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Iowa Drug Statistics and Resources

Iowa has historically placed within the lower percentile among states in regard to the prevalence of drug and alcohol misuse. However, the Hawkeye State has experienced trends in its rising numbers of drug overdoses and binge drinking. Below are selected statistics concerning addiction rates and types, as well as descriptions of a wide array of free addiction recovery resources in Iowa.

Drug Statistics in Iowa

827
Alcohol-related deaths in Iowa have increased 38% from 2019 to 2023, hitting a record 827 deaths in 2023.
$60,174
The cost of drug rehab in Iowa is approximately $60,174, which places Iowa as the fifth most expensive state to seek treatment.
>374,000
Over 374,000 Iowans aged 26+ asserted that they have an SUD in 2021. Of those, 122,000 stated that they have not received treatment for their disorder.
In 2020, up to 40% of college students in Iowa have reported binge drinking within any given month.
1,244 per 100,000
In 2020, approximately 1,244 of every 100,000 Iowans aged 15-24 were admitted to hospitals for substance use.

Addiction Nonprofits in Iowa

The Alliance of Coalitions for Change (AC4C)

Staffed by health providers, educators, law enforcement, and volunteers, the AC4C works to reduce youth exposure to chemical dependency, partner with state agencies to expand resources, and generate awareness.

Free Mental Health Clinic

This clinic, operated by volunteers from staff and students from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, provides transitional care for clients waiting to enter the Community Mental Health Center in Iowa City. Free services include psychiatric and behavioral counseling, social workers, and nurses.

Allamakee Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition

This group offers resources in Allamakee county for residents to resist substance misuse. The center offers education and outreach programs to youths, seniors, and families and partners with state agencies.

Jackson County Prevention Coalition

This county-based organization offers education, workshops, business and retail partnerships, and outreach programs to reduce substance misuse among youth.

Clinton Substance Abuse Council

This group provides support for the Camanche-DeWitt Coalition and the Gateway ImpACT Coalition. The council coordinates outreach programs between counties to reduce substance use, which includes marijuana, nicotine, and vaping.

211 Iowa

This center provides social services to address addiction and co-occurring social conditions, such as homelessness, food insecurity, and financial assistance. The center also makes available primary care and limited legal services.

Iowa Crisis Chat

This hotline provides support for clients with substance and alcohol use disorder.

Your Life Iowa

This organization offers counseling and resources for substance use disorder, alcohol consumption, gambling, mental and behavioral health issues among adults and children, and recovery programs. The center features a crisis hotline and trauma counseling.

Harm Reduction Programs

Naloxone Iowa

This organization provides information to clients on how to obtain free naloxone and additional support.

The Iowa Harm Reduction Coalition

This organization advocates for underserved communities to provide greater equity and social services. Services include access to naloxone, education material, and resources for clients and relatives impacted by substance use disorder.

Harm Reduction-Johnson County

This county organization provides free harm reduction kits, personal hygiene materials, wound care, and sanitation supplies. Naloxone is also available through a telephone-ordering service.

Harm Reduction–Polk County

This county organization offers free harm reduction kits, which include personal hygiene materials, wound care supplies, and cleaning implements for needles and syringes.

Government Grants & Resources

Iowa Medicaid

This state program offers insurance to low-income individuals, including seniors, children, the disabled, and other vulnerable groups. Clients can check their eligibility for selected services and apply for health-related programs.

CHIP

This state insurance program is available for young people whose families make too much for Medicaid, but still need financial assistance to pay for medical services

Veterans Service Organizations and National Service Officers

This state directory lists providers who assist veterans and their families impacted by alcohol and drugs.

State Grants

Iowa offers grant funding for communities to develop substance use disorder resistance and harm reduction programs

Iowa Veterans Trust Fund

This state program provides financial assistance for veterans to address homelessness, opioid and substance abuse, and for primary care needs.

College Addiction Resources

The University of Iowa

The University of Iowa provides paid consultation and counseling sessions for students with substance abuse issues. The university also offers a recovery program and alcohol reduction program.

Iowa Lakes Community College

This community college offers health screenings for students with mental and behavioral health disorders. Services include assistance for students with depression, alcohol consumption, substance use, and eating disorders.

The University of Iowa Healthcare–Student Harm Reduction Alliance

This student-led coalition offers advocacy for greater harm reduction initiatives on the local and state level.

Iowa State University

The university provides resources for students for emergencies, including weather, health, and trauma-related events. The Wellbeing Staff is trained to provide mentorships and support for students impacted by substance use disorder.

LGBTQ+ Resources

PFlag Kansas City

This chapter of the PFlag movement provides resources and support for LGBTQ+ communities impacted by substance use disorder.

One Iowa

This advocacy group promotes policies and proposes laws on the state and local level to make healthcare and resources more equitable and accessible in Iowa. The organization emphasizes community leadership and healthcare access, and provides data on LGBTQ wellness throughout the state.

PFLag Cedar Rapids

This chapter of the PFlag movement offers resources, education, and outreach programs for LGBTQ+ communities impacted by healthcare inequities, including substance use disorder.

Veterans Programs

Iowa Department of Veteran Affairs

This state agency offers resources and information for benefits for military veterans and their families. The center includes a crisis hotline, mental and behavioral assistance, legal services, and a directory of VA facilities.

Iowa Veterans Home

This state-funded residential care facility provides nursing and rehabilitation services for veterans and their spouses. Counselors, social workers, mental health experts, dieticians, pharmacists, and nurses are available 24/7, based on clients’ needs and capabilities.

Iowa City VA Medical Center

This VA hospital provides 24/7 care for mental and behavioral health disorders, social services, and counseling to address self-harm and trauma care. The center may also provide primary care, wound care, and referrals for housing and financial assistance.

Indigenous & Tribal Programs

The Native Center for Behavioral Health

This organization is allied with the University of Iowa to improve the health and wellbeing of Native American and Alaska Native communities. The center offers mental health counseling and motivational interview training programs.

Indian Health Service–Great Plains Area

This federal agency, headquartered in South Dakota, manages hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare services throughout the Great Plains, including Iowa. The agency and its 19 network partners conduct research and distributes care to 130,000 Native Americans in local communities.

Drug Laws in Iowa

Licensure Compliance for Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities

643—3.1(125) offers standards and guidelines for the establishment of facilities for substance abuse. The laws outline levels of care, qualifications for licensure, and expectations for clients’ safety and health.

School Discipline Laws and Regulations for Substance Abuse

This set of regulations prohibit substance, tobacco, and alcohol use on public school grounds.

Naloxone Standing Order

Pursuant to Iowa Code sections 147A.18 and 135.190, this standing order allows all individuals who are at-risk from an opioid-related overdose to have access to naloxone.

Good Samaritan Law

613.17 mandates that first responders and volunteers who, in good faith, assist individuals experiencing an opioid-related overdose are generally exempt from liability.

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.