Merced, California

Introduction to Merced, California

The California city of Merced, county seat of Merced County, is situated in the San Joaquin Valley of Central California. The city is located 110 miles southeast of San Francisco, 40 miles southeast of Modesto, and 58 miles northwest of Fresno. Seated at the intersection of California State Highways 59, 99, and 140, Merced is serviced by the Merced Municipal Airport, which provides daily passenger service to Las Vegas and also accommodates several freight carriers.

Incorporated in 1889, the city was named after the nearby Merced River. Traditionally reliant on agriculture, the city's economy also benefited from the presence of Castle Air Force Base until its closure in 1995. Re-use of the former base has proceeded since that time, concurrent with an increase in industrial development and a diversification of local industry. In May of 1995, the city was selected as the home of the University of California Merced, the University's tenth campus.

Merced Area Attractions

Less than two hours by car from Yosemite National Park, Merced is often referred to as the "Gateway to Yosemite". The city and its immediate surroundings are also rich in attractions of their own. Some of these include:

  • Applegate Park and Zoo: A stopping point along the city's extensive bike trail network, the park features picnicking and a kid's amusement area.
  • Merced Courthouse Museum: An 1875 Courthouse listed on the National Register of Historical places.
  • Castle Air Museum (Atwater): Impressive collection of planes includes more than 40 vintage military issue aircraft from World War II to present.
  • Agricultural Museum: Includes antique farm equipment, horse-drawn buggy displays, and a working blacksmith shop.
  • Castle Science and Technology Center (Atwater): Includes numerous hands-on exhibits.
  • Laura Fountain: Originally erected in 1888 and relocated to Applegate Park in 1935.
  • Farmer's Market Festival: A downtown event held every Thursday evening from the spring through the fall.
  • Merced Theatre
  • Playhouse Merced

Nearby Cities and Towns

LocationPop.Median Family
Income (2000)
Merced63,893$32,470
Atwater23,113$39,789
Chowchilla11,127$35,741
Dos Palos4,581$35,906
Livingston10,473$33,939
Turlock55,810$44,501

High Points

Merced strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in California):

CategoryTrophy
Racial Diversity
(vs. Peers)
Top 8%Merced Racial Diversity
Affordability of Rents
(vs. State)
Top 14%Merced Affordability of Rents
Short Commute Times
(vs. State)
Top 16%Merced Short Commute Times
Affordability of Property Taxes
(vs. Peers)
Top 16%Merced Affordability of Property Taxes
Walking and Biking to Work
(vs. Peers)
Top 19%Merced Walking and Biking to Work


The listings in Merced, California and surrounding areas provide the following services:

(3) Drug/Alcohol Detoxification
(1) Methadone Maintenance
(1) Methadone Detoxification
(17) Outpatient
(7) Females
(5) Males
(9) Spanish Speaking
(6) Teens and Adolescents
(5) Residential Care Long-term 30 to 90 Days Treatment
(2) Persons with HIV/AIDS
(2) Seniors/Older Adults
(4) Women That Are Pregnant or Postpartum
(4) Short term Residential Care 30 Days or Less
(7) Clients With Legal Issues
(6) Mix of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
(5) Services for Co-occurring Mental and Substance Abuse Disorders
(1) Residential Beds for Children
(5) American Sign Language
(2) Mental Health Services
(3) Partial Hospitalization/Day Treatment
(1) Driving Under The Influence/Driving While Intoxicated Offenders



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Type of Treatment your looking for
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Please type the following number in the box below

If you or someone that you care about live in Merced, California and are seeking help for any type of a drug or alcohol addiction, no matter how long the duration, we will help you to find a quality Drug Treatment or Alcohol Rehabilitation Program. We understand what you are going through and we will support you through every step in the process of locating a treatment center that has a proven track record, so that you or your loved one can have the best possible chance of finally being free from you drug or alcohol abuse problem.

The best solution that is available for a drug or alcohol abuse problem is to find a Drug Rehabilitation or Alcohol Treatment Program that is located in or around Merced. The most important goal of any Drug Treatment or Alcohol Rehab Facility in Merced, CA. should be to help the individual that is in treatment to get to the place where they can steadily maintain a sober lifestyle, which will allow them to avoid the negative consequences that are so often directly related to a drug or alcohol addiction.

There are so many different types of drug and alcohol treatment that is available to individuals that live in Merced, that it can be confusing. These treatment options in Merced, California may include Inpatient Treatment, Long-term Treatment, Outpatient Rehab Facilities, Short-term Rehab Programs, sober living, halfway houses, support group meetings and individual or group drug counseling. We are here to help individuals from Merced to make sense of all of these different drug or alcohol rehabilitation treatment options.

A Drug Rehabilitation or Alcohol Treatment Center in Merced, CA. should focus on the physical and the psychological elements of the drug or alcohol abuse problem. The physical side of the drug or alcohol addiction is treated during the detox portion of the Merced, California treatment program; an Alcohol Treatment or Drug Rehabilitation Facility will be able to support the individual during the detoxification process by helping to alleviate some of painful withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms occur because the brain has adapted to presence of the substance; after a period of time, an addict will have to use more of the drug in order to produce the same effects. It is at this point, that the individual from Merced, CA. has developed a tolerance to the drugs that they are using such as pain pills, tranquilizers, cocaine, marijuana, and alcohol, just to name a few. Withdrawal symptoms that are associated with illicit drugs such as heroin can often produce symptoms that are severe and prolonged. When an individual from Merced, California attempts to abruptly discontinue a drug that their body has consistently been provided, serious withdrawal symptoms may occur; it may take a couple of weeks or even several months in some instances for the body to finally be able to return to normal functioning.

A quality Alcohol Rehab or Drug Treatment Program in Merced, California will also address the psychological issues related to the addiction. The Merced, CA. Drug Rehab or Alcohol Rehabilitation Program may use treatment techniques such as counseling and relapse prevention education. The combination of these elements of treatment can help the individual from Merced to get to the root of the drug or alcohol addiction; this provide them with the best chance of being able to get sober and to remain that way.

The best way for an individual from Merced, CA. to overcome a drug or alcohol addiction, is to locate an Alcohol Rehab or Drug Treatment Center that consistently maintains a high rate of long term success. A quality Drug Treatment or Alcohol Rehab Center in Merced will offer a comprehensive treatment program that can aid the individual in all of the various aspects of their life.

In order for an individual from Merced to have the best opportunity to recover from their drug or alcohol addiction, they need to be open to learning new skills. They will need to put these skills to use daily, as they return home to Merced where they will eventually come into contact with some of the familiar triggers that were connected to their drug using days. A Drug Rehabilitation or Alcohol Rehab Program in Merced, CA. will teach the recovering addict how to respond to these stress producing triggers without using drugs or alcohol. Very few people in Merced can overcome a drug or alcohol addiction without the assistance of professional help. Because of the different ways that these substances affect the functions of the brain, an individual from Merced, California is at a huge disadvantage in trying to stop using drugs or alcohol without rehabilitation assistance. The reason that so many individuals from Merced choose to go to a Drug Rehab or Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility to overcome their drug or alcohol addiction, is because they have failed over and over again when they tried to quit using on their own. They are often tired of dealing with all of the problems that are associated with their drug or alcohol addiction, including feeling alienated from their loved ones in Merced.

Getting Help

Getting help is easy, just dial toll free 855 Stop-Drugs (855-786-7378) in order to speak to a registered addiction specialist or simply fill out the Merced, California Drug Rehabilitation or Alcohol Rehab Center request form and a counselor will contact you shortly. This call could be the first step on your journey to finally becoming free of your drug or alcohol addiction. Don't wait, call right now.

There are 6 local Drug Treatment and Alcohol Rehab Programs in Merced, California. We have also provided 14 additional Drug Treatment and Alcohol Rehab Centers that are closest geographically to Merced:

Aegis Medical Systems Inc Merced, CA
Primary Service: Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center
Services Offered: Methadone Detoxification, Drug/Alcohol Detoxification, Methadone Maintenance, Males, Outpatient, Spanish Speaking, Females
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, Medicaid
Central Valley Addiction Center Merced, CA
Primary Service: Drug and Alcohol Recovery Center
Services Offered: Teens and Adolescents, Outpatient
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, Private health insurance
Community Social Model Advocates Inc Merced, CA
Primary Service: Drug Treatment and Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility
Services Offered: Persons with HIV/AIDS, Males, Residential Care Long-term 30 to 90 Days Treatment, Seniors/Older Adults
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, State financed insurance (other than Medicaid), Private health insurance
Merced County Alcohol and Drug Servs Merced, CA
Primary Service: Alcohol Rehab and Drug Rehabilitation Program
Services Offered: Outpatient, Women That Are Pregnant or Postpartum, Spanish Speaking
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, Medicaid, State financed insurance (other than Medicaid), Private health insurance, Military insurance (e.g., VA,TRICARE)
Merced County SACPA Drug Trt Program Merced, CA
Primary Service: Drug and Alcohol Addiction Recovery Program
Services Offered: Clients With Legal Issues, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Males, Outpatient, Women That Are Pregnant or Postpartum, Residential Care Long-term 30 to 90 Days Treatment, Short term Residential Care 30 Days or Less, Spanish Speaking, Females
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, Medicare
Stepping Stone Recovery Merced, CA
Primary Service: Alcohol and Drug Rehab Program
Services Offered: Clients With Legal Issues, Services for Co-occurring Mental and Substance Abuse Disorders, Mix of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Males, Outpatient, Females
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment
Community Social Model Advocates Inc Atwater, CA 7.9 miles from Merced
Primary Service: Alcohol and Drug Rehab Program
Services Offered: Residential Beds for Children, Residential Care Long-term 30 to 90 Days Treatment, Females
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment
Merced County Alcohol and Drug Servs Livingston, CA 13.6 miles from Merced
Primary Service: Drug Treatment and Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility
Services Offered: American Sign Language, Outpatient
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment
Living Center Turlock, CA 23.1 miles from Merced
Primary Service: Drug Rehabilitation and Alcohol Rehab Program
Services Offered: Outpatient
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, State financed insurance (other than Medicaid), Private health insurance, Military insurance (e.g., VA,TRICARE)
Behavorial Health and Recovery Service Ceres, CA 30.0 miles from Merced
Primary Service: Drug and Alcohol Recovery Center
Services Offered: Services for Co-occurring Mental and Substance Abuse Disorders, Mental Health Services, Outpatient, Spanish Speaking
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, Private health insurance
Center for Human Services Ceres Ceres, CA 30.0 miles from Merced
Primary Service: Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Program
Services Offered: Clients With Legal Issues, Mix of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Outpatient
Mental Health Systems Inc Ceres, CA 30.0 miles from Merced
Primary Service: Alcohol Treatment and Drug Rehab Facility
Services Offered: Teens and Adolescents, Clients With Legal Issues, Services for Co-occurring Mental and Substance Abuse Disorders, Mix of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Outpatient, Partial Hospitalization/Day Treatment, Spanish Speaking
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, Medicare, Private health insurance
Stanislaus Recovery Center Ceres, CA 30.0 miles from Merced
Primary Service: Drug Treatment and Alcohol Rehab Center
Services Offered: American Sign Language, Services for Co-occurring Mental and Substance Abuse Disorders, Drug/Alcohol Detoxification, Outpatient, Partial Hospitalization/Day Treatment, Women That Are Pregnant or Postpartum, Residential Care Long-term 30 to 90 Days Treatment, Short term Residential Care 30 Days or Less, Spanish Speaking, Females
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, Private health insurance, Military insurance (e.g., VA,TRICARE)
Mariposa County Behavioral Health Mariposa, CA 31.1 miles from Merced
Primary Service: Drug and Alcohol Addiction Recovery Program
Services Offered: Teens and Adolescents, American Sign Language, Clients With Legal Issues, Driving Under The Influence/Driving While Intoxicated Offenders, Mix of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Outpatient
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, Medicare, State financed insurance (other than Medicaid), Private health insurance, Military insurance (e.g., VA,TRICARE)
Kings View Chowchilla, CA 32.8 miles from Merced
Primary Service: Alcohol and Drug Recovery Program
Services Offered: Teens and Adolescents, Mix of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Outpatient, Spanish Speaking
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, Private health insurance
Madera County Behavioral Hlth Services Madera, CA 32.8 miles from Merced
Primary Service: Drug and Alcohol Recovery Program
Services Offered: Teens and Adolescents, American Sign Language, Outpatient, Spanish Speaking
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, Medicaid, Private health insurance, Military insurance (e.g., VA,TRICARE)
Madera County Mental Health Department Madera, CA 32.8 miles from Merced
Primary Service: Alcohol Rehabilitation and Drug Rehab Center
Services Offered: American Sign Language, Clients With Legal Issues, Outpatient, Spanish Speaking, Females
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, Medicaid, Private health insurance
Lujan Recovery Programs Los Banos, CA 33.8 miles from Merced
Primary Service: Drug Rehab and Alcohol Rehabilitation Center
Services Offered: Mix of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Short term Residential Care 30 Days or Less
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, Private health insurance
Merced County Mental Health Department Los Banos, CA 33.8 miles from Merced
Primary Service: Drug Rehab and Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility
Services Offered: Teens and Adolescents, Mental Health Services, Outpatient, Seniors/Older Adults
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, Medicaid, Medicare, State financed insurance (other than Medicaid)
Nirvana Drug and Alcohol Institute Modesto, CA 35.1 miles from Merced
Primary Service: Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program
Services Offered: Clients With Legal Issues, Services for Co-occurring Mental and Substance Abuse Disorders, Drug/Alcohol Detoxification, Males, Outpatient, Partial Hospitalization/Day Treatment, Women That Are Pregnant or Postpartum, Residential Care Long-term 30 to 90 Days Treatment, Short term Residential Care 30 Days or Less, Females
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment

Did You Know? ...
Interesting Facts and Statistics:

Among people aged 12 or older, the rate of past month alcohol use in large metropolitan areas (53.5 percent) was higher than the 49.6 percent in small metropolitan areas and 45.0 percent in nonmetropolitan areas. Binge drinking was equally prevalent in small metropolitan areas (22.6 percent), large metropolitan areas (23.4 percent), and nonmetropolitan areas (22.2 percent). The rate of heavy alcohol use in large metropolitan areas increased from 6.1 percent in 2005 to 6.7 percent in 2006. The rates in small metropolitan areas and nonmetropolitan areas in 2006 were both 7.1 percent.

Because individuals addicted to opiates are likely to reach a point where they are no longer capable of holding down a job, they are also likely to lose any health insurance coverage. The diseases or conditions that develop in someone addicted to opiates as a result of their drug use are often paid for through public funds because the addicts cannot pay for their own treatment.

The long period of Methadone's effectiveness is considered to be a positive when the drug is being used for drug detox.

Many individuals have a history of failed prior attempts at outpatient treatment .For those who fall into this category; residential drug rehab treatment may prove to be extremely beneficial. Research studies have consistently indicated that inpatient drug rehab treatment is the most successful modality for individuals who have had several unsuccessful attempts at sobriety through outpatient treatment.

Side effects from chronic smoking of cocaine include hemoptysis, bronchospasm, pruritus, fever, diffuse alveolar infiltrates without effusions, pulmonary and systemic eosinophiliachest, pain, lung trauma, shortness of breath, sore throat, asthma, hoarse voice, dyspnea, and an aching, flu-like syndrome.

In 2008, the average age at first marijuana use among recent initiates aged 12 to 49 was 17.8 years, which was similar to the average in 2007 (17.6 years). However, the average age at first marijuana use has increased since 2003, when it was 16.8 years. Among recent initiates aged 12 or older who initiated use prior to the age of 21, the mean age at first use was 16.1 years in 2008, which was not significantly different from the estimate (16.2 years) in 2007.


Strong support groups and sober friends are very helpful for recovering Alcoholics after rehab. Alcoholics Anonymous provides meetings that recovering alcoholics can attend to help stay focused on their sobriety. You can find AA meetings at the following locations in Merced:

Beachwood
2265 Dan Ward Rd
Merced, California 95348

AA Meeting Days and Times
Monday, 12:00 AM
Tuesday, 12:00 AM
Wednesday, 12:00 AM
Thursday, 12:00 AM
Friday, 12:00 AM

Beachwood 2
Beachwood
2265 Dan Ward Rd
Merced, California 95348

AA Meeting Days and Times
Friday, 6:00 PM
Tuesday, 6:00 PM
Monday, 6:00 PM
Wednesday, 6:00 PM
Thursday, 6:00 PM

Beachwood 3
Beachwood
2265 Dan Ward Rd
Merced, California 95348

AA Meeting Days and Times
Wednesday, 8:00 PM
Friday, 8:00 PM
Tuesday, 8:00 PM
Thursday, 8:00 PM
Saturday, 8:00 PM

Beachwood 4
Beachwood
2265 Dan Ward Rd
Merced, California 95348

AA Meeting Days and Times
Saturday, 10:30 AM

Beachwood 5
Beachwood
2265 Dan Ward Rd
Merced, California 95348

AA Meeting Days and Times
Saturday, 12:00 PM

Beachwood 6
Beachwood
2265 Dan Ward Rd
Merced, California 95348

AA Meeting Days and Times
Sunday, 10:00 AM

Beachwood 7
Beachwood
2265 Dan Ward Rd
Merced, California 95348

AA Meeting Days and Times
Sunday, 7:00 PM

Eye Opener
Unity Church
305 W 26th
Merced, California 95340

AA Meeting Days and Times
Tuesday, 7:00 AM
Wednesday, 6:00 PM
Thursday, 7:00 AM
Saturday, 8:00 AM

Hobie House
1301 Yosemite Parkway
Merced, California 95340

AA Meeting Days and Times
Monday, 8:00 PM
Sunday, 9:00 AM

Merced Men's
Gateway Church
353 Donna
Merced, California 95348

AA Meeting Days and Times
Thursday, 7:00 PM

Square Pegs
520 W. 20th Street
Merced, California 95340

AA Meeting Days and Times
Thursday, 12:00 AM
Tuesday, 12:00 AM
Monday, 12:00 AM
Friday, 12:00 AM
Wednesday, 12:00 AM

St. Luke's
350 Yosemite Ave
Merced, California 95340

AA Meeting Days and Times
Monday, 7:30 PM

Women's Group
St. Luke's
350 Yosemite Ave
Merced, California 95340

AA Meeting Days and Times
Thursday, 5:15 PM

Young People
Beachwood
2265 Dan Ward Rd
Merced, California 95348

AA Meeting Days and Times
Monday, 8:00 PM
The following survey was completed by residents of Merced, California as part of the USNODRUGS monitoring program. The survey below is a representation of perceptual drug and alcohol usage rates in Merced, California. We cannot guarantee complete accuracy, but our monitoring team uses the highest standards for survey compilation.
You do not have to answer all of the survey questions, you should only answer questions that are relevant to your thoughts and experiences.
Survey results as of May 1, 2012
Perception of marijuana in Merced, California.
Do you believe that using marijuana can be harmful?
Maybe
No
Yes
75%
10%
15%
Marijuana use in Merced, California.
Have you used marijuana in your lifetime?
No
Yes
89%
11%
Have you used marijuana in the past month?
No
Yes
83%
17%
Do you use marijuana regularly?
Maybe
No
Yes
4%
79%
17%
Perception of Alcohol in Merced, California.
Do you believe that drinking alcohol can be harmful?
Maybe
No
Yes
3%
3%
94%
Have you had a binge drinking experience in the past month?
No
Yes
98%
2%
Do you consume alcohol daily?
Maybe
No
Yes
8%
90%
2%
How old were you when you first experimented with alcohol?
0-10
11-21
22-31
32 or older
3%
8%
65%
24%
What motivated you to use drugs or alcohol for the first time in Merced, California?
Boredom
Curiousity
Drugs were all around
Family problem
Hopelessness
It was easy to get
None of the above
Peer Pressure
To fit in
Unhappiness
11%
10%
3%
5%
4%
3%
50%
5%
0%
9%
Most common first drug experience in Merced, California?
Alcohol
Club Drug
Crack Cocaine
Ecstasy
Heroin
Inhalants
Marijuana
Meth
Over The Counter Drug
Powder Cocaine
Prescription Drug
Psychedelic Drug
23%
4%
3%
8%
3%
3%
12%
3%
10%
6%
18%
7%
Use of drugs and alcohol in Merced, California schools.
Have you ever gone to school in Merced, California under the influence of marijuana?
Maybe
No
Yes
7%
82%
11%
Have you ever gone to school in Merced, California under the influence of alcohol?
Maybe
No
Yes
1%
97%
2%
What is the most common drug used in your school in Merced, California?
Alcohol
Club Drug
Crack Cocaine
Ecstasy
Heroin
Inhalants
Marijuana
Meth
Over The Counter Drug
Powder Cocaine
Prescription Drug
Psychedelic Drug
22%
5%
2%
8%
3%
2%
14%
5%
7%
10%
15%
7%
Your Age?
0-10
11-21
22-31
32 or older
8%
22%
46%
24%
Your Gender?
Female
Male
50%
50%
Surveys updated monthly.

Please, do not fill out our drug and alcohol monitoring survey on this page if you do not live in Merced, California.

Thanks for participating in our drug and alcohol abuse monitoring program.

To request our free Merced, California drug education video collection for your school simply fill out the request form and a volunteer will contact you to confirm your order.

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