Menu

Alaska Drug Statistics and Resources

Individuals with drug and alcohol addictions in Alaska have access to myriad treatment options for recovery support. Available services include medical detox and inpatient treatment as well as graduated levels of outpatient support including partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and general outpatient (OP) programs and aftercare support. Help is available through various avenues including non-profit organizations, state-funded agencies, collegiate resources, and programs designed for specialty populations.

Drug Statistics in Alaska

260 Drug Deaths
The drug overdose death rate in Alaska increased from 14.2 per 100,000 residents in 2011 to 35.6 in 2021.
2x Alcohol Deaths
From 2019 to 2021, the number of Alaskans who died from alcohol poisoning and alcohol-related causes nearly doubled, increasing from 185 to 315.
Drug Deaths Due to Opioids
There were 201 opioid overdose deaths in Alaska in 2021, accounting for 77% of all overdose-related deaths in the state.
10th Highest Binge Drinking
Alaska has the 10th-highest rate of adult binge drinking in the U.S. An estimated 19.4% of adults report binge drinking or drinking heavily on at least one occasion in the past 30 days.
Need Treatment
An estimated 10% of Alaskans need but are not currently receiving treatment at a substance use treatment facility, compared to 6.8% across the U.S.
Families Affected
More than 70% of families who receive services through the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Office of Children’s Services (OCS) are impacted by substance use, and equally as many experience mental health concerns.

Addiction Nonprofits in Alaska

Recover Alaska

This organization provides alcohol-focused advocacy, education, and preventative health services to improve awareness and reduce stigma around alcoholism. They also help clients find addiction-centered treatment facilities and community resources to support sobriety.

Alaska 211

Alaskans in crisis can call this free number to receive immediate support and connections to community services. Call specialists can help callers find access to emergency resources including food, shelter, and addiction treatment programs. Specialty services are available for seniors and children.

Seward Prevention Coalition

This program provides services that support and uplift populations throughout Alaska. Some of the services offered include mental health programs for youth, family bonding and parenting courses, and safety resources for victims of domestic violence.

Salvation Army Clitheroe Center

This residential treatment center serves adults with drug and alcohol addictions, as well as clients with co-occurring mental health disorders. Available services include individual and group counseling, case management, peer support groups, and recovery coaching.

Harm Reduction Programs

Iknowmine

Established by the Alaska Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC), iknowmine provides education services and preventative health solutions for Alaska Native youth. They distribute safe sex materials, HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing kits, naloxone kits, and safe medical disposal resources at locations throughout the state.

Four A's

This program offers resources for Alaskans who are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. They help clients find HIV and STI testing sites and can develop customized service plans that include housing, behavioral health treatment, and nutrition support. Harm reduction services available include syringe exchange programs, safe sex supply distribution, and prevention-focused education.

Project HOPE

Project Hope partners with community organizations in Alaska to distribute or administer naloxone for opioid overdose prevention. They collaborate with public health facilities, fire departments, social services agencies, addiction treatment centers, and transitional housing providers, among other groups. In addition to medication, they also provide drug disposal bags that allow individuals to safely discard opioids and prescription medications.

Government Grants & Resources

Alaska Department of Health

This department operates the Alaska Office of Substance Misuse and Addiction Prevention program, which takes a public health approach to preventing and reducing substance use disorders (SUDs). They provide addiction education and data analysis to spur policy change in the state, as well as community-based connections to state agencies and external partners who can help clients find the care they need.

Anchorage Health Department

This resource provides preventative health services to Anchorage residents, including cancer screenings, immunizations, and contraception. They also have a program dedicated to substance misuse resources, with services that include crisis stabilization, recovery counseling, harm reduction supplies, housing opportunities, and related offerings.

Alaska Mental Health Trust

This government trust was established to support Alaskans who experience mental illness, SUDs, developmental or intellectual disabilities, dementia, and traumatic brain injuries. It helps fund and connect clients to organizations across the state that provide services aligned with its focus areas. These include mental health and addiction treatment facilities, behavioral healthcare providers, crisis response teams, housing services, and workforce development resources, among others.

College Addiction Resources

University of Alaska Anchorage CARE Team

Students at this university can connect with a multi-disciplinary team of providers to seek help for emotional, physical, and mental distress. Students can also submit Care Reports on behalf of classmates they believe need intervention services. After meeting with each student, the team coordinates care services, which may include life skills training.

Alaska Pacific University: Counseling and Wellness Center

Students at Alaska Pacific University can receive one-on-one counseling services through the school’s Counseling and Wellness Center (CWC). These sessions are designed to help them work through cognitive, emotional, and behavioral issues including addiction treatment and recovery. While psychiatric and nursing services are not available, providers can make referrals to outside community resources for students who require them.

University of Alaska Fairbanks: Student Health and Counseling Center

The Student Health and Counseling Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks provides individual, group, and crisis-related counseling services for students. Sessions are available in person or via a telehealth platform. After-hours support is also available and remote students can participate in regular virtual check-ins. As needed, providers can make recommendations and referrals for additional support in the student’s local area.

LGBTQ+ Resources

Identity Alaska

Located in Anchorage, this program provides advocacy, education, healthcare, and connection for members of the LGBTQ+ community in Alaska. They support children, youth, and adults through a comprehensive physical health clinic and community center. They can also provide referrals to other affirming providers across the state.

FOLX Health in Alaska

FOLX Health offers inclusive healthcare services for residents of Alaska, provided by clinicians who specialize in treating members of the LGBTQ+ community. Available services include gender-affirming care, primary care, mental health care, and reproductive healthcare.

Mat-Su Mental Health

This Homer-based team provides mental and behavioral health services for children, teens, and adults. They specialize in counseling for the LGBTQ+ community. Individual sessions incorporate conventional Western techniques as well as Eastern modalities such as meditation and mindfulness. Telehealth appointments are available.

Veterans Programs

Alaska VA Healthcare System

The VA Healthcare System in Anchorage, located at the Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson Campus, provides three levels of care for military personnel, veterans, and their families in need of SUD treatment. Available services include residential treatment, intensive outpatient (IOP), and general outpatient (OP) programs.

Alaska Department of Veterans Affairs

The Alaska Office of Veterans Affairs provides resources to assist military personnel, veterans, and their families. This includes access to housing, educational, and medical resources, among other benefits and programs. They can provide referrals and linkages to local healthcare providers who specialize in helping veterans overcome mental and behavioral health issues, including SUD and co-occurring conditions.

VA Outpatient Clinic

There are six designated VA Outpatient Clinics located across Alaska, including Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Fairbanks, Homer, Juneau, Mat-Su, and Soltodna. Each location offers mental health care services in addition to primary care support.

Indigenous & Tribal Programs

Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium

This program provides preventative health and education services to support Alaska Native and American Indian individuals living in the state. This includes a dedicated Substance Misuse Prevention program, which operates in partnership with local Tribes and Tribal health providers. Together, these teams deliver prevention-focused services to the communities they serve including addiction education, advocacy, and safe medication disposal.

Kenaitze Indian Tribe: Dena’ina Wellness Center Behavioral Health Services

Behavioral health services are available for members of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe at the Dena’ina Wellness Center. They provide individual and family therapy, crisis intervention services, case management, sobriety support activities, transition planning, and access to other support groups. Walk-in assessments for SUD treatments are available.

Health Aides of Alaska

This is a network of providers in the Alaska Tribal Health System who are dedicated to providing healthcare for Alaska Native people throughout the state. Individuals can visit their website to find practitioners who specialize in behavioral health, acute and chronic care, dental health, and similar focus areas.

Drug Laws in Alaska

Good Samaritan Law

This law protects Alaskans from being arrested on drug possession charges if they seek medical help when they or someone they know is experiencing an overdose. To qualify for this exemption, the individual must stay with the overdosing person, work with authorities, and provide identification upon request.

Therapeutic Courts

Alaskans sentenced to jail on drug-related charges may be able to attend therapeutic courts instead of serving a sentence. Eligibility criteria vary, but the court program will include addiction recovery treatment and routine check-ins with assigned court officers.

Naloxone Dispensation

Under state law, pharmacists in Alaska are allowed to dispense naloxone without a prescription. In addition, free naloxone kits are also available through Project HOPE.

Possession of Heroin

In Alaska, any amount of heroin possession is considered a Class C felony. Non-violent offenders may be able to attend drug court, though more serious offenders may face more significant penalties including a sentence of up to five years and a maximum fine of $50,000.

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.