Drug addiction, or Substance Use Disorder (SUD), is a significant public health challenge in Alaska, impacting individuals, families, and communities. The state has unfortunately experienced high rates of overdose deaths, particularly involving opioids and psychostimulants like methamphetamine. Here's a comprehensive overview of drug addiction in Alaska, including statistics, treatment options, and crucial resources: ### **ALASKA DRUG ADDICTION: STATISTICS, TREATMENT, AND RESOURCES** **I. Key Statistics on Drug Overdose and Use in Alaska** According to the Alaska Department of Health's 2022 Drug Overdose Mortality Update: - **Overall Overdose Deaths:** There were 247 overdose deaths in Alaska in 2022, a slight decrease from 255 in 2021. The overdose death rate was 33.5 deaths per 100,000 population. - **Leading Substances:** - **Opioids** were involved in 185 overdose deaths in 2022 (24.9 deaths per 100,000). Opioid overdose deaths have been a primary driver of overall drug overdose deaths. - **Psychostimulants** (including methamphetamine) were involved in 140 overdose deaths in 2022. - Many overdose deaths involve **multiple drugs**. - **Demographics:** - Men typically experience higher overdose death rates than women. - American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) and multi-racial individuals typically experience higher overdose death rates than other groups. - People aged 25 to 54, particularly those aged 35-44, typically experience the highest rates of overdose death. - **Geographic Impact:** Anchorage had the state's highest overdose death rate in 2022. Previous surveys (like the National Survey on Drug Use and Health) have indicated that Alaska has higher rates of illicit drug use compared to the national average in several categories. **II. Seeking Immediate Help: Hotlines and Crisis Lines** These are critical first points of contact for individuals needing immediate support or guidance: 1. **SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration):** - **Call:** **1-800-662-HELP (4357) / 1-800-487-4889 (TTY)** - **Purpose:** A free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. They can help you find local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based programs. - **Website:** [https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline](https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline) 2. **988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Connects to Local Resources):** - **Call or Text:** **988** - **Purpose:** Provides immediate support for mental health, substance use, or suicidal crises. Counselors are available 24/7/365 to offer compassionate support and connect callers to local resources. 3. **Alaska Careline Crisis Intervention Line:** - **Call:** **1-877-266-HELP (4357)** - **Text:** **4help to 839863** (available Tuesday-Saturday, 3 PM-11 PM) - **Purpose:** A statewide crisis intervention line for mental health, substance use, and suicide prevention. 4. **Set Free Alaska Crisis Hotline:** - **Call:** **907-521-5239** (24/7) - **Purpose:** A Christian treatment center offering a crisis hotline as part of its mind-body-spirit approach to recovery. **III. Treatment Options and Programs in Alaska** Alaska offers a range of treatment options, from outpatient services to residential care and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). 1. **Division of Behavioral Health (DBH), Alaska Department of Health:** - **Purpose:** The primary state agency overseeing behavioral health services, including substance use treatment and recovery. They can help connect individuals to treatment providers and resources. - **Website (Find a Treatment Provider):** Start by looking for their "Find a Treatment Provider" page on the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services website. This is often the first step to finding a program that suits your needs and budget. 2. **Residential Treatment Centers (Inpatient):** - Provide intensive, structured living environments where individuals reside during treatment. - **The Salvation Army Clitheroe Center (Anchorage):** Offers men's and women's residential inpatient services, as well as outpatient and MAT. - Phone: (907) 276-2898 - **Nugen's Ranch (Wasilla) / Alaska Addiction Rehabilitation Services, Inc.:** Provides residential programs for adult women and men. - Phone: (907) 376-4534 - **Bartlett Regional Hospital Rainforest Recovery Center (Juneau):** Offers both outpatient and residential services for adults. - Phone: (907) 796-8900 - **Akeela House Recovery Center (Anchorage):** Residential treatment, often utilizing a client-centered model. - Intake Phone: (907) 565-1200 - **Fairbanks Native Association Ralph Perdue Center (Fairbanks):** A major provider of substance abuse treatment. - Phone: (907) 452-6251 - **Serenity House Treatment Center (Kenai/Soldotna):** A 12-bed intensive residential treatment center using a 12-step model, often with a 6-8 week stay followed by outpatient steps. - Phone: (907) 714-4521 3. **Outpatient and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP):** - Allow individuals to live at home while attending regular therapy, counseling, and group sessions. IOPs offer more hours of treatment per week than standard outpatient. - **Providence Alaska Medical Center - Breakthrough Substance Use Treatment Program (Anchorage):** Offers pretreatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient levels of care, including MAT and a pregnant mother program. - Phone: (907) 212-6970 - **Akeela Outpatient Services (Anchorage):** Provides assessments, individual and group therapy, and relapse prevention. - Intake Phone: (907) 565-1200 - **True North Recovery Inc. (Wasilla and Fairbanks):** Offers client-centered, culturally competent behavioral health treatment with same-day access. - Phone: (907) 313-1333 - **Southcentral Foundation (Anchorage):** Offers various behavioral health services, including Four Directions Outpatient and Alaska Women's Recovery Project. - Four Directions Outpatient: (907) 729-6300 - Alaska Women's Recovery Project: (907) 729-5190 4. **Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT):** - Combines FDA-approved medications (like Buprenorphine, Naltrexone, and Methadone) with counseling and behavioral therapies. Highly effective for opioid use disorder and also used for alcohol use disorder. - Many of the listed treatment centers offer MAT (e.g., Clitheroe Center, Providence Breakthrough, Mat-Su Health Services). - **Mat-Su Health Services, Inc. (Wasilla):** Specifically highlights comprehensive MAT services for various SUDs. - Phone: (907) 376-2411 - **SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC):** Offers opioid treatment programs (Buprenorphine and Methadone) with various clinic locations. - **Alicia Roberts Medical Center:** (907) 523-4325 - **Ketchikan RISE Wellness Center:** (907) 228-2410 - **Juneau:** (907) 463-0600 - **Sitka:** (907) 966-9797 - **Website:** [https://searhc.org/service/opioid-treatment-program/](https://searhc.org/service/opioid-treatment-program/) - **Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) Resources:** Provides a "MAT Toolkit" and information for providers in rural Alaska, indicating a focus on expanding access. - **Website (Resources):** [https://www.anthc.org/what-we-do/behavioral-health/resources/](https://www.anthc.org/what-we-do/behavioral-health/resources/) **IV. Support Groups and Recovery Resources** Support groups are crucial for long-term recovery, offering peer support, shared experiences, and a sense of community. 1. **Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) - Alaska:** - **Purpose:** A fellowship of people who come together to solve their drinking problem. It is free, and its only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. - **Anchorage Central Office:** (907) 272-2312 - **Website:** [https://www.anchorageaa.org/](https://www.anchorageaa.org/) (Provides meeting schedules and locations throughout Alaska). 2. **Narcotics Anonymous (NA) - Alaska Region:** - **Purpose:** A fellowship of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. They are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. - **Toll-Free Helpline:** 1-866-258-6329 - **Website:** [https://www.akna.org/](https://www.akna.org/) (Provides meeting schedules and locations throughout Alaska). 3. **Al-Anon Family Groups & Alateen - Alaska:** - **Purpose:** Support groups for family members and friends affected by someone else's drinking (Al-Anon) or drug use (Al-Anon also covers this broadly). Alateen is specifically for younger family members (ages 7-19). - **Anchorage Office:** (907) 276-6646 - **Website:** [https://al-anon-ak.org/](https://al-anon-ak.org/) (Provides meeting information). 4. **SMART Recovery:** - **Purpose:** A secular alternative to 12-step programs, focusing on self-empowerment and self-reliance using science-based tools. Some treatment centers in Alaska, like Providence Breakthrough, incorporate SMART Recovery. - **Website:** [https://www.smartrecovery.org/](https://www.smartrecovery.org/) (Search for online and in-person meetings). 5. **Wisdom Traditions Counseling Services (Anchorage):** - Offers various addiction recovery and support groups, including "Safe Harbor" (for those preparing for change), Art Therapy, gender-specific men's and women's groups, and groups based on "The Four Agreements" and the Gorski relapse prevention model. They also explore alternatives to the 12-step model, including Buddhist recovery practices. - **Website:** [https://www.wisdomtraditions.us/recovery-support-groups](https://www.wisdomtraditions.us/recovery-support-groups) 6. **2-1-1 Connects Alaska:** - **Call:** **2-1-1** - **Purpose:** A free, confidential information and referral service that can connect you to various local human services, including substance use disorder support groups and recovery resources. - **Website:** [https://www.211connectsalaska.org/](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.211connectsalaska.org/) 7. **Recover Alaska:** - **Purpose:** A statewide initiative dedicated to reducing alcohol harm and substance misuse in Alaska. They offer resources on screening, treatment, and recovery from alcohol and other substance use. - **Phone:** (907) 249-6645 - **Website:** [https://recoveralaska.org/](https://recoveralaska.org/) 8. **Alaska Mental Health Consumer Web (Anchorage):** - Provides support groups for alcohol and drug use disorders. - **Phone:** (907) 222-2980 - **Website:** [https://www.theweb.ngo](https://www.theweb.ngo/) **V. Additional Support and Prevention Resources** - **Alaska Behavioral Health:** Offers crisis intervention services, including a Mobile Crisis Team in Fairbanks (dispatched by 911) and various adult services for mental health and substance use. - **Main Office:** (907) 563-1000 - **Crisis Line:** 988 - **Website:** [https://alaskabehavioralhealth.org/](https://alaskabehavioralhealth.org/) - **Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC) - Ernie Turner Center & Peer Support Network:** Provides culturally relevant treatment and recovery support for Alaska Native people. - **Ernie Turner Center:** (907) 668-1750 - **Peer Support Network:** (907) 793-3221 - **Website:** [https://citci.org/recovery/peer-support-network/](https://citci.org/recovery/peer-support-network/) - **Alaska Veterans Affairs Healthcare System:** Offers substance use disorder treatment and counseling services for veterans. - **Phone (SUD Treatment):** (907) 273-4011 - **Phone (Counseling):** (907) 257-4854 - **Family First Intervention (Alaska):** Provides professional intervention services for families struggling with a loved one's addiction or mental health disorder. - **Call:** 1-877-728-1122 - **Website:** [https://family-intervention.com/directory/intervention/alaska/](https://family-intervention.com/directory/intervention/alaska/) If you or a loved one are struggling with drug addiction in Alaska, please reach out to these resources. Recovery is possible, and help is available. Here are several resources in Alaska that offer help for individuals struggling with drug addiction. These services provide support for recovery, treatment programs, and support for families: ### **1. Alaska Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA)** - **Purpose**: SAMHSA provides information and referrals to treatment programs for substance use disorders across Alaska. They offer a national helpline as well as links to local resources. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357) (National Helpline) - **Website**: [www.samhsa.gov](https://www.samhsa.gov) - **Alaska Specific**: Visit the SAMHSA website for a list of resources in Alaska. - **Services**: - Provides confidential and free 24/7 support for individuals facing addiction and their families. - Offers resources for local treatment programs, counseling services, and recovery groups. --- ### **2. Alaska Behavioral Health** - **Purpose**: Alaska Behavioral Health offers a range of treatment options for individuals struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, including outpatient and residential treatment programs. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 563-1000 (Anchorage) - **Website**: [www.alaskabehavioralhealth.org](https://www.alaskabehavioralhealth.org) - **Services**: - Offers outpatient counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation services for substance use disorders. - Provides residential treatment programs for long-term recovery. - Offers support for co-occurring mental health and substance use issues. --- ### **3. Anchorage Treatment Services** - **Purpose**: Anchorage Treatment Services provides outpatient treatment for substance use disorders, including counseling and support groups. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 276-1022 - **Website**: [www.anchortreatment.com](http://www.anchortreatment.com) - **Services**: - Offers outpatient counseling and therapy for individuals with addiction issues. - Provides medical support for detoxification and medication-assisted treatment. - Support groups and treatment plans tailored to each individual’s needs. --- ### **4. North Star Behavioral Health System** - **Purpose**: North Star Behavioral Health offers a range of services for addiction treatment, including inpatient and outpatient programs for drug and alcohol recovery. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 258-7575 (Anchorage) - **Website**: [www.northstarbh.com](https://www.northstarbh.com) - **Services**: - Residential treatment programs for substance use disorders, with both short-term and long-term options. - Outpatient treatment and support groups. - Medical detoxification and inpatient care for withdrawal management. --- ### **5. Fairbanks Recovery Center** - **Purpose**: The Fairbanks Recovery Center provides residential and outpatient treatment for individuals with substance use disorders, including drug and alcohol addiction. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 456-5700 (Fairbanks) - **Website**: [www.fairbanksrecoverycenter.com](http://www.fairbanksrecoverycenter.com) - **Services**: - Residential treatment and detox programs. - Outpatient counseling and therapy for addiction recovery. - Aftercare services and support for reintegration into daily life. --- ### **6. Juneau Alliance for Mental Health, Inc. (JAMHI)** - **Purpose**: JAMHI provides a variety of services for individuals facing substance abuse issues, including addiction treatment, mental health support, and recovery services. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 463-3303 (Juneau) - **Website**: [www.jamhi.org](http://www.jamhi.org) - **Services**: - Outpatient and residential treatment for substance use disorders. - Supportive housing and recovery services for long-term sobriety. - Mental health counseling for individuals with co-occurring disorders. --- ### **7. Bethel Family Clinic** - **Purpose**: Bethel Family Clinic provides outpatient treatment for individuals in Bethel and surrounding areas struggling with substance use disorders. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 543-6949 (Bethel) - **Website**: [www.bfclinic.org](http://www.bfclinic.org) - **Services**: - Offers individual counseling and therapy for substance abuse recovery. - Provides group therapy and recovery support services. - Collaborates with local community resources for comprehensive care. --- ### **8. Tlingit & Haida Tribal Behavioral Health** - **Purpose**: This organization offers substance abuse treatment services for Native American communities in Alaska, focusing on cultural competency and holistic care. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 463-7163 - **Website**: [www.ccthita.org](https://www.ccthita.org) - **Services**: - Substance abuse counseling and treatment programs. - Community outreach and culturally appropriate care for Native Americans. - Support services for families affected by substance abuse. --- ### **9. The Salvation Army - Anchorage** - **Purpose**: The Salvation Army in Anchorage provides a variety of programs to help individuals struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, including rehabilitation and transitional housing. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 277-2595 (Anchorage) - **Website**: [www.alaska.salvationarmy.org](https://www.alaska.salvationarmy.org) - **Services**: - Inpatient rehabilitation and detox services. - Transitional housing and support for long-term recovery. - Counseling and case management to address addiction and related issues. --- ### **10. Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC)** - **Purpose**: ANTHC provides behavioral health services for Alaska Native populations, including addiction treatment and recovery programs tailored to the cultural needs of Native Alaskan communities. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 729-2500 - **Website**: [www.anthc.org](https://www.anthc.org) - **Services**: - Inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment programs. - Culturally sensitive recovery services for Alaska Native individuals. - Support for co-occurring mental health disorders and addiction. --- ### **11. National Helpline for Substance Use Disorders (SAMHSA)** - **Purpose**: SAMHSA’s National Helpline provides confidential, free, 24/7 support for individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders. It also offers resources and referrals to local treatment centers across Alaska. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357) - **Website**: [www.samhsa.gov/find-treatment](https://www.samhsa.gov/find-treatment) - **Services**: - Offers a directory of local treatment centers, support groups, and recovery programs. - Provides a confidential helpline for individuals and families seeking addiction treatment. --- ### **12. Nar-Anon Family Groups (Alaska)** - **Purpose**: Nar-Anon is a support group for families and friends of individuals struggling with addiction. The group provides emotional support and strategies for coping with loved ones’ substance use disorders. - **Contact**: - **Website**: [www.nar-anon.org](https://www.nar-anon.org) - **Find local meetings**: [Nar-Anon Meeting Locator](https://www.nar-anon.org/find-a-meeting) - **Services**: - Support groups for family members affected by addiction. - Provides resources for families to better understand substance use and addiction. - Helps individuals cope with the challenges of living with someone who has a substance use disorder. --- ### **How to Seek Help:** 1. **Call a Helpline**: If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, call SAMHSA’s 24/7 helpline (1-800-662-HELP) to get connected to local resources. 2. **Find Local Treatment**: Many treatment centers in Alaska, like Alaska Behavioral Health, offer outpatient and inpatient services, depending on your needs. 3. **Join Support Groups**: Nar-Anon or other local support groups can provide a community for those affected by addiction. 4. **Utilize Cultural Resources**: For Native Alaskan populations, resources such as ANTHC and Tlingit & Haida Tribal Behavioral Health offer culturally appropriate care. These resources provide comprehensive services for those struggling with drug addiction in Alaska, including treatment options, recovery support, and community resources.