Top Alaska Addiction Recovery Centers: Reviews and Ratings

Alaska has high rates of alcohol and illicit drug abuse. Drug cartels and gangs have infiltrated rural and urban areas in the state, and they exploit the massive land area and limited law enforcement resources. They are able to charge more for drugs due to many areas of the state being long distances away from major infrastructure hubs.²

Despite its size, the state only has 88 treatment facilities, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.¹ However, many facilities accept private and public insurance or offer reduced fees based on income. Twelve-step meetings are available across the state.

Alcohol, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, prescription drugs, and marijuana are the primary substances of abuse in Alaska. Many users abuse more than one drug and often use multiple drugs at the same time.²

• The rate of illicit drug dependence or abuse in Alaska among those age 12 or older was 3.2% in 2013-2014 compared to the national average of 2.6%. The state’s rate increased from 2.7% in 2010-2011.³
• The state’s rate of heavy alcohol use among those age 21 or older was 7.2% from 2010-2014, compared to the national average of 6.7%. During that time, only 10.6% of those who needed treatment for alcohol dependence received it.³
• From 2009 to 2015, the number of heroin-associated deaths in the state more than quadrupled. In 2012, the state’s death rate from prescription painkillers was more than double the rate in the United States.²
• In 2016, 6,236 pounds of prescription medicines were collected as part of a take-back program.²

Depending on the of program and facility you choose, the cost of your addiction treatment may differ. Things like the length of your program, the facility amenities, and number of staff, all affect the pricing.

Luckily, many Alaskan rehab centers make it easier for you to pay for treatment. AL facility payment options include private health insurance (92%), Medicaid (75%), military insurance (71%), and Medicare (47%). About 80% of facilities offer sliding scale fees and 87% accept cash or self-payment.¹

The type of treatment you need will be determined by an addiction specialist. Those with relatively severe addictions may benefit from longer inpatient stays, while others may only need outpatient rehab. There are also many different types of therapy options that will be available to you during your recovery. Things like group therapy, family therapy, individual therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are often used to help treat drug and alcohol addiction.

• National Directory of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment Facilities 2016 – includes a list of all rehab centers in the state
• Alaska Medicaid – find out what Medicaid is and whether you’re eligible – the state is expanding the program, and many rehab facilities accept it as payment
• Alaska Statewide Alcoholics Anonymous meetings – a list of all meetings in the state
• Statewide Schedules for Narcotics Anonymous meetings – a list of links to meetings in cities around the state
• Alaska Careline – provides 24/7 support for people who are contemplating suicide or are in crisis (1-877-266-4357 (HELP))
• Alaska 2-1-1 – a helpline that connects you to resources including emergency food and shelter, counseling, healthcare, drug and alcohol programs, and legal assistance (call 2-1-1 or between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday)

1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2015). National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS): 2015 State Profile – Alaska.
2. Alaska State Troopers. (2016). Annual Drug Report.
3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015). Behavioral Health Barometer: Alaska, 2015.