- Residential care for different levels of alcohol use disorder
- Clinically supervised detox and withdrawal support available
- Dual diagnosis treatment available for co-occurring mental health conditions
Pacific Sands Recovery Center provides treatment for people with alcohol use disorder (AUD), including clients who are still maintaining work or family responsibilities.
In California, over 5.5 million people meet the criteria for a substance use disorder, and more than 19,000 alcohol-related deaths occur during an average year, affecting individuals, families, and communities statewide.
Pacific Sands Recovery Center in Orange County, CA supports adults who are seeking a clinically grounded, individualized approach to AUD treatment.
What We Treat: Conditions and Patterns We Address
We provide treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) across its full spectrum, including patterns that may not match a “rock bottom” stereotype.
Many people who qualify for treatment have not experienced a single dramatic event. Instead, they may notice a pattern that’s getting harder to control, or a mental health concern that’s closely tied to drinking.
Alcohol Use Disorder, From Mild to Severe
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) can range from mild to severe. A person may recognize their situation in patterns such as:
- Loss of control: Drinking more than planned once started.
- Failed attempts to stop: Inability to maintain reduced use.
- Self-medicating: Using alcohol to cope with other conditions such as anxiety, trauma, or sleep difficulties.
- High tolerance: Requiring more alcohol to achieve the desired effect.
- Preoccupation: Prioritizing drinking over daily responsibilities.
Some people identify with binge drinking or “problem drinking” long before they view their situation as severe. Treatment can still be appropriate at that stage, especially when previous attempts to change haven’t lasted.
Dual Diagnosis and Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions
Many people living with alcohol use disorder (AUD) also have a mental health condition that affects how and why they drink.
Dual diagnosis care treats AUD and mental health conditions simultaneously because each can intensify the other.
Mental health conditions commonly addressed include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or trauma-related symptoms
- Bipolar disorder
When mental health symptoms are untreated or under-treated, they can complicate recovery from AUD.
Co-Occurring Alcohol and Other Substance Use Disorders
We provide care for co-occurring substance-related conditions, addressing cases where alcohol is used in combination with other drugs.
Examples include:
- Alcohol and benzodiazepines (such as Xanax or Valium)
- Alcohol and stimulants
- Alcohol and other sedating medications or substances
When alcohol use is mixed with other substances, treatment planning also considers withdrawal risk, medication safety, and the need for additional stabilization and support.
Detox and Withdrawal Support
In some cases, stopping alcohol abruptly can be medically dangerous. Our clinical team at Orange County Detox Center assesses factors like drinking patterns, duration, and medical history to determine safety needs.
When detox is recommended, our structured setting may include:
- Clinical monitoring for withdrawal symptoms
- Physical support for hydration, nutrition, and sleep stabilization
- Medication support when clinically appropriate
- A safer transition into therapy and structured programming
Detox and withdrawal management is one phase of recovery. Ongoing treatment and aftercare planning are also part of recovery from an alcohol use disorder.
Evidence-Based Therapy for Alcohol Use Disorder
Evidence-based therapies are structured approaches supported by research. They help individuals identify triggers and build skills to manage cravings, stress, and situations that increase relapse risk.
At Pacific Sands Recovery Center, treatment plans are tailored to individual needs based on your history, risk factors, and lifestyle.
Our licensed professionals provide evidence-based therapies such as CBT, DBT, and group therapy for alcohol use disorder.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT includes identifying triggers, thoughts, and routines that reinforce drinking, then building practical alternatives
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT involves learning skills to improve emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills, to help reduce alcohol-related urges during high-stress situations
Group therapy: Group therapy helps you practice skills, build accountability, and reduce isolation while maintaining appropriate privacy boundaries
Integrated Mental Health and Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment
Our assessment process identifies co-occurring mental health conditions and ensures treatment addresses both alcohol use disorder and mental health needs within the daily clinical schedule.
Dual diagnosis treatment may include :
- Mental health assessment and ongoing symptom monitoring
- Therapy that targets anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, or mood instability
- Skills and strategies to manage mental health symptoms, such as panic attacks or depressive episodes, without relying on alcohol
When alcohol use disorder and mental health symptoms occur together, integrated treatment helps reduce the cycle in which each condition worsens the other.
Medication-Assisted Treatment Options
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses FDA-approved medications that may reduce cravings or support abstinence. MAT is not a cure, and not appropriate for every person. When used, it’s typically part of a broader plan that includes therapy and relapse prevention planning.
Medications sometimes used for AUD may include Naltrexone (including extended-release naltrexone, sometimes known by the brand name Vivitrol) or other medications based on clinical needs and medical history.
A clinician evaluates risks, benefits, contraindications, and how medication might fit into the overall plan.
The goal of MAT is to support stability while skill-building and mental health care are underway.
24/7 Help Is Standing By
Visit the admissions page at Pacific Sands Recovery today to learn more about alcohol addiction treatment.
Treatment Levels and Care Options
We provide several levels of care, including residential inpatient, intensive outpatient, and aftercare.
Inpatient Residential Treatment
Residential treatment at Pacific Sands Recovery Center provides 24/7 structure in a 6-client maximum setting with private rooms available.
Residential care may be a fit when:
- Attempts to cut back or stop have not lasted
- Withdrawal risk is a concern
- Co-occurring mental health symptoms are making alcohol use harder to manage
- An environment away from alcohol access and daily triggers is needed
Our recovery center is designed for people who prefer a private, low-distraction environment and more individualized day-to-day support.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a step-down level of care that provides structured therapy while allowing someone to live at home or in supportive housing.
IOP is often used as a transition after residential care, or as a starting point for people who don’t need 24/7 structure.
IOP commonly focuses on:
Continued therapy and skills practice
Relapse prevention planning and trigger management
Ongoing support for co-occurring mental health conditions
Scheduling and recommended length vary based on clinical needs and progress.
Continued Support After Treatment
Long-term change often depends on what happens after structured treatment. Aftercare planning typically focuses on maintaining stability and responding quickly if risk increases.
Aftercare may include:
- Ongoing outpatient therapy
- Support group opportunities, including 12-step or other peer support options, according to client preference
- Medication follow-up when MAT is part of the plan
- A relapse prevention plan that includes early warning signs and concrete next steps
- Alumni connection options when available
Aftercare is an important part of recovery that helps maintain continuity of care as clients transition back into daily routines and responsibilities.
Is Pacific Sands Recovery Center a Good Fit for Your Needs?
Choosing a treatment program is often about fit, and the best one often depends on clinical needs, privacy requirements, preferred environment, and the type of support a person is willing and able to engage in consistently.
Pacific Sands Recovery Center may be a fit if you’re looking for a combination of clinically structured, individualized care in a small, private setting.
| If you’re looking for: | Pacific Sands offers: |
|---|---|
| Dual diagnosis support | Integrated care for AUD + mental health |
| A quieter setting | 6-client maximum environment |
| Privacy and discretion | Private, low-distraction setting |
| Evidence-based therapy | CBT/DBT skills-based approaches |
| Medication support (when appropriate) | MAT options to support craving management |
| Ongoing support after discharge | Step-down planning + aftercare + peer support options |
Inpatient Treatment at Pacific Sands
Following detox, many people will begin their treatment in our inpatient program. While undergoing treatment, you will live at the facility in one of our 6 rooms. Depending on your specific needs, this may last a few weeks to a few months. Every client is different, meaning any time needed for inpatient treatment is an expected timeline.
Inpatient treatment provides many benefits for someone with an alcohol use disorder, and someone can attend this treatment at any point in their journey, even if they have participated in it before.
During inpatient, you will be in a safe environment away from alcohol as you gain support, insight, and skills that can help you understand your alcohol use disorder and prevent a return to use from occurring.
Getting Started With Alcohol Treatment in Orange County, CA
Starting treatment begins with a brief admissions call to review current alcohol use, mental health concerns, and immediate safety needs. A clinician then recommends an appropriate level of care and reviews insurance and admission details.
Pacific Sands Recovery Center is an Orange County treatment provider offering alcohol use disorder care with dual diagnosis support and individualized planning. To speak with admissions, call 949-426-7962.
Pacific Sands Recovery Center: The first step toward a new life.
