California Alcohol Statistics: How Alcohol Use Disorders Affect Los Angeles County and Central California

June 21, 2018

Harmony Place Team

Los Angeles County is one of the most densely populated areas of California, with more than 10 million residents. Citizens of Burbank, Glendale and the communities in the San Fernando Valley must contend with the usual struggles of living in a major metropolitan area, including the devastating effects of alcohol abuse. According to California alcohol statistics, things might not be going so well.

Alcohol abuse takes a heavy economic toll on the region and presents a major health crisis for Central California. California alcohol statistics indicate that LAC has some of the highest rates of alcohol abuse and alcohol abuse-related problems in the state.

Central California Alcohol Statistics and Drawbacks

From Santa Clarita to Van Nuys and Sherman Oaks, alcohol abuse takes a heavy toll. Los Angeles County statistics indicate that alcohol abuse has a significant economic cost for the area’s taxpayers, while also endangering public health in several ways.

A 2016 report of Los Angeles County alcohol statistics notes that the higher the alcohol outlet density in an area, the higher the consequences for residents, such as increased:

Violent crime
Emergency room visits
Motor vehicle accidents
Hospitalizations
Deaths

There were more than 15,000 alcohol places that sold in Los Angeles County in 2013, and approximately 4,000 alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents (246 of them fatal), more than 63,000 emergency room visits, and 2,800 deaths attributable to alcohol.

Note that alcohol abuse can lead to fatal liver disease, neurological impairment, cardiovascular disease, long-term disability and death. Alcohol abuse can also contribute to the death toll by enabling dangerous or destructive behaviors, such as suicide, alcohol poisoning, DUI-related fatal accidents and high-risk sex.

Alcohol-Related Car Accidents

According to data from a 2010 Los Angeles County Public Health Department report, there are roughly 200,000 DUI-related arrests in California in a given year. More than 40,000 of these arrests occur within Los Angeles County alone. In just a single year, there were more than 250 fatalities and more than 4,800 injuries in alcohol-related car accidents.

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that causes several biological effects that impair driving, such as:

Slowed reaction time
Poor judgment
Decreased ability to judge speed and distance

Economic Costs of Alcohol Abuse

[tweetbox] The average cost of alcohol abuse in LA County is almost $11 billion per year [/tweetbox]
Alcohol abuse is not only dangerous in terms of health and bodily injury, but also financially. Estimates place the average cost of alcohol abuse in LAC at almost $11 billion per year. The majority of this dollar amount stems from the medical costs associated with treating alcohol-related illnesses and injuries, such as injuries from DUI accidents and liver disease from extended alcohol abuse.

Of this $11 billion, about $2 billion goes toward the costs of alcohol abuse-related crimes, and another $2 billion pays for traffic offenses and related expenses.

Underage Drinking in Los Angeles County

Another serious issue related to alcohol abuse in the county is the prevalence of underage drinking. Throughout the country, alcohol is the most widely abused substance by teenagers, and Los Angeles County has some areas reporting more than 20 establishments per 100,000 residents where adults can purchase alcohol.

It’s relatively easy for underage teens to secure alcohol, and alcohol consumption at an early age can lead to significant complications later. Teens who experiment with alcohol are more likely to try harder substances such as crystal meth, cocaine and heroin. They are also more likely to suffer injuries or death from alcohol-related car crashes. Teens who drink alcohol are liable to develop alcohol use disorder if the problem goes unaddressed for too long.

A December 2017 story in the Los Angeles Times reported that about 33 percent of high school seniors had drunk alcohol within the past 30 days; the sophomore rate was 19.7 percent, and 8 percent for eighth graders).

In a survey asking students how they obtain alcohol, the most common response is securing it from a home or private residence. Some teens asked adults to purchase alcohol for them, while others manage to purchase it from liquor stores and restaurants.

Why Alcohol Abuse Is So Dangerous

Based on the California alcohol statistics, widespread alcohol abuse in Los Angeles County is high, and it’s important that residents understand why. In spite of alcoholism’s severe risks, Americans tend to view alcohol as less dangerous than other drugs because it’s legal for adults over 21. Although many realize alcohol is habit-forming and dangerous, most consider illicit street drugs to be more dangerous. However, alcohol abuse is one of the most destructive types of addiction for several reasons.

One of the most dangerous aspects of alcohol is the public’s perception of it. Since so many people think it is safe in moderation, more people experiment with it and consume it in socially acceptable ways. Over time, it’s easy for a person to fall into the trap of high-functioning alcoholism by allowing consumption to play a regular part in everyday life.

Alcohol’s Unique Risk Factors

Like most other addictive substances, alcohol fosters a tolerance within those who consume it regularly. As a person’s alcohol use disorder grows, he or she will need increasingly larger quantities of alcohol to feel the desired effects. Over time, this builds into dependency, where the person needs alcohol just to function.

Alcohol withdrawal entails some of the most unpleasant side effects of any type of substance, and withdrawal is sometimes fatal for people with severe alcohol addiction.

Alcohol Detox and Recovery

One of the most dangerous aspects of alcohol abuse recovery is the detoxification process, when a person has the last traces of alcohol flushed out of his or her system. When detox takes place in a medical setting with careful supervision, medication and nutritional support, it is a healthy way to begin alcohol recovery. However, attempting to detox alone by going cold turkey without any support is extremely dangerous, especially for people with advanced alcoholism.

Alcohol withdrawal can cause delirium tremens, or the DTs, which can cause:

Involuntary shaking
Convulsions
Seizures
Periods of unconsciousness

These are medical emergencies that require immediate attention. Without assistance, alcohol withdrawal can quickly turn fatal.

Effects of Alcohol Abuse Throughout Central California

Whether you live in Redondo Beach, Encino or Tarzana, it’s imperative to acknowledge the devastating effects of alcohol abuse in Los Angeles County. About 15,000 individuals enter alcohol treatment programs in Los Angeles every year. The detox and rehab processes are vital to curb the disturbing trend of alcohol-related fatalities in Central California.
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Finding the Right Alcohol Abuse Rehab Treatment in Los Angeles, California

Harmony Place, situated in the heart of Woodland Hills, is a premier addiction treatment facility that provides affordable luxury recovery services for those addicted to alcohol, including those experiencing binge drinking and various alcohol use disorders. Our expert team employs evidence-backed treatment methods, integrating mental health counseling with integrated therapies such as nutrition counseling, massage, acupuncture, and equine-assisted therapy. This comprehensive approach ensures a well-rounded recovery experience that addresses all facets of alcoholism.

For individuals seeking alcohol rehab in the San Fernando Valley, Harmony Place offers a personalized approach to recovery. Our individualized treatment plans accommodate both inpatient and outpatient programs, as well as transitional living options, ensuring that each client receives the care they need. By working closely with insurance providers like Optum, Anthem, Aetna, and BCBS, we facilitate paying for alcohol rehab, making the journey to recovery more accessible and less daunting for our clients.

We understand that overcoming alcohol abuse does not conclude at detox. A full continuum of care is essential for effectively overcoming any substance abuse issue, and Harmony Place is committed to supporting you throughout your recovery journey. If you’re contemplating how much alcohol rehab might cost, rest assured that we offer guidance on alcohol rehab insurance cover, empowering you with the knowledge to make informed decisions.

Harmony Place is dedicated to making every client feel welcomed and secure in a supportive environment. Located near the Los Angeles area, our facility is designed to cater to the diverse lifestyle and budgetary needs of our clients. Whether participating in our inpatient detox center or opting for outpatient detox treatments for those who cannot take extended time away from work or family, our services are tailored to ease the transition to sobriety. Discover a path to healing from alcohol addiction with Harmony Place.

Contact us today for further information over our alcohol detox services and see which one fits for you or a loved one. Don’t think you are alone; we are here to help you on your road to recovery.

Alcohol Addiction Related Guides

Chris P

I've been to 12 rehabs over the last 20 years and NO other place has touch like Harmony Place! From the owner right down to the cleaning lady, everyone here is kinda and warm. God has blessed this place and I feel privileged to have come through here. I recommend anyone who is going through their struggle with mental health or substance abuse to pick up the phone and come! You won't regret it!

Joseph S

This place is incredible, kind, loving, patient, rigorous, educative, caring and the best place for recovery. Ill be part of the alumni crew

Monica G

I had very good experience at Harmony Place From first day I came, staff was very kind and make me feel welcome and safe. Everyone was friendly and always try to help me. The therapists are very good and caring. They listen to me and help me understand my problems better. I learn many things from them and feel stronger because of their support. The nurses also very nice and professional. They always check on me and make sure I am okay. Food was good and facilities were clean and comfortable. It help me feel more relaxed and focus on my recovery. Management also doing very good job. Everything was organized and you can see they really care about patients. I am very thankful for this place and all the people who work here. I recommend this center to anyone who needs help.

Denton

Awesome place great people u want to check this place out most definitely 😜

Tyler

A treatment center where the owners truly care about your recovery and after care.. cannot recommend enough

Jodana S

If you want to detox painlessly this is the place! The staff is A1. They truly care about us. The groups are awesome . Residential is crazy awesome! You live in a mansion. With a private chef who makes the best food. Community meeting that gets results fast, they care about your opinions. Pool and Jacuzzi are beautiful. If your struggling with addiction this is the house you should come to. I LOVE HARMONY PLACE!!!!! Thank you to all the staff they go above and beyond to make this experience comfortable therapeutic. Don't spend another day in your addiction come to Harmony Place right now!

Cass

I’ve been to 4 treatment centers before Harmony Place, and I can tell you without a single doubt that this is the absolute best by FAR. The past ones were luxury Residential Treatment centers that just treated every single client the same not tailoring to each individual, and were basically just in it for the money, dropping the ball each time. I can also tell you that I’ve never met the CEOs, but here, David comes to the facility almost every single day, and makes sure he get to know every individual here. He is incredibly kind, and was even willing to transfer me to another facility with a higher level of trauma therapy due to me having a lifetime of trauma and PTSD that just is going to take a long time to tackle. He truly cares about all of the clients having all of the tools that we need before getting released to the real world. No more of other CEO would ever be willing to miss an opportunity at making more money and even paired with my IMPECCABLE case manager to find a different facility that was more trauma based. My case manager, Sam, goes absolutely above and beyond in every single aspect. She makes sure you have a smooth transition into aftercare, provides out of this world advice when it comes to sobriety, and takes the time out of her day to make sure that FMLA and short-term disability are completely taken care of during your stay. I’ve never met a case manager that could ever compare to Sam. Ever. I feel lucky to have met her, genuinely. Marissa, my therapist, is SO SWEET, actually listens to you, and provides advice and therapy tailored to each individual’s experience. She’s handled every mood I’ve been in, never judged me, and allowed me to feel safe enough to tell her things I’ve never told any person or therapist in my 29 years of life. I’ve been going to therapy for the past 15 years, and none of those therapists even come close to how amazing she is. I’ve been to 4 other treatment centers in my life and none even come close to Harmony Place. The facility is clean, organized, and high-end. I would recommend Harmony place to my family, friends, and anyone seeking treatment. I feel SO BLESSED to have landed in their hands. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE IN THE CLINICAL STAFF BEYOND WORDS. I love you guys ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. I feel more confident than ever in my Recovery.

Gabe H

Where to begin.. Harmony is a place that will forever be a part of my story as the first step in my recovery journey. I’m so grateful for this program. The staff is very friendly, and many of them understand what addiction is like, for they themselves have recovery stories of their own. They have an awesome team of therapists, group facilitators, nurses, RA technicians, medical and health professionals, a wonderful case manager for aftercare that cares deeply for your next steps; making sure you are set up for success. They have a wonderful admissions team (shoutout to Marielle who was so kind and understanding of my messed up situation). Everyone is very relatable and friendly. They invest heavily in the importance of diet and nutrition too - there’s a full time professional chef. I gained all the weight I lost and wanted back in the first two weeks lol. On top of the intensive programming they do throughout the day, they take us out to experience various kinds of outside groups to get a taste of the real world, and also take us on social outings during the weekend. If you’re serious about getting better this place will meet you where you’re at and prepare you to launch with a renewed mind and heart.

Monica P

I can't begin to explain just how amazing Harmony Place is. In fact, when we sit down with the owner, Jeff, and clinical director, David, on Monday mornings to have a house meeting, they ask us what they could be doing better. A bigger blender for smoothies is the ONLY thing we could come up with. Let me begin by addressing some negative reviews. If you notice many of them are from people, or are referring to people who have been asked to leave. It is because of harmony places protection of their clients that provide ideal conditions for healing and progress. There is a screening process that it is implemented where they make sure the clients they admit are ready to start a life of sobriety. Some people slip through the cracks. Some people find out a few days or weeks in that they've changed their minds. Some are inappropriate and break rules. It happens. When Harmony Place ask people to leave, It's because they are protecting the people who are here that want treatment. In effect, they're providing exactly what I needed for a genuine start to recovery. When I began my search for a treatment center, my requirements were that the facility's provide an environment in which its residents all want to be there and that it is ethically ran. I got that and so much more at Harmony Place. As well as a structured routine, they also provide a confidential and nurturing environment where one feels safe and where profound healing can begin. Their program offers a sound foundation where further progress in sober living is almost guaranteed. In group meetings, we enjoy getting to know ourselves again and with deeper understanding about why we are the way we are. We are provided with skills to handle real life. Its here that I've come to understand that its not addiction that has driven me to make a mess of my life. It is the trauma that I endured and not processing it correctly that lead to poor thinking patterns that opened the door to addiction resulting in poor life management. So we start at the bottom. Trauma. They help us understand that trauma has led to our own toxicity, what that trauma looks like and how to get out of our own way. Process groups help us learn how to take accountability and foster healthier relationships. I learned here that changing the way I think is absolutely possible and imperative to the healing process. Harmony Place offered me hope when I previously felt I was unfixable and a support team that truly loves me. Even after I leave here, I have contacts that almost demand I keep in touch and an alumni meeting where I can return to the facility on Thursday nights. I wasn't a 12 stepper when I came here but my first experience with it was not one where I was ready to stop using. I understand now that the steps will work for me. It's certainly is not the only modality that they teach. In one group, we are provided an opportunity to sit with a recently retired medical doctor to just ask questions. Another is with a nutritionist. There are a handful of people IN recovery that come to lead groups that are all accredited highly specialized where I felt understood and not judged. The knowledge I have gained here is life changing. It is also versatile and relatable for all types of people. my favorite group was dialectical behavioral therapy. There are breathing classes and sound bath groups and I started doing yoga in the morning. There's a dharma meeting they take you offsite that focuses on Buddhist values. A fantastic onsight chef provides three meals and you can have special requests. We facilitated our own Movie nights during free time. I cant forget to mention you get your own one on one meetings with your assigned primary therapist and there is comprehensive medical support complete with 24/7 nurses and a doctor that shows up throughout the week. If this is what you need to recover and you have mediCAL, cancel your mediCAL and get insurance Harmony Place accepts if you can. There are people to help you with that as well. Just call. Many, many thanks to the staff. ✔️Another life changed.🙏

Cody B

This is such an amazing place truly changed my life. I would recommend this place to anybody if they’re looking for a strong recovery house that truly cares about your recovery and not about just money So if you’re ready to change your life, don’t miss out on the greatness of harmony because this place is where it’s at