Celebrating Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month

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This January, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is leading a nationwide push to help Americans learn about the importance of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment—with the observance of SUD Treatment Month. The campaign seeks to help people throughout the United States understand the limitless paths to recovery, the support services that complement treatment, and the importance of having a support system when pursuing recovery.

At Coastal Detox of Southern California, we wholeheartedly embrace the spirit of this awareness month. We see it not just as a time for recognition, but as a renewed dedication to our core mission: providing compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to the individual.

The Power of Personalized Care

Addiction is a complex and deeply personal condition. No two stories are the same, and therefore, no two recovery paths should be identical. We understand that a “one-size-fits-all” approach to treatment simply cannot address the multifaceted needs of each person who walks through our doors.

When a patient chooses Coastal Detox, they are choosing a program that honors their life experience, their history, their co-occurring mental health challenges, and their personal goals. Your recovery journey belongs to you, and we are passionate about crafting an individualized treatment plan that reflects your unique needs.

January is Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month

Our Commitment to the Unique Patient Journey

Our holistic, personalized approach at Coastal Detox ensures that every patient receives the most effective care for their specific situation. This dedication is evident in several key aspects of our program:

Comprehensive Assessment: Your journey begins with an in-depth clinical assessment. This allows our team to understand not only the substance use history but also any underlying mental health issues, trauma, physical health concerns, and social factors that influence your addiction and recovery.

Tailored Treatment Plans: Based on this assessment, we create a specialized plan that may integrate a variety of therapies, including:

 

A Focus on the Whole Person: True recovery involves healing the mind, body, and spirit. We offer holistic therapies and wellness components like nutritional support, mindfulness practices, and fitness programs to help each patient build a foundation for sustained health long after they complete their program with us.

Continuity of Care: Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. We ensure a smooth transition from detox to rehab to lower levels of care and community resources. Our case management team works to connect each patient with appropriate aftercare planning and the resources necessary to support them in their long-term recovery.

Find Hope Today

This month, and every month, we stand ready to support those taking the brave step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life. Treatment is an act of courage, and successful treatment is an act of partnership.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, please know that you do not have to face this challenge alone. At Coastal Detox, we are dedicated to supporting your unique path to healing, ensuring you are treated with dignity, respect, and the individualized care you deserve. Your recovery story is waiting to be written, and we are here to help you start that first chapter.

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Meet Our Team

Coastal Detox of Southern California is composed of an entire team of highly trained substance abuse professionals in recovery.
Phil Castagnola SUDCC program director at Coastal Detox of Southern California

Phil Castagnola, SUDRC

Program Director

Kay Saffe LPCC clinical director at Coastal Detox of Southern California

Kay Saffe, LPCC

Clinical Director

Jeff Swem SUDRC director of operations at Coastal Detox of Southern California

Jeff Swem, SUDRC

Director of Operations

Coastal Detox of Southern California is only a call away.

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Phil Castagnola

Case Manager

Philip Castagnola, SUDCC, is the Program Director for Coastal Detox of Southern California. He holds an Associate’s in Science and Certification in Alcohol and Other Drug Studies from San Diego City College.

Phil has over 15 years of continuous sobriety and is an active Sponsor in the San Diego Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) community. He struggled with substance abuse issues throughout his youth. He started using drugs at the age of 15, having been raised in an environment that normalized heavy drug and alcohol use. He spent a lot of time in and out of various rehab programs before being incarcerated in federal prison, which is where he finally completed an 18-month treatment program and used that time to work the 12 Steps.

After completing his sentence and serving his debt to society, he vowed to continue to give back to others who are going through similar hardships. Phil is passionated about sharing his experience with openness and honesty so that others may find hope for their future and find the strength to break free from the bondage of addiction.

In addition to a successful career as a certified counselor, Phil is also reconnecting with his passion for surfing. Phil surfed professionally in competitions for a few years in his early 20s and even owned his own surf shop (Select Surf Shop) before losing everything to his addiction. Now in his sobriety he is able to once again surf recreationally and in contests, showing that it’s never too late to reclaim your own narrative, overcome substance use disorder, and pursue the life you were always meant to have.

Kay Saffe, LPCC

Clinical Director

Kay Saffe, LPCC,  is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Clinical Director at Coastal Detox of Southern California. She holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of San Diego and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from New College of Florida. 

Kay grew up in Miami, Florida and is a first generation American with Argentinian roots. Throughout her youth, she struggled with drinking and substance abuse. Today, she has been in recovery for over 4 years and strives to prioritize her spiritual, mental, and physical health.

A lifelong athlete and ocean lover, she moved to San Diego to pursue her Master’s degree and progress her surfing. She has spent years working as a surf instructor and therapist, working with local non-profits that treat at risk individuals and families in both English and Spanish. She incorporates a mindful and holistic approach to therapy. She is passionate about positive psychology and helping others through their recovery journey.

Jeff Swem, SUDCC

Director of Operations

Jeff Swem, SUDCC, is a Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor and the Director of Operations at Coastal Detox of Southern California. He holds an Associate’s in Science and Certification in Alcohol and Other Drug Studies from San Diego City College.

Jeff has 6 years of continuous sobriety and is active in the San Diego Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) community. Jeff struggled with substance abuse from a young age and endured some harrowing, near-death experiences before “settling down” into a career as a professional beer brewer. It was during the COVID outbreak that he surrendered to his higher power and made the choice to get sober for good.

After completing an inpatient rehab program and IOP aftercare, Jeff quit the brewing industry and pivoted to become a Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor so he could surround himself with a caring and supportive sober community and help others who struggle with addiction by leading through example and sharing his personal experience.

Born and raised in San Diego, Jeff is married to his wife of 25 years. They have a son and daughter together, and thanks to the 12 Steps and a successful career at Coastal Detox, Jeff is able to be fully present for them every day, be a positive role model, and show them how it is possible to thrive in recovery.