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Alabama Drug Statistics and Resources

Individuals seeking help for alcohol and drug addictions in Alabama can access free substance abuse resources throughout the state. These programs offer graduated levels of care including drug detox and inpatient services as well as partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and general outpatient (OP) programs and aftercare support. The below summary gives a high-level overview of some available treatment options and where individuals can go to find the addiction recovery support they need.

Drug Statistics in Alabama

20,793
In 2023, there were 20,793 instances in which someone from Alabama enrolled in a substance abuse treatment program. The highest number in the past 10 years occurred in 2018, with 27,935 enrollments.
1,408
In 2021, there were 1,408 drug overdose deaths in Alabama. Of those, around 70% were opioid-related. This number has risen year-over-year since 2015, when 735 overdose-related deaths occurred.
6th
Across the U.S., Alabama had the sixth-highest increase in mental health issues from 2022 to 2023, jumping from 36.13% in 2022 to 36.69% in 2023, which is 10% higher than the national average.
Deaths in Alabama related to fentanyl overdoses have climbed substantially year over year, rising from 121 in 2018 to 835 in 2022, representing a 590% spike.
Of all motor vehicle crash deaths in Alabama in 2021, 26% were related to alcohol-impaired driving.
While only 16% of adults in Alabama believe they drink excessively (which includes binge drinking and heavy drinking), research shows that 19% of adults in Baldwin County engage in excessive drinking, which is 1 percentage point higher than the U.S. average.

Addiction Nonprofits in Alabama

Recovery Resource Center

This non-profit, located inside Cooper Green Mercy Hospital, provides mental health assessments and referral services. Certified recovery support specialists help initiate the admission process and share information about each treatment provider.

2-1-1 Connects Alabama

This is a free number that Alabama residents can call to access health and human service organizations throughout the state. An operator is available around the clock to answer questions and connect callers to the appropriate providers. While anyone can call, 2-1-1 Connect focuses on assisting the state’s most vulnerable populations including seniors, disabled persons, and low-income adults.

The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center

ARC Command: This residential treatment center offers an array of therapies that address the physical, spiritual, emotional, and social aspects of addiction recovery. This includes personal and group counseling services, work therapy opportunities, and recreational activities.

Harm Reduction Programs

NEXT Distro

NEXT Distro is a harm reduction platform that offers both online and mail-based services. Individuals in Alabama can contact the facility to access naloxone through the mail or at their local pharmacy. They also connect clients to crisis hotlines and facilitate the Alabama Good Samaritan Act, which provides immunity against misdemeanor controlled substance offenses for individuals who administer naloxone in good faith.

Goodworks

Headquartered in Huntsville, this organization provides community-based advocacy, outreach, and education services throughout Alabama. They offer case management and coordinated care for individuals with drug and alcohol addictions, including connections to local social assistance programs. Their trainings cover essential health topics such as overdose prevention, sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention, and HIV testing.

VitAL

A collaboration between Alabama state agencies and the University of Alabama, VitAL provides research, training, education, and implementation services for Alabama residents recovering from from mental health, addiction, and trauma-related issues. They operate the Connect Alabama app, which gives individuals access to behavioral health treatment providers, crisis hotlines, transitional housing, and related resources. They also ship free naloxone nasal spray and fentanyl test strips upon the completion of online naloxone training.

Government Grants & Resources

Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH)

This department regulates the delivery of substance-use services throughout the state. Following an initial screening and assessment, providers can connect clients to community-based treatment facilities that offer outpatient and residential services.

SpectraCare Health Systems

SpectraCare is a network of healthcare providers who deliver medical and behavioral health services to Alabama residents. They provide residential and outpatient treatment for individuals with drug and alcohol addictions, including specialized services for clients with co-occurring conditions.

AIDS Alabama

This program offers myriad programs to help individuals living with HIV/AIDS find addiction recovery resources, engage in peer-based support programming, and obtain referrals for treatment providers. Multiple levels of care are available including outpatient services and transitional housing.

College Addiction Resources

University of Alabama: Collegiate Recovery and Intervention Services (CRIS)

This program helps students at the University of Alabama find addiction-related counseling services. Counselors include members of the university’s Counseling and Intervention staff and the greater Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC). In addition to counseling sessions, students can also participate in other CRIS programs including peer-based education and outreach.

Auburn University Student Counseling and Psychological Services

This program provides individual and group counseling and psychiatric services for undergraduate and graduate students at Auburn University. Other available resources include drop-in groups, mental health workshops, and animal-assisted therapy (AAT). Students attend an initial appointment to determine the best recovery treatment to fit their needs, which may include SUD recovery support. Providers can also make referrals to community services if they require assistance beyond this brief treatment model.

Samford University: Counseling Services

Students at Samford University can visit the school’s Health and Wellness Center to receive counseling services for an array of mental and behavioral health conditions, including SUD. These services include initial consultations, individual and group therapy, crisis counseling, and addiction education. Referral services are also available.

Birmingham-Southern College: Counseling and Health Services

Counseling services are available for students at Birmingham-Southern College who have mental or emotional health needs, while health services support their physical health. Students in addiction recovery can meet with a licensed therapist for short-term counseling sessions. Providers also offer addiction education, consultations, and linkages to off-campus services as required.

LGBTQ+ Resources

PFLAG Auburn

PFLAG operates seven chapters across Alabama, including PFLAG Auburn. Here, members of the LGBTQ+ community and their families can find support, resources, and opportunities to connect. They hold regular chapter meetings and events, where individuals can learn more about local advocacy and outreach events and access support materials to help them overcome physical, mental, and emotional issues, including SUD.

Magic City Wellness Center

This primary care facility provides medical and behavioral health services for members of Alabama’s LGBTQ+ community. Individuals in addiction recovery can visit this center to participate in individual, couples, and family counseling sessions, where they can understand more about their addictions, learn healthy coping techniques, and create a foundation for long-term recovery.

Magic City Acceptance Center

This center is dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive space for all members of the LGTBQ+ community throughout Alabama, as well as the allies who love and support them. They offer multiple monthly programs for youth, families, and adults, including both virtual and in-person meetups. Peer-based support groups are available as well as holistic therapies and regular community events.

Veterans Programs

Department of VA Medical Centers

The VA Medical Centers in Birmingham, Tuskegee, and Tuscaloosa offer varying levels of recovery support services including medication-assisted treatment (MAT), residential treatment, inpatient treatment, and outpatient treatment, for military personnel, veterans, and their families.

Central Alabama Veterans Healthcare System

This facility offers addiction treatment services for veterans, military personnel, and their families. This includes comprehensive behavioral health services available on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Treatments can include initial consultations and evaluations as well as counseling and other services to support issues impacting a veteran’s emotional well-being, such as substance abuse.

Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs

Military personnel, veterans, and their families can access myriad benefits and services through the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs. This includes mental and behavioral health treatment in addition to primary care. There are 63 veterans service offices located across the state and each one offers its own levels of assistance.

Indigenous & Tribal Programs

Alabama Indian Affairs Commission (AIAC)

Created in 1984, the AIAC represents the more than 38,000 American Indian families who live in Alabama. Individuals can visit their website to learn about their current programs, as well as find links to related resources, such as behavioral health services.

Indian Health Service (IHS)

The IHS is a federal health program that supports the needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Individuals can visit their website to learn more about healthcare services in their area, including hospitals, dental clinics, SUD treatment providers, and behavioral health facilities.

Poarch Creek Indians: Health and Elder Services

This division provides services that support the physical and mental health of members of the Poarch Creek Tribe. They provide medical and educational programs, including primary care for acute and chronic illnesses, as well as addiction education and intervention services. Available services include daily activities, local transportation, food assistance, and counseling support.

Drug Laws in Alabama

Alabama Naloxone Standing Order

This law allows the following two groups to obtain naloxone without a prescription: anyone who is at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose or anyone who is in a position to help an overdose victim. While a prescription is not required to receive the addiction medication, only licensed healthcare providers and dedicated pharmacies may dispense it. Before they can do so, they must receive written verification that the individual requesting the drug is eligible to receive it.

Alabama Good Samaritan Law

Under this law, an individual cannot be subjected to a controlled substance offense if they seek emergency help for someone experiencing an opioid overdose. This law does not apply to anyone who possesses an illegal substance with the intent to sell.

Drug Treatment Court

Many districts throughout Alabama operate drug treatment courts. In conjunction with local rehab facilities, law enforcement agencies, and social service organizations, these courts offer addiction recovery and mental health services for non-violent offenders as an alternative to traditional court procedures. Drug treatment courts aim to help offenders overcome their drug and alcohol addictions and become productive members of society.

Marijuana Law

In Alabama, individuals who possess marijuana for personal use only can face a Class A misdemeanor charge. The maximum penalty for this conviction is a one-year sentence and a maximum fine of $6,000. Those who possess marijuana for any reason other than personal use can face a Class C felony.

Sources

Where do calls go?

Calls to any general helpline will be answered or returned by one of the treatment providers listed, each of which is a paid advertiser: Rehab Media Group, Recovery Helpline, Alli Addiction Services.

By calling the helpline you agree to the terms of use. We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses. There is no obligation to enter treatment.