Alaska Rehab Centers | Detox, Inpatient Drug Rehab, FAQ

The state of Alaska has one of the highest per capita substance abuse rates in the United States. According to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, the rate of alcohol-induced mortality among all Alaska residents is more than double the national average. 

The alcohol-induced mortality rate among Native Alaskans is particularly concerning as it is currently six times higher than the U.S. average. 

In addition to alcohol abuse, residents of the state also struggle with opioid misuse. In 2019, approximately 66% of drug-induced deaths involved opioids. 

If you or a loved one struggles with alcohol or drug abuse, learn more about addiction treatment options in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Wasilla, Ketchikan, and other communities in Alaska. 

How To Find & Choose Addiction Treatment In Alaska

In Alaska, the Department of Health and Social Services, Behavioral Health Division is responsible for overseeing addiction treatment throughout the state.  

The Division of Behavioral Health is dedicated to connecting individuals with timely and appropriate treatments for substance use disorders at accredited rehab facilities. 

To find a substance abuse treatment facility in Alaska, you can: 

• use SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Treatment Locator
• browse Alaska’s Substance Use Disorder Providers list
• call SAMHSA’s national helpline
• contact drug or alcohol rehab centers directly
• ask your primary care provider for a referral for addiction treatment 

As you go over your treatment options, choosing the best drug or alcohol rehab facility for your needs can be challenging. 

To ensure you receive quality care that works for you, look for treatment centers that offer these key features: 

• co-occurring disorders treatment that addresses a dual diagnosis of a substance use disorder and mental health complications
• evidence-based treatments, such as medication-assisted treatment and cognitive-behavioral therapy that are proven to be effective in the treatment of substance use disorder
• licensed drug and alcohol counselors who have extensive training and experience in the effective administration of addiction treatment protocols
• a full continuum of care for addiction treatment, from detox and residential treatment to outpatient programs and aftercare services
• individualized treatment plans that are designed based on your unique history, current circumstances, personal needs, and goals of treatment  

Alaska Drug & Alcohol Treatment Programs

The Alaska Division of Behavioral Health is committed to providing Alaskans with access to quality care services for addiction treatment. The state focuses on providing a full continuum of rehab care from screenings and prevention to intervention services and acute psychiatric care.  

Based on the results of your initial screening, you may require one or more levels of care for addiction treatment, which may include: 

• medically supervised detox
• residential treatment
• outpatient treatment
• dual-diagnosis treatment
• medication-assisted treatment
• aftercare services 

Medical Drug & Alcohol Detoxification

Before you can begin a dedicated rehab program, you must allow your body to detox from drugs and/or alcohol. 

A medical detoxification program is a short-term option designed to help you manage the withdrawal process safely. Throughout detox, your care team will work around the clock to keep you as comfortable as possible. 

Residential/Inpatient Drug Rehab Centers

Residential treatment programs require you to live at the treatment facility for the duration of your program. As the most intensive form of rehab for alcohol or drug use, inpatient treatment combines a variety of evidence-based therapies geared towards your needs. 

Treatment services likely include peer support groups, group therapy, wellness or holistic activities, behavioral therapy, and more.

Outpatient Addiction Treatment

Outpatient treatment programs are typically offered at several levels, including partial hospitalization programs and intensive outpatient programs. These rehab programs provide many of the same services as inpatient treatment but allow you to live at home.  

Often, outpatient rehab is used as a step-down level of care after you complete a stay at an inpatient treatment facility. For some individuals, outpatient treatment may be a viable alternative to residential rehab.  

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines behavioral therapies with FDA-approved medications to help individuals manage the physical and psychological effects of opioid or alcohol addiction. 

Medications vary based on the drug of abuse but may include naltrexone, methadone, or buprenorphine. 

Aftercare Support

Depending on your needs, your aftercare plan may include access to community resources, 12-step participation, group counseling, vocational resources, sober-living housing, and other support services.  

Using Health Insurance For Addiction Treatment In Alaska

If you have private health insurance, your plan may provide partial or full coverage for addiction treatment services. Many treatment providers also accept Medicaid to help cover the cost of rehab.  

To find out whether your insurance will help pay for your addiction treatment, you can: 

• call the number on the back of your insurance card to learn more about your benefit details.
• reach out to treatment providers to ask if they accept your insurance and are in your provider’s network.
• discuss your plan benefits with your HR benefits administrator, if you have employer-sponsored health insurance. 

If You Don’t Have Insurance

If you’re an Alaska resident who does not have private or public health insurance, you can attend rehab at a treatment facility that receives state funding. Depending on your income, you may qualify for a fee reduction of between 25%-100%. 

Alaska Substance Abuse Facts

Alaska officials reported an increase in drug overdose death rates between 2018 and 2019. Substances most commonly involved in drug-related deaths in Alaska include opioids, methamphetamines, and benzodiazepines.

Other substance use facts collected from the Alaska Division of Public Health include:

• In 2019, 133 drug overdose deaths were recorded.
• Of the 2019 deaths, 88 involved opioids, 
• From 2015 to 2019, 629 drug overdose deaths occured.
• There were 145 alcohol-related deaths from 2015 to 2019.
• Of the drug overdose deaths that occured from 2015 to 2019, 89% of deaths included more than one type of drug.

Also, Alaska Native people had a higher drug-related death rate compared to White individuals during the period between 2015 and 2019.

Addiction Treatment At Ark Behavioral Health

At Ark Behavioral Health, we’re proud to offer a full continuum of care for addiction treatment to Alaska residents.  

At our fully accredited rehab facilities, we offer a variety of services, including detox, inpatient treatment, outpatient programs, medication-assisted treatment, dual diagnosis treatment, and aftercare support, among others.

We offer comprehensive addiction treatment at the following four Massachusetts locations:

• Bedrock Recovery in Canton, MA
• Recovering Champions in Falmouth, MA
• Spring Hill Recovery Center in Ashby, MA  

Alaska Addiction Treatment FAQ

How Do I Access Treatment In Alaska?

If you’re ready to commit to a dedicated rehab program in Alaska, you have several options for accessing treatment. You can: 

• Browse Alaska’s list of Substance Use Disorder Treatment Providers to find a rehab facility that offers state-funded services.
• Speak with your primary care provider to get a treatment center referral.
• Call Alaska 211 for help finding drug and alcohol treatment programs.
• Call treatment centers directly. 

What Does Addiction Treatment Look Like In Alaska?

Addiction treatment in Alaska looks different for every individual in rehab. However, most people begin their treatment with a behavioral assessment and dedicated detox program. 

After detox, patients may participate in one or more of the following treatment programs: 

• Residential treatment
• Outpatient treatment
• Treatment for co-occurring disorders
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• Long-term recovery support and transitional services 

Does Insurance Cover Addiction Treatment In Alaska?

Yes, private insurance plans may provide partial or full coverage for addiction treatment in Alaska. Many treatment providers also accept Medicaid to help cover the cost of care. 

Can I Go To Drug Rehab In Alaska Without Insurance?

Yes, you can go to drug rehab in Alaska even if you don’t have insurance. You can pay out of pocket for treatment services or you may qualify for sliding scale fees based on your income.  

Are There Walk-in Opioid Clinics In Alaska?

Yes, there are a limited number of walk-in opioid clinics in Alaska located in major cities like Anchorage, Juneau, and Fairbanks.  

Are There Free Or State-Funded Rehab Centers In Alaska?

Alaska has several rehab centers that receive state funding. These facilities offer income-based, reduced cost or free treatment services. 

How Long Does Drug Rehab Last In Alaska?

Most drug rehab programs are 30,60, or 90 days in duration. However, your treatment program length will depend on your individual needs. If you plan to use insurance to help cover the cost of care, your benefit details may also factor into the length of your rehab program.