Prescription Drug Addiction Rehab Centers In Alaska (76)

Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Centers in Alaska

Prescription drug addiction rehab and treatment centers help people who are addicted to prescription opioids stop use and learn to live a sober life free of problem opioids while effectively managing pain.

In Alaska, prescription drug abuse is a flashpoint of the heroin epidemic that has affected thousands of individuals and families in the state.

Rehab and treatment for prescription drugs in Alaska typically employ similar recovery therapies and methods; however, preparation for these programs may vary depending on the type of prescription drug abused. Most stimulant prescription drugs like those intended for ADD/ADHD do not usually require any special attention to detoxification before beginning a rehab program. Contrarily, opioid and some sedative prescription drugs may require a more detailed detox process.

Opioid prescription drug treatment in Alaska requires detox, which usually involves the following:

• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) using methadone, buprenorphine or naltrexone
• Medically monitored full opioid detox (generally available only through Alaska's private rehabs and treatment programs)
• Sedative and tranquilizer prescription drug rehab may require a slow tapering down of dosages, which may last well into an addiction rehab or treatment program

Alaska continues to improve access to treatment for all residents who are in need of prescription drug addiction rehab. The state has accepted medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as the most effective, long-term treatment for prescription opioid drug addiction. Most other prescription drug treatment programs that are funded by Alaska are outpatient-based.

Outpatient Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment includes the following:

• Individual counseling
• Group counseling
• Medication (pain) management
• Peer support
• Recovery groups and meetings

The State of Alaska has initiated several programs to provide more resources, support, and rehab programs for people who struggle with prescription drug addiction. In addition to publicly funded addiction treatment rehabs, Alaska also provides grant money for many private rehab programs, which allows them to accept payments from Medicaid and other public funding sources. These efforts align with the state's 2017 lawsuit against Purdue Pharma for violation of the state's consumer protection laws with "years of aggressive and misleading marketing that minimized the risk of addiction in pursuit of profit."

Although there is still much need in Alaska for prescription drug addiction rehabs and treatment centers, the state remains dedicated to improving access and resources for thousands of its residents, regardless of their ability to pay.

Resources:

• Alaska Sues Over Prescription Drug Crisis
• Alaska Statewide Opioid Action Plan