Drug & Alcohol Rehab Centers in Alaska

Alaska, also known as the “Last Frontier,” is the largest state in the U.S. and is located in the far northwestern part of North America. Along with being home to 733,583 residents,¹ the state is also home to some of the world’s most stunning natural attractions, including Denali National Park, Glacier Bay National Park, and the Kenai Fjords National Park.

Alaska’s geography is incredibly diverse, with vast wilderness areas, towering mountain ranges, and the highest peak in North America, Mount Denali, which towers at 20,310 feet above sea level. It is also the only state to have coastlines on three different seas – the Arctic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and the Bering Sea. Additionally, Alaska is home to several indigenous cultures, including the Inupiaq, Yupik, and Aleut peoples, who have a rich history and heritage in the state.

Like all states within the U.S., Alaska is grappling with significant substance misuse and addiction among its residents. Addiction to drugs and alcohol has been a persistent problem in the state, with addiction rates only increasing. According to the Alaska Department of Health, the overdose death rate was 35.2 deaths per 100,000 people in 2021, up from 20.2 deaths per 100,000 people in 2020.²

During 2017–2019, the annual average prevalence of past-year illicit drug use disorder in Alaska was 3.6% (or 21,000), which was higher than the national average (2.9%). During 2017–2019, the annual average prevalence of past-year alcohol use disorder in Alaska was 7.6% (or 45,000), also higher than the national average (5.3%).³

The highest number of opioid-related deaths identified in one year was 108 in 2017; of which, 100 (93%) were due to overdose. During 2010–2017, with 623 identified opioid overdose deaths, the opioid overdose death rate increased 77% (from 7.7 per 100,000 persons in 2010 to 13.6 in 2017).⁴

When it comes to addiction treatment in Alaska, there are various levels of care available, depending on your treatment needs and the severity of the addiction. Levels of care include the following:

• Detox: Detox is often the first step in addiction treatment, and it involves medical supervision to manage your withdrawal symptoms from drugs or alcohol. Detox can take place in a hospital or treatment center and typically lasts from a few days to a week or more, depending on the severity of the addiction.
• Inpatient Treatment: Inpatient treatment involves residing in a treatment facility for a period of time, typically 28-90 days, and receiving round-the-clock care and support. Inpatient treatment offers a structured environment for you to focus on recovery and receive intensive therapy and counseling.
• Outpatient Treatment: Outpatient treatment allows you to attend therapy sessions and counseling while continuing to live at home or other sober living environment. Outpatient treatment can range from a few hours per week to several hours per day, depending on your needs. It is often recommended for those with a mild to moderate addiction who have a strong support system at home.

In addition to the treatment options listed above, there are also privately funded rehabs and luxury rehabs in Alaska. These facilities often offer additional amenities and services such as private rooms, gourmet meals, spa treatments, and fitness programs. Privately funded and luxury rehabs may be a good option for you if you desire a higher level of privacy, individualized attention, and a more comfortable and upscale environment during treatment.

Each treatment option offers a different level of care and support, and it’s important to consider your individual needs and preferences when selecting a treatment program. By using an online locator tool, you can search for local treatment options by location and type of treatment, among other factors.

Insurance is an important resource if you are looking to enter a drug and alcohol rehab in Alaska. In most cases, insurance policies will cover at least a portion of the cost of addiction treatment, including detox, inpatient, and outpatient programs. However, it’s important to note that insurance coverage can vary widely depending on the policy, and you should check with your insurance provider to determine what services are covered and what out-of-pocket expenses you can expect.

If you are uninsured, there are state-funded treatment centers that provide free or low-cost addiction treatment to qualifying individuals. These treatment centers may have limited space or longer waiting lists, but they can be a valuable resource if you are uninsured and in need of treatment.

The most important thing is that you receive the help you need to overcome addiction. Whether through insurance, private pay, or state-funded programs, addiction treatment can provide you with the support and tools necessary to achieve long-term recovery and improve your overall quality of life.

Aetna

Ambetter

AmeriHealth

Anthem

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Cigna

Highmark

Humana

Kaiser Permanente

Laguna Treatment Center

River Oaks Treatment Center

Recovery First Treatment Center

AdCare Hospital

AdCare Rhode Island

Oxford Treatment Center

Desert Hope Treatment Center

Greenhouse Treatment Center

The length of stay is an important consideration as it can impact the success of the treatment, and it’s recommended that you work with a healthcare provider or addiction specialist to determine the appropriate duration for your unique situation. However, common options include 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day programs.

Long-term rehab for substance misuse can vary in duration, lasting anywhere from 6 months to 2 years or more. The length of treatment depends on various factors such as the your treatment needs, the facility, and the program entered.

Achieving a successful recovery from addiction requires finding a treatment that caters to your unique needs. Fortunately, addiction is a manageable condition, and with the right support, you can make significant strides towards a fulfilling, healthy future.

Sources:

1. United States Census Bureau. July 1,2022. QuickFacts-Alaska.
2. Alaska Department of Health. July 25, 2022. 2021 Drug Overdose Mortality Update.
3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 2020. Behavioral Health Barometer: Alaska, Volume 6.
4. Alaska Department of Health. 2023. Opioids in Alaska.