The Basics
Zona Seca is an outpatient drug and alcohol program located in Santa Barbara, California. Founded in 1969 by Latino residents who banded together in an effort to aid an under-served community, Zona Seca strives to help clients repair themselves from personal involvement in drug abuse and gang violence by creating its namesake; a “dry zone.”
Zona Seca’s main service is the Drug Diversion Program. Clients are referred by the California court system after one of the following has occurred: arrest for the first time under the influence of a controlled substance, arrest after being in possession of a controlled substance or arrest for being under the influence of alcohol in a public place. Zona Seca aims to rehabilitate and integrate clients back into the community and has assisted over 70,000 men and women in its 45 years of operation. Treatment includes group and individual therapy and required participation in 12-step groups.
Treatment and Staff
Clients interested in treatment at Zona Seca undergo a thorough assessment. If it is determined that they are in need of dual-diagnosis support and/or detox, a referral is made to the Santa Barbara County Alcohol, Drug & Mental Health Services for treatment.
The Drug Diversion Treatment Program consists of 30 mandatory sessions divided into ten individual sessions, ten group sessions and ten 12-step meetings. An attendance card is given to each client to have signed by the secretary of AA/NA meetings as proof of participation. Random and regular drug testing is performed with a minimum of two tests per 30 day cycle. Once the client finishes the program he or she is given a certificate of completion.
Zona Seca staff is made up of psychiatrists, three MFTs and sober volunteers. Many volunteers are former gang members who assist clients who are at risk of gang involvement in a peer-to-peer setting.
Extras
A comprehensive family program is available and includes an initial interview, a minimum of five individual sessions, weekly support groups for a year and an exit strategy plan for continued recovery. Intervention services are also available as needed.
Life skills educational classes are also offered several times a year and are open to the public. These sessions discuss drugs, alcohol and HIV/AIDS education.
In Summary
While Zona Seca provides traditional therapy and requires clients to participate in 12 step groups, a particular importance is placed on social recovery by supporting former gang members in their efforts to become contributing and valuable members of society. While clients are referred from the local court system, the impact of Zona Seca’s recovery program has resonated throughout the community-at-large for over 40 years.
Zona Seca
26 West Figueroa St
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Zona Seca Cost: $1,000 (30 sessions); $1,560 Family program (weekly group sessions up to one year). Reach Zona Seca by phone at (805) 963-8961 or email at fbanales@zonaseca.com. Find Zona Seca on Facebook
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