
Although the meth epidemic in most of the country has declined since large-scale busts of domestic meth labs, places like Encinitas, California, are still at risk. Some of drug dangers may stem from heightened exposure to cocaine, meth, and other illicit substances brought across the border into San Diego County prior to transport out to the rest of the United States.
Overdose deaths related to methamphetamine began to rise again in San Diego County in 2010. There were a reported 157 meth-involved overdose deaths that year. In 2011, there were 171 deaths; in 2012, there were 217 deaths; by 2013, there were 267 deaths; and by 2014, there were 262 deaths. Among adult arrestees, drug tests that returned positive screenings for meth also rose rapidly, from 27% in 2010 to 45% in 2014.1
By 2016, San Diego County overdose deaths involving meth rose 18.7%, to 311 people in 2015. High-grade, pure, and very potent meth coming in from Mexican ‘super labs’ may be responsible, as there is little domestic meth production in the U.S. 2 Many people who currently abuse meth here have continued to abuse it since the early 2000s. Now, in San Diego County, many people experiencing the problems associated with methamphetamine abuse—including overdose—are at least 45 years old.2
Treatment is crucial to overcoming meth abuse and addiction. Call today to speak with a recovery support advisor about substance abuse treatment for methamphetamine or any other drug.
[1]. U.S. Department of Justice. Methamphetamine Strike Force 2015 Report Card for San Diego.
[2]. NBC San Diego. (2017). Meth Crisis Tied to ‘Super Labs’ in Mexico: Task Force.













The doctor is one of the most exceptional medical professionals I have ever had the pleasure to work with. I have been seeing her for a few years and her skill as a physician and psychiatrist were in evidence from my first appointment. Her friendly demeanor, compassion, availability, empathy, treatment suggestions, and the willingness to 'get in the ring' with me have made all the difference.......I keep wanting to say she has saved my life, but the truth is I saved my own life, but she provided the road maps, the "keys to my car", the treatment tools,, while offering the empathy and compassion when I most need it. Thank you.
"The treatment and services offered at AToN are incredible and are priceless, in my opinion. This was my second time in treatment and the cost was very close to the same. While the other facility was very nice, it did not even compare to AToN in all aspects, from the amenities to the treatment, the cuisine the holistic offerings. Everything is five star. AToN made all the difference in my recovery. The accommodations are second to none and the meals were amazing. The staff is highly trained and I got excellent, REAL counseling, not just fluff. I learned more about myself than I ever could have imagined I would and was given tools that I will carry around for the rest of my life. It may sound cliche, but they helped me learn how to save my life. I eventually had to go home and they helped me see what that would look like in a healthful long-term way. The menu of holistic offerings is lengthy and of the best quality. I was able to experience yoga, personal training, massage, Watsu, meditation, hypnotherapy, EMDR, and I am sure I am leaving something out. One of the best things they do at AToN, is on the weekends they took all of us on exposure events. This is were we were able to go out into the community and experience a sober lifestyle. Everything we did everyday things like going to the beach, paddle boarding, miniature golf took a trolly ride through downtown San Diego and Coranado Island and they took us out to dinner at very nice restaurants on Sundays. These events were fun but they also served a very big purpose. When I left AToN I went back to the same world I was living in before and it made the transition of not drinking manageable until I could get strong enough where it didn't matter anymore. " At the risk of sounding like a commercial, I can not think of one thing. There were challenges to the staff, as one would expect of people in treatment, but they always handled anything that came up with grace and professionalism.