New study reveals need for greater oversight of substance use disorder treatment centers in Orange County.

SACRAMENTO (May 12, 2026) – A new Pennsylvania State University study has shown the abnormally high concentration of substance use disorder treatment centers in Orange County may actually be associated with an increase in drug overdoses.

Across the United States, we have seen epidemic levels of substance use, which has resulted in more substance use disorder treatment centers opening up. Until now, studies have shown that a higher number of treatment programs in an area typically predicts lower rates of overdose mortalities. However, this new study has revealed that this may not always be the case.

While substance use disorder treatment programs remain the most effective way to reduce the risk of further drug use and overdose, this study reminds us that “among those who do enter programs, the likelihood of returning to drug use remains high, with as many as two-thirds returning to use within a year.”

Orange County treatment centers are often marketed to those seeking recovery services as an ideal treatment destination, often luring them in with deceptive online marketing that capitalizes on the year-round temperate climate that comes with being in a coastal county. The Penn State study shows that the influx of people seeking recovery services, in combination with the low short-term success rate of treatment, weak regulatory oversight and unscrupulous patient brokers looking to profit by exploiting the lucrative referral system under medical insurance, ultimately leads to higher levels of relapse and overdose.

Even the Department of Justice (DOJ) has gotten involved in the operations of these facilities. In 2021, the DOJ filed criminal charges against ten defendants for kickback schemes at substance abuse treatment facilities in Orange County, which raises the question: Are people who are genuinely seeking help receiving the quality care they need and deserve?

Part of the problem is a lack of readily available data, which my bill, AB 1879, directly addresses. Under current law, alcohol or drug recovery and treatment facilities and programs receiving public funds, and narcotic treatment programs (NTPs), regardless of funding source, must report to the county data on clients, outcomes, and treatment availability. However, those that do not receive public funds are not required to report the same data.

AB 1879 will close this gap in data reporting and apply the same reporting standards to all programs and facilities. Ultimately, AB 1879 will give us the real number of alcohol and drug treatment centers in the state since there is currently no singular source for the number of treatment facilities and programs. Comprehensive data is essential for strengthening California’s continuum of care. With better information, the state can more effectively identify treatment shortages, allocate resources, monitor outcomes and support evidence-based improvements.

Another one of my bills, AB 2562, will focus on patient safety and well-being by requiring licensed facilities and recovery programs to develop and implement a suicide prevention plan. Studies have shown that “individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders are at increased risk of suicidal ideation. Up to 40% of those seeking substance use disorder treatment have a suicide attempt history. Importantly, a previous attempt is a key predictor of future suicide.”

As the substance use crisis continues, greater attention is needed from everyone— residents, patients, families and elected officials. What needs to change is the quality of care, the elimination of predatory practices and increased regulatory oversight of these facilities that could offer life-changing support for those who are seeking treatment.

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