Treatment
Treatment saves lives and strengthens communities across Alaska
Connecting to Treatment and Withdrawal Management
People who have been using substances for a long period of time, in large quantities, or are experiencing dependence on a substance may need medical support to safely withdraw from opioids or other substances. Not everyone requires withdrawal management services, but those services can increase safety and comfort during the withdrawal process. An individual must be currently experiencing intoxication or withdrawal symptoms to receive withdrawal management treatment. Withdrawal symptoms can include, irritability, nausea, vomiting, elevated heart rate, fever, and more.
If someone is not intoxicated or experiencing withdrawals, the best route to treatment is getting an assessment from a health care provider to determine appropriate level of care. Based on severity of symptoms, levels of care include, substance use education, outpatient, residential, or inpatient treatment. Reach out to your local primary care provider, village health aid, or mental health provider to help find treatment.
To find treatment, contact 1-800-662-4357 or visit Findtreatment.gov
Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) and Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) and Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) use FDA-approved medications that are prescribed and supervised by a health care provider. MAT/MOUD supports individuals on their recovery journey by blocking cravings and reducing or eliminating withdrawal symptoms and improving overall health and well-being. MAT/MOUD along with social services and support, foster health and resilience to help people with OUD improve their quality of life. According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) and Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) are the gold standard for treatment of OUD. The medications approved for use with MAT/MOUD are:
- Buprenorphine/Buprenorphine products: (Suboxone®, Zubsolv®, Sublocade®, Buprenex®, Butrans®, Subutex®)
- Methadone: (Methadose®, Dolophine®)
- Naltrexone: (Vivitrol®)
Find out more about these medications and how they work by reading the MAT for OUD section in the MAT guide (see page 36)
Paying for Treatment
Private insurance is now federally required to cover substance use disorder and mental health treatment. Also, many providers accept Medicaid, some providers also offer payment on a sliding fee scale.
If you don't have insurance through your employer, the fastest way to apply for health care coverage, including Alaska Medicaid, is through healthcare.gov.
If you have coverage questions, call your insurance provider or the Alaska Division of Insurance, 907-269-7900
Voluntary or Involuntary Treatment
No treatment facilities in Alaska are designed to hold people against their will.
Additional Treatment Resources
