Anchorage Drug & Alcohol Rehab, Detox & Treatment Resources
Anchorage, Alaska, is the home of beautiful attractions like Kenai Fjord National Park and Alyeska Resort, but there is something lurking underneath the surface, plaguing the residents of this city, and that is substance abuse. Alcohol and drug addiction cause major issues for many people all over the country, and Anchorage, Alaska, is no exception.
The most commonly misused drugs in the state of Alaska are alcohol, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and prescription drugs. Substances like these can do a lot of damage. Everyone knows about how harmful illicit drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine can be, but there is a misconception that just because something is legal or something can be prescribed, it can’t be dangerous. Nothing could be further from the truth.
If you are suffering from alcohol or drug addiction, there is no need to despair. Help is available for you if you are willing to ask for it.
For those who are seeking resources on drug addiction treatment in Anchorage, Alaska, you have plenty of options available.
Finding Help in Anchorage
Anchorage Drug Rehab Centers and Alcohol Centers
There are numerous opportunities when you are researching drug and alcohol treatment centers in Anchorage. Discovering the best treatment program for you is the first thing you need to do. Finding a treatment program that will be effective for you is critical in your unique and present situation. Below are the three types of treatment programs that most rehabilitation centers provide.
Residential Treatment Programs
For the most severe drug and alcohol addictions, this is the ideal treatment program. When a patient is in a residential or inpatient treatment program, they will have medical supervision, and they will participate in group and individual therapy as well as 12-step work and classes. They will live in the facility.
Partial Hospitalization Programs
One level down from residential treatment, this treatment program is for patients who are not as likely to relapse. When a patient is in a partial hospitalization program, they will participate in group and individual therapy as well as 12-step work and classes. They will be at the facility during the day and go home at night.
Outpatient Treatment Programs
One level down from a partial hospitalization program, this treatment program is for patients who are not at a high risk of relapse. When a patient is in the outpatient treatment program, they will participate in group and individual therapy as well as 12-step work and classes. They will be at the facility three or four days a week and live at home.
In order to determine the best treatment program for you and your situation, you may need the assessment of an addiction specialist.
Detox Centers
There are several detox centers in Anchorage, Alaska. Many people choose to go to a detox center because the process of detoxing from substances like opioids, alcohol or benzodiazepines can be perilous, and they want the medical supervision while they are going through that process. With medical assistance, the detox process can be a lot more comfortable with a lot less withdrawal symptoms.
It is important though that you follow detox up with a treatment program. If you just detox, but you don’t seek treatment, you are likely to relapse. That is like going on a diet, losing a bunch of weight and then gaining it all back when you just start eating like you always have after the diet.
Recovery Meetings Near You
Once you have completed a residential, partial hospitalization or outpatient program, it is important that you attend regular meetings. It doesn’t matter if they are 12-step meetings or another alternative, as long as you attend.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Meetings
Founded by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith in 1935, Alcoholics Anonymous is an international mutual aid fellowship that has the goal to help those with alcohol addiction to get and stay sober. AA utilizes 12 steps that ask members to turn over their alcohol addiction to a higher power and make amends for previous wrongdoings when they were in active addiction. There are many meetings in the Anchorage area. Here are a few options.
Do it Sober
Alano Club
3103 Spenard Rd.
Anchorage, AK 99503
South Anchorage Nooners
Dry Dock
8141 Briarwood St.
Anchorage, AK 99518
Freedom Group
First Covenant Church
1145 C St. & W 12th Ave.
Anchorage, AK 99501
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Meetings
Established in 1953, Narcotics Anonymous is like Alcoholics Anonymous but for those who have an addiction to harder substances. With over 67,000 meetings in 139 countries, NA is the second largest recovery group on the planet. NA also uses the 12 steps like AA does although they are tweaked slightly for NA. In Anchorage, there are several NA meetings for you to choose from.
Holy Family Cathedral
818 W. 5th Ave.
Anchorage, AK 99501
Anchorage Lutheran Church
1420 N. St.
Anchorage, AK 99501
Central Lutheran Church
1420 Cordova St.
Anchorage, AK 99501
SMART Recovery Meetings
Self-Management for Addiction Recovery (SMART) Recovery is the largest recovery program that is an alternative to 12-step programs. It focuses on self-empowerment and discourages looking to a higher power outside of yourself. It uses a 4-point system that involves maintaining motivation, coping with urges, living a balanced life and managing behaviors and thoughts. Here are the SMART Recovery meetings in Anchorage.
VA Domicillary
3001 C. St.
Anchorage, AK 99503
Alaska Regional Hospital Ivy Room 1
2801 Debarr Rd.
Anchorage, AK 99508
Al-Anon and Nar-Anon Meetings
It might be difficult to be the son, daughter, mother, father, relative, friend or loved one of someone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol. For these loved ones, Al-Anon and Nar-Anon are 12-step recovery support groups. It is important for those who support people with substance use disorder to have a place to go to receive their own support. Here are the meetings in your area.
Al-Anon
St Mary’s Church
2222 E. Tudor Rd.
Anchorage, AK 99507
Nar-Anon
Anchorage Lutheran Church
1420 N. St.
Anchorage, AK 99501
Al-Anon
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
8427 Jewel Lake Rd.
Anchorage, AK 99502
While there are numerous options for alcohol or drug addiction treatment in Anchorage, Alaska, it is also smart to look outside at nearby cities. Other cities in Alaska may have additional resources for you to explore.