Idaho Drug Rehab and Alcohol Rehabilitation Treatment Centers and Programs
Citizens of Idaho are far more likely to enter “rehab” for alcohol abuse than for drug abuse, although the state does struggle with marijuana and methamphetamine. Its broad National Forests and shared border with Canada mean that home-grown and smuggled marijuana are readily available throughout the state. Like every Western state, Idaho saw meth use skyrocket over the past decade. Idaho drug and alcohol treatment centers report that admissions for meth abuse jumped from 8% in 1992 to 53% of all admissions in 2005. Even with that staggering statistic, however, alcohol remains the principle substance abused by Idaho residents.
Alcohol-related deaths in Idaho rank well above the national average, climbing year by year even as U.S. averages drop. For Idaho teens, especially, alcohol use poses a special problem; Idaho students are more likely to drive after drinking than their peers nationwide, and 10% of all people being treated in Idaho drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities in 2006 were under 18.
Along with alcohol, marijuana ranks as a serious threat to Idaho citizens, both those who abuse it and those who end up victims of impaired drivers or criminals seeking money to feed their habit. Marijuana accounts for 60% of all drug-related arrests in Idaho, and is the second highest category of admissions for treatment in Idaho drug rehabilitation centers. Unfortunately, perception of risk in using marijuana is low in Idaho; fewer than 40% of Idahoans feel there is great risk in smoking marijuana more than once a month, which contributes greatly to the number of people “hooked” on marijuana who require treatment in one of Idaho’s public or private drug and alcohol treatment centers.
As of 2006 there were 57 drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers in Idaho. Four are owned by tribal governments for the benefit of Idaho’s Native American peoples; 21 were private nonprofit, 28 private for-profit, and the rest were publicly owned. Residents therefore have choices when it comes to drug and alcohol treatment programs in Idaho, but should evaluate all programs carefully, as not all facilities offer the same services. While 70% of all Idaho treatment centers receive public funding of some type, thus broadening accessibility to residents, programs differ by facility. People seeking treatment for an addiction to heroin or an opiate-based prescription drug such as Vicodin may be limited in their options, as just three programs and only 18 doctors in the whole state were certified in 2006 to administer buprenorphine. Like methadone, it is used as a substitute drug to block the worst effects of opiate withdrawal and to manage ongoing cravings. Patients seeking this treatment option may have to look outside their own local community.
Likewise, the majority of rehabilitation services in Idaho are provided on an outpatient basis. Many people undergoing drug and alcohol treatment in Idaho receive a mixture of services from various facilities such as a detox center, followed by outpatient counseling elsewhere. Those seeking more focused attention and a single provider can choose from the 13 Idaho rehab centers that offer residential care, or look outside the state. Patients must work closely with their primary care providers to determine which treatment modality is best for their particular addiction.
Citizens of Idaho are far more likely to enter “rehab” for alcohol abuse than for drug abuse, although the state does struggle with marijuana and methamphetamine. Its broad National Forests and shared border with Canada mean that home-grown and smuggled marijuana are readily available throughout the state. Like every Western state, Idaho saw meth use skyrocket over the past decade. Idaho drug and alcohol treatment centers report that admissions for meth abuse jumped from 8% in 1992 to 53% of all admissions in 2005. Even with that staggering statistic, however, alcohol remains the principle substance abused by Idaho residents.
Alcohol-related deaths in Idaho rank well above the national average, climbing year by year even as U.S. averages drop. For Idaho teens, especially, alcohol use poses a special problem; Idaho students are more likely to drive after drinking than their peers nationwide, and 10% of all people being treated in Idaho drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities in 2006 were under 18.
Along with alcohol, marijuana ranks as a serious threat to Idaho citizens, both those who abuse it and those who end up victims of impaired drivers or criminals seeking money to feed their habit. Marijuana accounts for 60% of all drug-related arrests in Idaho, and is the second highest category of admissions for treatment in Idaho drug rehabilitation centers. Unfortunately, perception of risk in using marijuana is low in Idaho; fewer than 40% of Idahoans feel there is great risk in smoking marijuana more than once a month, which contributes greatly to the number of people “hooked” on marijuana who require treatment in one of Idaho’s public or private drug and alcohol treatment centers.
As of 2006 there were 57 drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers in Idaho. Four are owned by tribal governments for the benefit of Idaho’s Native American peoples; 21 were private nonprofit, 28 private for-profit, and the rest were publicly owned. Residents therefore have choices when it comes to drug and alcohol treatment programs in Idaho, but should evaluate all programs carefully, as not all facilities offer the same services. While 70% of all Idaho treatment centers receive public funding of some type, thus broadening accessibility to residents, programs differ by facility. People seeking treatment for an addiction to heroin or an opiate-based prescription drug such as Vicodin may be limited in their options, as just three programs and only 18 doctors in the whole state were certified in 2006 to administer buprenorphine. Like methadone, it is used as a substitute drug to block the worst effects of opiate withdrawal and to manage ongoing cravings. Patients seeking this treatment option may have to look outside their own local community.
Likewise, the majority of rehabilitation services in Idaho are provided on an outpatient basis. Many people undergoing drug and alcohol treatment in Idaho receive a mixture of services from various facilities such as a detox center, followed by outpatient counseling elsewhere. Those seeking more focused attention and a single provider can choose from the 13 Idaho rehab centers that offer residential care, or look outside the state. Patients must work closely with their primary care providers to determine which treatment modality is best for their particular addiction.
