Originally written on: Tuesday, 21 December 2010 Last edited on: Thursday, 31 October 2019

Long Term Residential Drug & Alcohol Rehab Treatment In Alaska

The general assumption when it comes to drug addiction and Alaska is that there are fewer addicts. After all, Alaska is a remote section of the world. People who live in remote areas can go days without seeing another human being. Most people assume that finding drugs in Alaska would be extremely difficult. In fact, many of the people who move to Alaska are recovering addicts who are hoping that the state will provide them with the fresh start they are looking for.

The reality is that the number of drug addicts in Alaska is frighteningly high. The use of illegal drugs is higher in Alaska than in any other state. The general theory is that the reason drug use in Alaska is so high is due to the sheer stress of living in the state, and also because the state attracts a personality type that is both stubborn and prone to addiction, such as recovering addicts.

Long Term Drug Rehab Services in Alaska

Substance abuse in Alaska has always been a long-standing problem, and the long-term drug rehab centers who are available in the state, do help countless people who are struggling with addiction. Most people who do seek out treatment in Alaska are men, with it being over 60%. Ever since 2010, the state of Alaska has been among the 10 states with the highest rate of drug dependency. This statistic looked at the state population between the ages of 12 and 17, which was also the largest age group being admitted to drug and alcohol treatment. Long-term drug rehab centers in Alaska will be any program that does last more than 30 days. There are numerous benefits with long-term drug treatment, and these types of programs are typically residential programs. When you attend a long-term drug treatment program, you can focus on identifying the destructive habits and patterns connected to your addiction. Because you will be staying at the facility for quite some time, you will have ample opportunity to address the underlying problems connected to the addiction. Through the counseling process at a long-term drug rehab center, you can identify and eliminate these patterns. When this happens, it can truly wake a person up to the possibilities of living a sober lifestyle.

There are many commonly abused drugs within the state of Alaska, and this does include marijuana, prescription drugs, amphetamines, and cocaine. The largest group of people being admitted for treatment for marijuana use are those between the ages of 12 and 17. Prescription-drug abuse is primarily done by females, along with amphetamines and cocaine. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported in 2017, that there were over 102 deaths because of opioids in Alaska. This will include prescription opioids and synthetic illegal opioids. When you consider the population of Alaska, these are 13.9 deaths per 100,000 persons. Heroin use in the state has been on the decline, but many deaths can be attributed to synthetic opioids. An addiction that does involve street drugs or prescription drugs does require detox and long-term drug treatment. A long-term drug rehab center can offer the time needed to treat these addictions. However, for many addicts in Alaska, they may not have the opportunity to access help, or will simply not ask for help. It is important for family and friends to intervene and help their loved ones find the right type of treatment they need for their addiction.

While taking a tough stance against the use of illegal drugs is a good idea, there are several things that the state really needs to focus on if they are serious about dealing with the drug problem. The first thing the state needs to do is to make sure that the younger generations do not become tomorrow’s addicts. The best way to do this is by making sure that not only do the schools have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to the use of drugs, but also that they have access to drug education programs. When kids understand how different their future will be if they allow drugs to become a part of their lives, they are less likely to start using.

The most important thing the state of Alaska needs to do if they wish to see a decrease in their drug problem is making sure that the current batch of drug addicts gets the help they need. Considering the number of addicts that currently call the state home, Alaska's drug treatment program is lacking. Currently, the state has a sufficient number of residential drug rehabilitation programs, and many patients are unable to attend regular outpatient do the remoteness of the area where they live. The more effort the state puts into creating residential drug therapy programs, particularly long term programs, the easier it is going to be for the state to start managing their drug problem.

90 Day Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers in Alaska

Currently, in the state of Alaska, there are just over five different drug and or alcohol treatment programs that will offer programs that are 90 days in length.  These types of facilities are considered long term, and most centers provide a wide variety of different forms of treatment.  If an addict has been abusing drugs over long periods of time, these programs are best suited for them as they will take the time needed to handle all aspects of their addiction.

Specialized Drug and Alcohol Treatment

Addicts will be able to seek out specific forms of treatment within the state of Alaska, and this can also include aftercare programs, once a client has completed treatment. Inpatient treatment centers in the state providing 60 to 120-day programs are equipped to help men, women, and adolescents, along with members of the military, and addicts struggling with DUI and DWI charges.

The Cost of 60 to 120-Day Drug Rehabilitation

Each type of drug treatment facility within the state of Alaska will come at different costs, but patients and their families may be able to use their health insurance to help offset costs. Other inpatient treatment centers, which are long-term will be capable of providing low-cost or free treatment, while other facilities will be self-payment.

Long-term Drug Treatment Methods

Each inpatient drug and alcohol treatment program in the state of Alaska will utilize different methods to help their clients. This does include twelve-step modalities and traditional forms of counseling. Counseling services can include group and individual therapy, and other forms of support to help clients discover the reasons why they began abusing drugs and alcohol.

60 to 120-Day Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Treatment in Alaska

Throughout the state of Alaska are over five different inpatient drug treatment centers, providing programs lasting for 60 to 120-days. These types of residential drug treatment centers will be capable of treating men, women, and adolescents while delivering services for patients with co-occurring substance abuse and mental disorders. To help locate the right type of help, a patient can go through an addiction assessment.