff provides the foundation for a life-long program of recovery, and our programs encourage families to participate in their loved one's recovery.

The following are chemical dependency programs available at Sharp HealthCare:

  • Aftercare
    Continuing care begins at discharge from either the inpatient, partial hospital or intensive outpatient programs. This program is designed to help newly recovering patients make a successful transition back to home, work and community. Program counselors lead weekly sessions helping patients work through ongoing recovery challenges, developing relapse prevention skills, and utilizing peer and other support services.
  • Detoxification
    Inpatient support for a medically safe withdrawal from alcohol and/or drugs.
  • Dual-Diagnosis and Dual-Recovery Programs
    Inpatient, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient dual recovery programs — at both Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital and Sharp Grossmont Hospital — designed to treat patients with co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse disorders.
  • Extended Residential Treatment Program
    Inpatient chemical dependency care for patients who need 30 or more days of treatment.
  • Family Education Program
    Families and significant others of the recovering patient may attend Family Education groups while the patient is participating in treatment. Services include motivating lectures and support groups that focus on family dynamics, co-dependency and relapse prevention. Ongoing support services are available.
  • Opiate Dependence Outpatient Program
    This program for adults who are 18 years and older combines psychosocial counseling and the use of Suboxone, a groundbreaking medication to suppress withdrawal symptoms and decrease cravings.
  • Rehabilitation
    Structured inpatient and partial hospitalization programs that allow patients to actively participate in individual and group therapy, relapse prevention workshops, education sessions, 12-step and other support meetings including family counseling.

For More Information
Sharp's Chemical Dependency Recovery Services are offered at both Sharp Mesa Vista and Sharp McDonald Center in central San Diego. To contact Chemical Dependency Recovery Services directly, please call:

To learn more about Sharp's mental health services or to find a Sharp-affiliated doctor, search for a San Diego psychiatrist or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. To find general information about mental health, visit Mental Health Disorders in Adult Health or read the Mental Health News archive.