Arizona Drug Rehab
Written By: Gerard Bullen | Edited By: Editorial Team | Last Updated: November 15, 2021
SpringBoard Recovery provides effective treatment for substance use & mental health disorders.
Table of Contents
- Drug Addiction Rehab, Treatment & Recovery in Arizona
- Drug Use & Addiction in Arizona: Facts & Statistics
- The 5 Most Commonly Abused Drugs in Arizona
- The Huge Spike in Fentanyl & Meth Use During 2020
- Detox in Arizona: The First Step in Addiction Treatment
- Drug Rehab (Rehabilitation) Treatment Programs in Arizona
- How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost in Arizona
- What Should You Do If You Suffer a Relapse?
- Intervention Services in Arizona: What is an Intervention?
- What Should I Do If a Loved One Relapses?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Arizona
- Are You Ready for Drug Rehab in Arizona?
Evan Leonard MS, MMS, PA-C
Dr. Leonard is a Doctor of Medical Science and a clinical anatomist. He has practiced in both internal and emergency medicine and has published several, peer-reviewed articles and a medical book chapter.
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At SpringBoard Recovery, our professional, accredited drug and alcohol rehab treatment center located in Scottsdale, Arizona, we fully understand what you’re going through right now.
If your drug use is negatively affecting your family, work, finances, and/or relationships, and you have trouble controlling how much or how often you’re using, you’re probably already dependent on drugs and need help.
We can give you that help.
Our staff understands perfectly that getting and staying sober is very challenging – probably one of the most challenging things you will ever do in your life – but we will be there at your side, with the right support network and the right tools you need to reach a successful recovery.
Our Holistic & Refreshingly Human Approach to Drug Addiction Treatment
We take a holistic approach to rehabilitation, helping you to strengthen your mind, body, and spirit with a well-rounded balance of evidence-based treatments. Our highly successful addiction recovery program involves all the necessary evidence-based elements of successful treatment, including:
- One-on-one Counseling
- Group Counseling
- Therapeutic Activities
- Nutritional Counseling
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Case Management
“At SpringBoard Recovery, we know who we are. We know what we are extremely good at, and that is treating people with substance use disorders – comprehensively and successfully. In doing so, we never lose sight of the actual person we are helping, or the personal hopes and aspirations they have for a future completely free from substance use. It’s passion with purpose, and it’s the reason we exist.”
Addiction in Arizona Facts & Statistics
Before we explain all the options that are currently available for drug and alcohol addiction rehab in Arizona, including what each type of treatment program involves, how much treatment may cost you, and how much may be covered by your existing health insurance, let’s look at why there is a real need for drug rehab services here.
Historically, Arizona has always had an issue with drug and alcohol use, abuse and addiction, and for some substances, it is still one of the worst states in the U.S. Here are just a few of the telling facts and statistics for drug and alcohol addiction in Arizona that clearly show if you are currently suffering from a substance use disorder (SUD), you are certainly not alone.
Record Number of Fatal Drug Overdoses in the U.S. During COVID-19
A record number of U.S. citizens died from drug overdoses during 2020 as the nation struggled to contain the coronavirus pandemic, according to official provisional data from the National Center of Health Statistics, an agency of the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).
In total, an estimated 93,331 Americans died of a drug overdose – a near 30% increase from the previous year.
Director of the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse, Nora Volkow, said in a statement, “This is the highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded in a 12-month period, and the largest increase since at least 1999.” She further stated that nearly all the drug overdoses involved more than one substance, and the majority involved opioids.
To truly put the opioid crisis into some kind of perspective, it’s important to remember that, according to the CDC, during the 1970 heroin epidemic that affected many U.S. cities, there were fewer than 7,200 total U.S. overdose deaths reported, and there were around 9,000 deaths in 1988, at the height of the crack epidemic.
During 2020, of the 93,331 fatal drug overdoses in total, 69,710 were opioid-related, a significant increase from 50,963 opioid-related overdose deaths recorded for 2019, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Many of the near-70,000 opioid overdose fatalities involved the synthetic opioid fentanyl – reported to be 50 times stronger than heroin).
Experts agree that this alarming record spike in drug-related mortality was driven by both the massive increase in the potency of some drugs, such as opioids, and particularly fentanyl, and by the social isolation and restrictions placed upon people because of the pandemic.
In recent years, fentanyl has been systematically added to virtually all other illicit drugs, such as methamphetamine and cocaine, by unscrupulous Mexican cartels and U.S. drug gangs, as it is far cheaper and easier to manufacture, and it’s far easier to traffick discreetly.
According to Nora Volkow, 70% of cocaine overdose deaths and 50% of methamphetamine overdose deaths also involved fentanyl. In many cases, drug users are simply not aware that the substances they are using are laced with fentanyl.
“What’s really driving the surge in overdoses is this increasingly poisoned drug supply. Nearly all of this increase is fentanyl contamination in some way. Heroin is contaminated. Cocaine is contaminated. Methamphetamine is contaminated.”
– Shannon Monnat, associate professor of sociology, Syracuse University, New York
The U.S.’s 29.4% increase in fatal drug overdoses translates to around 250 deaths occurring every single day, or a death every 5 and a half minutes.
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Arizona’s Rate of Fatal Drug Overdoses Higher Than the U.S. Average
Here in Arizona, the “Grand Canyon State” suffered far worse, witnessing a year-on-year increase of 33.7% for fatal drug overdoses, compared to the U.S. national average of 29.4%. It means that there are more than 7 deaths every day in Arizona caused by a drug overdose. In fact, the U.S.’s southwest region endured more than most.
As you can see from the map below, Arizona is one of the darker toned states in the southwest U.S., which equates to a higher percentage rate of drug overdose mortality, along with neighboring California (45.9%) and New Mexico (31.8%):
Percentage Change in Predicted 12 Month-Ending Count of U.S. Drug Overdose Deaths, by Jurisdiction: December 2019 to December 2020
Predicted Cases, November 2020: 2,660
Predicted Cases, November 2019: 1,989
Percentage Change: 33.7%
*Underreported due to incomplete data.
Source: National Center of Health Statistics
According to the latest data and information on how the U.S. opioid crisis has impacted the state of Arizona, currently available from Arizona’s Department of Health Services (ADHS), between June 15, 2017 – June 11, 2021, there have been approximately 9,640 opioid-related deaths here in Arizona.
Looking at substance use and abuse in generally terms for the state of Arizona, according to the “Arizona 2018 Statewide Substance Use Prevention Needs Assessment,” again published in September, 2018, by the ADHS:
- The counties experiencing the most severe consequences of substance use in Arizona are Gila County, Navajo County, Mohave County, and Pima County
- The normalization of marijuana and other substances may be leading to an increase in other substance use
- State-wide efforts to combat the opioid crisis in Arizona are increasing street drug use
- LGBTQ identified individuals experience significantly more risks, consequences, and issues with substance use and/or misuse, as compared to non-LGBTQ identified individuals
- Increasing numbers of Arizonans from all demographics are suffering from untreated mental health issues, a primary cause of substance use and/or misuse
Now looking at the use of specific drugs in Arizona, again according to the 2018 assessment, the rates of the past year use of heroin, cocaine, and opioid-based prescription painkillers were all higher than the U.S. national average. However, Arizonans reported marginally less past year use of marijuana than the total U.S. population – 12.2% to 13.7%.
Prevalence of Past Year Drug Use Among Those 12 and Older in the U.S. and Arizona, 2015-2016
Statistical data from the 2018 assessment also found that among Arizonans aged 12 and older:
- 50.9% reported they currently use alcohol on a regular basis
- 22.6% reported regular episodes of binge drinking
- 12.2% reported using any type of illicit drug
- 7.4% reported using marijuana recreationally
- 2.1% reported using cocaine within the last year
- 0.5% reported using heroin at least once within the last year
Arizona’s “Dump The Drugs” Initiative
It is estimated that there are untold millions of unused prescription opioid painkiller tablets left sitting in the family bathroom cabinets of U.S. families all across the nation. To put it bluntly, this simple fact has the potential to make the current opioid crisis far, far worse.
For example, tablets like these pose a serious health risk to any teenagers and adolescents who are encouraged by their peers to grab pills before a party – a growing trend among the young. This aside, there are numerous other ways in which such potent drugs can fall into the wrong hands, either for recreational or accidental use, or for reselling to others.
Disposing of Excess / Left-Over Prescriptions & Other Drugs in Arizona
To combat these dangerous and potentially fatal risks, and like many other U.S. states, Arizona has their “Dump the Drugs” initiative, where people with unneeded medications can take the drugs and have them safely disposed of. The webpage provides an interactive map which shows the locations across the state of all the special “Rx (Prescription) Drug Drop-Off” points where residents can access this service.
Arizona’s Alcohol Use, Binge Drinking & Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
The U.S.’s south-western climate makes Arizona the 4th “driest” state in the entire nation. However, if we’re talking about alcohol consumption, instead of plenty of sunshine and a lack of rainfall, statistically, Arizona easily becomes one of the wettest.
Alcohol is the most abused substance in Arizona – both for the young and the old. In fact, over half the population of the state regularly consumes alcohol every month, according to Arizona’s 2018 assessment, mentioned previously. Looking at these current alcohol users, 44.3% report they have engaged in binge drinking during the last 30 days.
The popular Arizona news site, AZCentral, recently reported a number of interesting facts about alcohol abuse and addiction in the state, based upon data from the CDC, including:
- Unmarried men in their 40s and 50s have the highest risk of any demographic of drinking excessively, specifically the most likely to need an ER visit, the most likely to need an inpatient hospitalization, and the most likely to die from binge drinking
- Arizona is the 4th worst state for death from alcohol poisoning in the U.S.
- Around 76% (or 3 in 4) of those who died from alcohol poisoning in Arizona were aged between 35 – 65 years
- 2.5% of all ER visits in the state of Arizona have been the direct result of binge drinking
- Additionally, binge drinking is related to about 4.5% of all inpatient hospitalizations
- Alcohol is (at least) a contributing factor in around one-third of all ER visits in Arizona
Arizona Youth: Underage Drinking & Binge Drinking
On average, the youth in Arizona (those aged between 12-20 years) have lower rates of both drinking underage (at 16.7%) and episodes of binge drinking (at 10.4%) than the U.S. averages for these demographics.
However, the picture changes dramatically if we look specifically at these examples of dangerous and excessive alcohol use high school students:
- High Sch. Underage Drinking Arizona: 17.9% U.S.: 13.2%
- High Sch. Binge Drinking Arizona: 33.1% U.S.: 29.8%
The 5 Most Commonly Abused Drugs in Arizona
Due to its proximity to the Mexican border, Arizona is one of the states most affected by drug trafficking by the powerful drug cartels south of the border, either as a destination for illicit substances or a pathway to traffick the drugs further into the U.S., primarily over to the east coast states. As a result, Arizona is home to the use of the most dangerous drugs.
#1. Fentanyl
Much of the rise in drug overdose mortality across the U.S. during the pandemic can be attributed to one specific opioid – the synthetic (man-made) opioid fentanyl. However, pure fentanyl is not the most common form of the illicit drug.
Because it is cheaper to manufacture, and easier to traffick, than say heroin, fentanyl is now more commonly found mixed with other substances, such as counterfeit pills, like “Mexican Percocet” and fake prescription benzodiazepines, and illicit stimulants, such as methamphetamine and cocaine.
Fentanyl is exceptionally powerful – it’s 50-100 times stronger than morphine. This makes the possibility of drug overdose significantly higher than what it used to be, even though the illicit drugs purchased on the street can be made using any ingredients, and to any formula.
Those new to the drug are some of the most at risk, as they have no tolerance to such a potent substance. Additionally, for regular users, the continued abuse of fentanyl and fentanyl analogs (other synthetic drugs similar to fentanyl) can lead to severe vital organ damage and worsening mental health issues.
#2. Heroin
One of the most addictive substances known to man, heroin is commonly abused in the state of Arizona. With the ever-present opioid crisis, more and more prescription opioid addicts are turning to heroin when their prescriptions are no longer filled. Heroin, more expensive to produce than fentanyl, is still a far cheaper alternative to prescription painkillers.
Additionally, heroin use often goes hand-in-hand with clinical depression, as desperate people whose mental health is left untreated seek to self-medicate. This is known as “co-occurring disorder” or “dual diagnosis” – the presence of a substance use disorder (SUD) simultaneously occurring with a mental health disorder.
With the widespread use of fentanyl in illicit drugs, heroin users are again at high risk of opioid overdose, as their street-purchased drugs are complete unknowns when it comes to what’s actually in them.
#3. Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine, commonly known as either “meth” or “crystal meth,” is a major issue in Arizona, as it is trafficked in-state, cheap and readily available, from Mexico. However, Arizona does have its own independent meth suppliers, as the drug can be manufactured cheaply and efficiently in simple, home-made labs – “meth kitchens.”
Persistent abuse of meth can result in severe psychological damage, such as paranoia and psychosis, constant behavioral issues such as aggression and confusion, and numerous mental health disorders.
Now, the risks associated with meth use are further worsened by the drug often being mixed with fentanyl. This is clearly highlighted by the CDC’s provisional data on drug overdoses during 2020, which shows that 70% of all methamphetamine overdoses last year were caused by the presence of an opioid, usually fentanyl, in the drug being used.
#4. Alcohol
Again, one of the most commonly abused substances in Arizona (and much like the rest of the U.S.), alcohol is one of the leading causes of premature death in the state. The long-term effects of binge drinking and alcohol abuse can be physically devastating and life-shortening, with chronic medical conditions such as liver damage, a possible stroke, hypertension, and heart disease common among excessive drinkers.
Despite severe legal punishments for drinking and driving (Arizona has some of the harshest jail terms / fines / other penalties in the whole of the U.S.), the number of yearly fatal DUI accidents in the state constantly remains at a high level.
Furthermore, alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a disease that receives little priority, as a new study shows that only a small percentage who visit their doctor with AUD actually end up receiving the necessary treatment for their excessive alcohol consumption.
The recent study in question – “A Cascade of Care for Alcohol Use Disorder: Using 2015-2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Data to Identify Gaps in Past 12-Month Care,” published in May, 202 – found that around 80% of those who meet the criteria for AUD had visited a doctor, hospital or medical clinic during the past year for a variety of reasons.
However, although 70% were asked direct questions about their alcohol consumption, only 10% were actually encouraged to reduce their drinking by the health professional who attended them. Of these, a mere 6% received any type of appropriate treatment.
Additionally, the study’s findings include mention of several medications available that can reduce an individual’s desire to drink, but these are rarely prescribed. This may be down to simple education, as many physicians are not actually trained to treat addiction or are not educated on the medications that have been approved as suitable for AUD.
Another recent study – “Use of Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder in the US: Results From the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health,” published only last month (June, 2021) – found that only 1.6% of Americans with AUD had been prescribed medication to help them control their alcohol intake.
Dr. Wilson Compton, a co-author of the study and deputy director of the NIDA, stated, “These are potentially life-saving medications, and what we found is that even among people with a diagnosable alcohol use disorder, the rate at which they are used is extremely low.”
#5. Cocaine
Powerful stimulants like cocaine are highly addictive, and the use of cocaine is directly linked to lowered inhibitions and risky behavior, which can result in HIV, hepatitis C and sexually-transmitted diseases. Additionally, long-term cocaine addicts are at risk of seizures, heart failure, and stroke.
Furthermore, cocaine is another drug that is now being sold after being laced with fentanyl. In fact, half of all cocaine overdoses during 2020 were found to involve opioids, such as the synthetic opioid or a fentanyl analog.
The Huge Spike in Fentanyl & Meth Use During 2020
It is important to note that both the use of fentanyl and methamphetamine increased significantly during 2020, in the heart of the coronavirus pandemic. According to a report by drug testing company Millennium Health, the positivity rate of urine drug screens was up 78% for fentanyl and 29% for methamphetamine during the first 9 months of the pandemic. compared with the same period in 2019.
The majority of this increased use of fentanyl was again based in the western half of the U.S., in states such as Washington, California (Arizona’s neighbor), and Oregon, while the rise in meth use was seen most prominently in the states of Virginia and Nevada (another of Arizona’s neighboring states), which saw increases in positive meth screens of more than 300%.
The report’s researchers stated, “Methamphetamine use poses unique challenges because there is no antidote for methamphetamine overdose, and no FDA-approved medications indicated for the treatment of methamphetamine use disorder.”
Detox in Arizona: The First Step in Addiction Treatment
Detox – the detoxification that ensures all toxins are naturally eliminated from the body – is the first step in any drug rehab or addiction treatment program for the majority of substance use disorders – here in Arizona, or anywhere else.
The reason for detox is simple. Halting substance use abruptly results in users experiencing a range of withdrawal symptoms, some of which can prove fatal, and the severity and duration of these symptoms depend on the following factors:
- What substance was being abused?
- How long did the abuse last?
- How much of the substance was consumed during daily use?
Many substances have mild withdrawal symptoms, with little risk to the individual who is detoxing. However, certain drugs, such as benzodiazepines and alcohol, can result in a severe, life-threatening withdrawal, unless the individual’s detox is being professionally and medically supervised, and where those attending can prescribe medications to lessen the impact of symptoms or to deal with a resulting medical emergency.
In this section, we’ll look at a couple of the most common detoxes in Arizona – opioid detox and alcohol detox, both of which have their own withdrawal symptoms and distinct risks.
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Detox in Arizona
In the state of Arizona, there are 107 addiction treatment facilities that offer medically supervised detoxification services, either as an inpatient (the most common detox) or as an outpatient. However, some of these facilities are only for the detox from opioid use.
For reasons of safety, it is highly recommended that individuals who have abused illicit drugs like opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants, such as methamphetamine and cocaine, alcohol, or who have a history of long-term substance abuse are medically detoxed in a professional, accredited addiction treatment facility.
Undergoing an inpatient treatment program, often termed as “drug rehab,” usually includes a medically-supervised detox as an intrinsic part of the program. Furthermore, treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) which includes opioid replacement therapy (where a substitute opioid such as methadone is prescribed) is considered the continuation of a long-term detox process, and will involve regular attendance at an outpatient facility.
Additionally, a medically-supervised detox should be one of the necessary elements of a holistic approach to detox, where nutrition and exercise are also used to facilitate the process, and to help the body eliminate dangerous toxins more quickly.
Rehab Programs in Arizona
The vast majority of drug abusers and addicts use drugs as a way of self-medicating themselves from another issue, such as a previous trauma, an untreated mental health disorder, or one of many other factors.
The aim of treatment in drug rehab is not just to treat the drug addiction, through its use of therapy, education, the use of coping strategies, and learning vital self-care, such as exercise and good nutrition, but also to treat the root cause of the substance abuse – the real reason the drug use originally began.
In the case of a drug addict suffering with an untreated mental health disorder, this is medically known as “co-occurring disorder” or “dual diagnosis.” Depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are very common examples of these types of disorders. Drug rehab treatment needs to treat both disorders simultaneously to be effective, as the continuing existence of one invariably results in the return of the other.
Additionally, drug abuse itself can result in the emergence of a mental health disorder, as the abuse of many illicit substances can result in both the development of behavioral issues and physical, structural changes in the individual’s brain.
Types Rehab in Arizona
When deciding on what type of drug rehab treatment program you should attend, listen to the advice of the medical and clinical experts, such as your family physician, professional addiction experts, and hospital specialists.
They are the ones who can best advise you by considering a number of factors, including your drug of choice, your history of drug use, your personal circumstances, and any previous attempts to stop your drug use, to name but a few. Cost may well prove to be a critical factor in your final decision, but you should always try to find the treatment program that gives you the very best chance of a successful recovery.
Regardless of your choice of drug treatment, the program should use the important elements of recognized evidence-based treatments at its core, which include:
- Substance detoxification (if required; more commonly known as detox)
- Group therapy
- Relapse prevention, and
- Individual counseling
Here are the drug rehab treatment options available here in Arizona, and their respective benefits:
1. Inpatient Program (IP)
An inpatient program (IP), also known as residential rehab because you live 24/7 at the facility, is recommended for those with severe substance addictions, and for those who have a co-occurring disorder (or dual diagnosis), meaning they also suffer with a mental health disorder.
Being resident within a drug rehab offering continuous care helps enormously in avoiding drug-related influences and triggers from your previous, addicted life. IPs can either be short or long term, anywhere between 28 days to a whole year and beyond, and often lead to further treatment, such as an outpatient program OP). Please bear in mind that IPs are normally more costly than the OP alternatives.
Advantages of IPs
Inpatient rehab programs offer a number of benefits to people who have the flexibility (or lack of obligations) to deal with the stringent restrictions:
- Residential inpatient rehab treatment is highly structured, focusing on all aspects of a patient’s addiction, including one-to-one counseling / therapy
- IPs provide 24/7 care, usually in non-hospital settings, which can be important for those also dealing with mental health issues and past trauma
- Patients will live with other drug addicts and alcoholics, encouraging a sense of community and fraternity
2. Partial-Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Partial-hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs, and outpatient programs are, fundamentally, outpatient programs, differentiated by their level of intensity. Partial-hospitalization programs (PHP) provide a highly-structured environment for up to 6 hours a day, while you continue to reside either at home or in sober-living housing. PHPs allow clients transitioning from an inpatient or a detox program to move into a more flexible program that still offers a high level of structure and support.
3. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are treatment programs that do not require detoxification (although this may have happened prior) or round-the-clock supervision. IOPs enable patients to continue with their normal, day-to-day lives in a way that residential IPs do not.
IOPs are sometimes used in conjunction with inpatient programs as a way of helping clients to transition seamlessly back into their families and communities. They are designed to continue counseling, help establish support mechanisms, assist with relapse management, and provide further coping strategies, if needed.
4. Outpatient Program (OP)
Outpatient programs (OPs) involve a regular appointment schedule, spread throughout the week, and usually provide specific therapies, counseling, or group sessions. Traditional OPs typically cost significantly less than an IP, because the level of support is less intensive. Additionally, if it is required, a medically-assisted detox takes place prior to the start of the OP.
Advantages of OPs
- Patients can continue to live at home, and work or study
- Teenagers and adolescents continue to have family support
- Treatment costs are significantly less than an IP
- Appointments can be highly flexible – either during the day, in the evening, and at weekends
5. Recovery Housing / Sober Living
In the early stages of rehab and treatment from a substance addiction, it can be extremely difficult for many people to fully commit to their recovery while living in their regular home environment. However, there is an additional facility and service – known as Recovery Housing or Sober Living – available only at a limited number of drug and alcohol rehabs in Arizona, and SpringBoard Recovery is one of these.
Recovery Housing is an excellent resource that provides a structured, supportive, and stable environment, free from the usual stressors, triggers, and temptations, and enables individuals in early recovery to successfully achieve and maintain a substance-free life.
“Recovery Housing,” according to The National Council for Behavioral Health, is defined as “a range of housing models that create mutually-supportive communities where individuals improve their physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being and gain skills and resources to sustain their recovery.”
At SpringBoard Recovery, we offer a unique model that combines our excellent outpatient treatment program with high quality Recovery Housing accommodation; our model provides:
- A supportive community environment for our clients
- More personal responsibility and obligations
- Scheduled Programming
- Mentorship & Coaching
- House Rules and personal accountability
- 12-Step Meetings
6. Alternative Types of Addiction Treatment in Arizona, inc. Free Rehabs
It is possible to go to rehab in Arizona without having to pay any costs whatsoever. People on Medicaid may be eligible for government rehabilitation programs that will be financially covered in full. There are also grants available through the SAMHSA that are designed to cover the cost of some types of treatment – again, in full.
Additionally, you may be able to access state-funded addiction treatment programs – free drug rehab. Here in Arizona, there are a number of these addiction treatment centers. The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) also provides the following resources:
- The OARLine: Opioid Assistance + Referral Line was launched in March 2018 in partnership with Arizona’s Poison and Drug Information Centers. The OARLine (1-888-688-4222) is available for health care clinicians to call for free consultation on patients with complex pain or opioid use disorder, provides information and referrals to the public, and conducts follow-up with people experiencing overdoses
- Substanceabuse.az.gov – houses Arizona prevention, treatment, and recovery resources
- Arizona Substance Abuse Prevention Resource Hub
- Information on AHCCCS 24/7 locations providing opioid treatment services
- Dump the Drugs AZ provides locations to safely dispose of unneeded medications
12-Step & Other Mutual Aid Programs
Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are another option for people in need of addiction help. Additionally, there are Self Management And Recovery Training (SMART) mutual-support groups, self-termed as “science-based, self-empowered addiction recovery.”
However, although free, if either of these is your starting point, your “addiction” or issue should be relatively minor in nature, and certainly not requiring any medical assistance whatsoever, eg. detox, MAT, etc., unless you are using these support groups as part of an overall treatment plan.
Where Can I Find Drug Addiction Treatment Programs in Arizona?
According to the online “treatment locator tool” available from the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), there are 376 drug and alcohol rehab facilities located in Arizona, with the majority centered around the state’s cities and major towns, such as Phoenix and Tucson.
There are many types of drug addiction treatment programs and services provided by these facilities, including:
- Detox: 107 facilities offer detoxification services for drug withdrawal
- Residential Rehab / Inpatient Treatment: 78 facilities offer short- and long-term residential / inpatient treatment programs
- Outpatient Treatment: 329 facilities offer outpatient drug treatment programs
- Sober Living: 23 facilities provide sober living homes, halfway houses, and transitional homes
- Telehealth: 168 facilities are now offering telehealth services / programs, having become more widespread and more popular as a direct result of COVID-19’s social distancing protocols
How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost?
Unfortunately, financial cost can be a huge factor in whether those with substance use disorders and other related issues actually get the professional treatment they need. For those who have good health insurance coverage, it is likely that the policy will at least cover the cost of an outpatient drug addiction program.
However, for those with poor, short-term or inadequate coverage, the majority of your average U.S. “persons-on-the-street” would certainly find residential drug rehab unaffordable. In fact, according to data from a number of national surveys and studies published by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), over 20 million U.S. adults (aged 12 and over) require treatment for a substance use disorder; however, only 19% (less than 1 in 5) will actually receive this treatment.
However, everyone reading this should understand one vital socio-economic factor – regardless of the ultimate cost to you of drug rehab or outpatient treatment: The social and financial cost of getting help is far, far less than either the long-term social or monetary cost of a continuing drug addiction.
Here is a guide* to the basic elements of drug addiction treatment and their average costs in Arizona:
|
Detox |
Most inpatient rehabs include detox, if required, in the cost of a program. The exact cost of detox can depend on whether it’s part of an inpatient program, and the type of drug addiction being treated. Substances with dangerous withdrawal symptoms require more careful monitoring, making the price higher. Outpatient detox can range from $250 to $800 per day, depending on whether medication(s) need to be administered. |
|
Inpatient Program (IP) (Residential Rehab) |
Rehabs can vary greatly in cost, $5,000 to $60,000 or more, primarily depending on program duration. |
|
Outpatient Program (OP) |
Outpatient programs for mild to moderate addictions are cheaper than inpatient rehab, with average costs around $3,000 to $10,000 for a three-month OP. However, OPs can cost much more, eg. an OP at a Hazelden Betty Ford facility costs approximately $10,000. The actual cost also depends on how often the client visits the facility each week, and for how long. |
|
Medications |
The type of treatment and the medications required will affect the cost of any program. However, not everyone requires medication for their type of addiction. Medications are commonly used when treating alcohol or opiate addiction, eg. a year-long methadone treatment for ex-heroin users can cost around $4,700. |
Note: *Typical costs are based on those reported by a range of government studies, including a 2016 report by the U.S. Department of Defense, and a small number of individual facilities in Arizona. These estimated typical costs are only provided to give a generalized idea of real treatment costs.
Does Health Insurance Cover Drug Rehab Costs in Arizona?
As we mentioned earlier, many people will put off going to rehab because of the costs involved. However, with health insurance, they already have benefits to at least help cover the costs of addiction treatment. The Affordable Care Act, which was passed in 2010, made it a requirement for everyone in the United States to have health insurance.
But it also did so much more.
Health insurance providers are now bound by law to cover the primary costs of treatment for substance use disorders (SUD). Here’s why:
- The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, 2008 stipulates that insurance companies cannot discriminate against or deny coverage to individuals with an SUD.
- In addition to this, the Affordable Care Act, 2010 classified mental health and addiction services as essential health benefits.
Furthermore, if you are concerned about losing your employment because you’re taking time-off to attend addiction treatment, you can relax, too, because there are laws in place to allow you time for treatment and to protect you from any discrimination.
Specifically, various Acts all work together to protect you and your employment status should you wish to seek treatment while remaining actively employed:
- American With Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Affordable Care Act (ACA)
How Can I Pay for Drug Rehab in Arizona Without Health Insurance?
Even though paying for drug rehab in Arizona isn’t possible for the majority of people, it, obviously, still is possible for some. The vast number of these have the necessary resources, but a small number still manage to do it using other approaches. For example:
- Being loaned the money from a loved one
- Taking out a personal loan to help pay for addiction treatment
- Using money from a savings account to pay for rehab
- Charging the cost of treatment to a credit card
- Talking with someone at the local Department of Social Services about programs that might be available
- Checking with community centers in their area for information about rehab scholarship programs
Intervention Services in Arizona: What is an Intervention?
Many families of drug addicts reach the point where they can longer sit by and watch a loved one destroy their future with drugs. It is not surprising then that many families consider a professional intervention.
An intervention is a structured meeting between the drug addict and their family and other loved ones, with an addiction intervention specialist there to guide the meeting, keep the conversations calm and reasonable, and to put forward a professional and clinical view of the damage the addiction can do, and what drug addiction treatment is really like.
There are many substance addiction intervention services available here in Arizona, with at least 20 centered around the city of Phoenix alone. The majority of these counselors hold a Certified Intervention Professional (CIP) qualification, an industry standard certification for facilitating and participating in intervention services.
However, these types of intervention are only successful if the drug or alcohol addict in question agrees to treatment. So what can you do if you believe a loved one is either a danger to themselves or to others because of their substance abuse?
What Happens During an Intervention?
The entire process of staging an intervention actually begins a short time before the actual meeting itself takes place. The specialist will usually meet with the addict’s friends and family to discuss the addiction, taking time to learn about the person and formulate a plan for the meeting. They may even offer advice about how the family can avoid enabling behaviors, which can only make the problem worse.
The specialist will instruct the family members and friends to write letters to the addict. The letters should be rather detailed, and include a plea for them to agree to go to treatment. As the family is writing their letters, the intervention specialist will work on organizing treatment for the addict. They will arrange the transportation and they usually plan on accompanying the person to rehab to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Interventions have proven to be very effective when conducted professionally and smoothly. In more than 90% of cases, they result in the drug addict agreeing to get the appropriate level of care.
Intervention by Involuntary Commitment
Just like every other state in the U.S., Arizona has civil commitment laws, meaning that it is possible to force an individual to receive court-ordered treatment in the community, known as “assisted outpatient treatment” (AOT). In Arizona, can order someone to attend AOT if they meet any of the following criteria:
- They are a danger to themselves
- They are a danger to others
- They are unwilling or unable to accept voluntary treatment
- They are disabled in a way that requires court-ordered AOT
The necessary petition for court-ordered treatment (and an application for emergency admissions) can be found on local government websites.
However, even though it is possible to force a person into drug rehab treatment in Arizona, it is not an easy or straightforward process. Court-ordered treatment only applies to adults over the age of 18. Those who propose the AOT for substance addicts must show sufficient supporting evidence of violent or dangerous behavior.
Recovery After Addiction Relapse: What Should I Do?
Firstly, don’t panic. Many successful addiction recoveries can involve at least one relapse – a temporary return to drug or alcohol use. It is not failure by any means, or a “sign” you are weak or even that your recovery is doomed in some way. In fact, in many ways, it’s quite normal.
Why Do Relapses Happen?
The reason for relapses, medically-speaking, is very straightforward. Substance addiction is a chronic disease, like hypertension, asthma, diabetes, and so on – all of which are conditions that themselves often include a form of relapse. In this respect, a substance use disorder (SUD) is no different.
Therefore, an adjustment in the current treatment plan is required – either medicinal or through another form of treatment. A relapse should be seen as an indication that the “treatment program” needs modifying or tweaking in some way – adjustments need to be made to get the patient “back on track.”
Often, a relapse can happen because the patient is simply not following their own treatment program as closely as they should.
Many things can lead a person to relapse, such as stress (the most common reason for a relapse to occur), in the form of personal challenges, problems at work, ongoing emotional and psychological issues, and social or economic problems, such as financial hardship, or relationship issues.
Remember, a relapse is not a sign that you are ‘weak’ or a ‘failure’ – it is merely a return to unworkable coping patterns that need to be replaced with new ones.
What Should I Do If a Loved One Relapses?
Immediately:
- Seek medical support if the loved one is experiencing unusual or severe symptoms, as there are particular risks, eg. a potential overdose, if they haven’t used a substance for an extended time.
- Ensure, where possible, that your loved one has supportive people nearby to make sure they keep safe, if you are unable to stay with them.
- Call the loved one’s previously agreed support network: their friends, family doctor or a 24-hour alcohol and other drug information/counselling service.
Afterwards (in the weeks and months to come):
- It can take several attempts before a person successfully maintains this immense change, so constantly reassure the person that relapse is not uncommon.
- Encourage the person to think of a relapse as an opportunity to learn more about their recovery, their treatment, and their potential relapse triggers.
Reduced Tolerance: Drug Overdose Risks During Recovery
During 2020, there were a record number of fatal drug overdoses across the U.S., and here in Arizona, the state was witness to more than most, as year-on-year numbers increased by 33.7%, compared to the U.S. national rate of 29.4%.
It wasn’t just the active drug addicts who suffered an untimely death, but also those in addiction recovery who suffered a drug relapse. The combination of the increase in potency in many drugs, eg. fentanyl, and the natural reduction in tolerance experienced by those in recovery from drug addiction, proved equally fatal.
What is Substance Tolerance?
Using an addictive drug on a regular basis means the user will develop a tolerance to it, as the individual’s brain becomes more responsive to the changes in its state. Therefore, the user must use more of the substance to achieve a similar effect. However, if a person then does not use for a while, their tolerance to the drug will decrease, so if they do experience a relapse, exactly the same amount can now potentially lead to an overdose.
Overdose due to this change in an ex-user’s tolerance level is a serious possibility (and a specific and severe risk) for those who haven’t used drugs for a while, whether they’re in recovery and then relapse, or for another reason, eg. they’re recently released from prison. For example, an individual who has been on naltrexone (an opioid antagonist, which are prescription drugs that block the effects of heroin and other opioid drugs) can be at risk if they use after stopping oral their medication, or when the effects of a naltrexone implant have ceased.
In any event, if a drug overdose is suspected, you must seek medical assistance immediately.
5 Top Tips for Preventing Addiction Relapse
Addiction relapse is a significant possibility, particularly in the early stages of a recovery.
Long-term solutions for preventing relapse are available, and the strategies that follow are commonly advised by professional addiction experts as a way of reducing the risks for a relapse:
- Actively avoid the people, places and things that you have identified as relapse triggers.
- Calling on your support network if you are concerned about any current negative behaviours and situations, however trivial they may appear to you or others.
- Do something meaningful, like volunteering for a charity, or joining a community sports or special interest group.
- Practice self-care, physically, mentally and emotionally, e.g. get enough sleep, eat nourishing food and have a clean living environment.
- Set positive future goals, including goals unrelated to your addiction recovery.
Try to remember that every person’s experience of addiction treatment and recovery is different, and managing that recovery is also unique.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Arizona
Can Drug Addiction be Cured?
Drug addiction is a chronic disease, which makes it similar to other types of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. All of these diseases are very treatable, but the actual condition cannot be cured. Instead, the condition requires lifelong treatment.
Can I Detox Off Drugs at Home?
There are many types of mild drugs where use can be stopped at home without any serious consequences, eg. marijuana. However, there are several types of drugs that do require detox - a professional medically-assisted detox - simply because abruptly stopping their use can be dangerous, and possibly fatal. These drugs include:
- Benzodiazepines
- Illicit stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine
- Alcohol
- Opioid drugs, such as heroin and prescription painkillers, eg. Oxycontin
Always consult your family physician or an addiction specialist first before attempting a home detox.
What Should I Expect When I Go to Drug Rehab in Arizona?
When you attend drug rehab, your experience will vary based on the type of program you are in. However, you should expect several things from your treatment program, including:
- To have access to medical treatment and medical professionals
- To be treated like an individual with your own needs
- To participate in many different types of therapy, including group and individual sessions
- To be treated for both the physical and psychological aspects of the addiction
How Do I Know If I Have a Co-Occurring Disorder?
A co-occurring disorder is a mental health condition, like anxiety or depression that simultaneously accompanies a drug addiction. Many people attending drug rehab have previously undiagnosed mental health disorders.
Co-occurring disorders should always be treated alongside the drug addictions, providing a much better chance of long-term recovery. Anyone with a diagnosed co-occurring disorder should strongly consider going to a professional drug rehab that offers the necessary dual diagnosis treatment.
What are the Best Treatments for Drug Addiction in Arizona?
There really is no one “best way” to treat a drug addiction. People respond differently to all types of treatment, depending on what their individual needs. The majority of drug addiction experts agree that several forms of behavioral therapy (and medications, if required) are the best way to treat a drug addiction.
How are Behavioral Therapies Used to Treat Drug Addiction?
Behavioral therapies are vital for the treatment of drug addiction. According to the NIDA, they:
- Help people to change their attitudes about their drug use
- Help them change their substance abuse behaviors
- Teach them how to establish and improve upon their healthy life skills
- Allow them to access other forms of treatment, such as medications
- Provide various treatment options to patients in a number of different settings
How are Medications Used in Drug Addiction Treatment?
Medications are often used during the detox phase to address any complications with withdrawal symptoms - in fact, around 80% of detoxes do require some form of medication. Additionally, they can also be used in opioid replacement therapy, to control drug cravings (and help prevent relapses), and to treat mental health disorders.
Why Should I Consider Traveling to Arizona to Attend Drug Rehab?
Many people prefer to attend their addiction treatment away from home, in another place, either a city in the same U.S. state, or in another state all together, like Arizona. There are a number of significant benefits to this approach, such as:
- Removing all potentially disruptive influences, relapse triggers, and negative situations from your treatment
- Fully immerse yourself in the rehab experience and be able to concentrate 24/7 on your addiction recovery
- Many people comment that drug rehab in another state is more like a vacation
- Living in a stress-free environment
What are the Benefits of 12-Step Programs?
12-Step programs are highly effective mutual aid support groups, and they provide many benefits to those who attend their meetings on a regular basis, including:
- Being able to continue your recovery with the help and support of peers
- Being able to process and progress through each step of the recovery journey
- Forming new, healthier habits that assist in avoiding relapse
- Better long-term mental health
“This has been an incredibly uncertain and stressful time for many people and we are seeing an increase in drug consumption, difficulty in accessing life-saving treatments for substance use disorders, and a tragic rise in overdose deaths. As we continue to address both the COVID-19 pandemic and the opioid crisis, we must prioritize making treatment options more widely available to people with substance use disorders.”
– Dr. Nora D. Volkow, MD, Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse
Are You Ready for Drug Rehab in Arizona?
If you or a loved one is addicted to any type of drug, including opioid-based prescription medications, or alcohol, it may be necessary to seek professional help in order to overcome this addiction. Our dedicated and professional staff at SpringBoard Recovery will be happy to discuss your drug addiction with you, and help you to form a plan that is right for your needs.
Recovery from drug addiction is a real challenge, but it is possible. We understand this, which is why we approach each of our patient’s individually to ensure that they get the help that they need, which includes providing you with the resources and help once you have completed your treatment program at our facility.
External Sources:
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC): Provisional Drug Overdose Death Counts” System. 2021. Available at CDC.gov.
- National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA): Director’s Page: Nora Volkow. 2021. Available at DrugAbuse.gov.
- STAT (Healthcare Media Company): “U.S. Overdose Deaths Hit Record 93,000 in 2020 during Pandemic.” July, 2021. Available at STATNews.com.
- Arizona Department of Health Services: Opioid Epidemic webpage. June, 2021. Available at AZDHS.gov.
- Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System: “Arizona 2018 Statewide Substance Use Prevention Needs Assessment.” September, 2018. Available at ACAHCCCS.gov.
- Arizona Department of Health Services: Dump The Drugs webpage. June, 2021. Available at AZDHS.gov.
- AZ Central: “CDC Study: Arizona 4th in U.S. for Alcohol Poisoning Deaths.” January, 2015. Available at AZCentral.com.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: “A Cascade of Care for Alcohol Use Disorder: Using 2015-2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Data to Identify Gaps in Past 12-Month Care.” June, 2021. Available at NLM.NIH.gov.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: “Use of Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder in the US: Results From the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.” June, 2021. Available at NLM.NIH.gov.
- Millennium Health: “Signals Report – National Drug Use Trends.” December, 2020. Available at Millennium Health.com.
- Dual Diagnosis: A Step by Step Guide to Drug Detoxification webpage. March, 2021. Available at DualDiagnosis.org.
- U.S. National Center for Biotechnology Information: “Delirium Tremens.” August, 2020. Available at NLM.NIH.gov.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: “Prescribing Opioid Replacement Therapy in U.S. Correctional Settings.” December, 2017. Available at NLM.NIH.gov.
- National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA): Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition) – “Evidence-Based Approaches to Drug Addiction Treatment.” January, 2018. Available at DrugAbuse.gov.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: “Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Programs: Assessing the Evidence.” June, 2015. Available at NLM.NIH.gov.
- The National Council for Behavioral Health: Recovery Housing Issue Brief – Information for State Policymakers. May, 2017. Available at TheNationalCouncil.org.
- Arizona Department of Health Services: OARLine: Opioid Assistance & Referral Line webpage. 2020. Available at PhoenixMed.Arizona.edu.
- Arizona Governor Doug Ducey: Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family – Substance Abuse Prevention webpage. June, 2021. Available at SubstanceAbuse.AZ.gov.
- Arizona Governor Doug Ducey: Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family – Prevention & Early Intervention webpage. June, 2021. Available at AZPreventionResource.com
- Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System: Accessing & Locating Treatment webpage. 2021. Available at ACAHCCCS.gov.
- Arizona Department of Health Services: Dump the Drugs AZ webpage. 2021. Available at AZDHS.gov.
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): Home webpage. 2021. Available at AA.org.
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA): Home webpage. 2021. Available at NA.org.
- Self Management And Recovery Training (SMART): Home webpage. 2021. Available at SmartRecovery.org/.
- Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Treatment Locator Tool. 2021. Available at FindTreatment.SAMHSA.gov.
- National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA): Trends & Statistics webpage. 2021. Available at DrugAbuse.gov.
- U.S. National Archives: “TRICARE: Mental Health & Substance Abuse Treatment.” September, 2016. Available at FederalRegister.gov.
- U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid: Affordable Care Act (ACA). 2021. Available at HealthCare.gov.
- U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid: Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). 2021. Available at CMS.gov.
- American With Disabilities: Home webpage. 2021. Available at ADA.gov.
- U.S. Department of Labor: Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). 2021. Available at DOL.gov.
- Maricopa County, Arizona: Civil Mental Health Court. Application for Involuntary Screening. 2021. Available at Maricopa.gov.
- National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA): Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction. 2021. Available at DrugAbuse.gov.
