No One Should Have to Wait to Get Well

In the heart of Santa Barbara, the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (CADA) stands as a beacon of hope for individuals struggling with addiction. The nonprofit organization provides a broad spectrum of services designed to meet individuals where they are in their recovery journey, offering a continuum of care that supports both the immediate and long-term needs of those struggling with substance abuse. From inpatient detox and drug/alcohol treatment to extended outpatient support, CADA is committed to fostering recovery and rebuilding lives.

Since 2004, their Adult Residential Treatment Center, with a 12-bed capacity, has been a lifeline for many, providing critical support and a path to recovery. It offers short-term housing for individuals seeking sobriety, with up to 90 days of shelter and treatment. In recent years, the program has consistently maintained a waitlist of 40 people and the need for an expanded facility is critical in order to meet the growing demand. A delay in treatment can often mean the difference between recovery and relapse.

In order to meet this demand and offer their crucial services to as many struggling individuals as they possibly can, for the last two years CADA has been working towards a much needed expansion. Their mission to aquire an expanded drug/alcohol detox and treatment center would allow them to increase their bed capacity from 12 to 34 beds, upgrade their existing facilities to create a more comfortable and supportive environment conducive to recovery and healing, and provide a wider range of services including Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT), counseling, and aftercare support to ensure long-term success. 

Founded in 1949 as the Santa Barbara Committee on Alcoholism with the understanding that alcoholism is an illness and not a “moral failing,” today CADA is the county’s premier provider of education, prevention, and treatment of substance abuse and co-occuring mental health conditions affecting youth, adults, and families in Santa Barbara County. But, sadly, they simply cannot help everyone who needs their services. 

With the support of compassionate community partners, CADA has begun to create the groundwork for their expansion so they can educate, support, and help more people struggling with addiction. CADA’s success depends on the generosity of the community and at this time, more than ever before, CADA is inviting the Santa Barbara community to join them in this critical mission of bringing into reality the dream of an expanded inpatient drug/alcohol detox and treatment center.