The High Road Program in Riverside, California, United States

The High Road Program, Inc. has been a central part of California’s substance abuse treatment system since 1976. It was among the first organizations in the state to provide structured education and counseling for individuals arrested for driving under the influence. As the needs of the community evolved, so did the program. By the mid-1980s, High Road expanded its services to include misdemeanor drug diversion, domestic violence and anger management counseling, Department of Defense and Department of Transportation substance abuse professional evaluations, and rehabilitation support for individuals on parole.

While many of the program’s participants are referred through the California criminal justice system, High Road also offers affordable, accessible outpatient counseling to the public. Its long-standing presence and commitment to evidence-based care have made it one of the most trusted outpatient treatment providers in Southern California.

High Road’s philosophy begins with a simple truth. Not everyone who uses alcohol or drugs is addicted, and not all personal challenges are caused by substance use alone. Many people struggle with anger, frustration, or emotional instability, and substances often become a way to manage those feelings. High Road places a strong emphasis on early intervention, education, and family involvement to help prevent these issues from growing into more serious substance use disorders.

The organization views alcoholism, drug addiction, and other compulsive behaviors as progressive but treatable conditions that affect people from all walks of life. Effective treatment, in their view, must address the whole person. This includes physical health, emotional well-being, psychological stability, social functioning, vocational goals, and spiritual growth.

High Road prioritizes helping clients break through denial, commit to abstinence, and build a healthier lifestyle. Long-term recovery is supported through counseling, family engagement, and active participation in community-based self-help programs.