Some Sobering Statistics About Substance Use In Idaho
The following substance use statistics reveal the scope of the problem Idaho faces.
Alcohol Use In Idaho
- Idaho law enforcement made 6,493 arrests for driving under the influence in 2016.
- In 1 out of every 5 fatal car accidents in Idaho in 2016, the driver’s blood alcohol content was .15 or higher.
- Expenses related to drunk driving cost the state of Idaho more than $846 million in 2016.
Illicit Substance Use In Idaho
- In 2010, 9.36 percent of Idaho residents reported using illegal drugs in the month prior to the survey, which is higher than the national average of 8.82 percent.
- Methamphetamine arrests increased statewide by 200 percent between 2008 and 2016.
- 39 percent of Idaho residents seeking treatment for an addiction in 2012 cited stimulants such as methamphetamine as the primary substance.
- In 2016, 63 percent of all drug-related arrests were connected to marijuana.
- Idaho heroin arrests increased more than 900 percent between 2011 and 2016.
Idaho Drug Overdose Fatalities
- Deaths caused by benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax) increased 32 percent between 2015 and 2016.
- Fatalities caused by heroin increased 53 percent in that same time frame.
- Deaths from synthetic opioids, excluding methadone, increased by 69 percent.
Idaho’s Addiction Prevention Initiatives
Although substance use is a growing problem all across the country, many states are working to deter or prevent drug use. Idaho offers several programs and services for those with chemical dependency issues.
Naloxone Distribution
A law enacted in 2015 mandates that all first responders and other relevant healthcare professionals have access to naloxone (Narcan, Evzio). Naloxone is a medication that can temporarily block the effects of opioids, saving lives by buying enough time to seek medical care in the case of a drug overdose. It’s administered through an injection or a nasal spray.
Adolescent And Teen Prevention Initiatives
Idaho participates in a wide variety of prevention services and programs for teens and young adults. These programs are dedicated to empowering the youth of Idaho and educating the community on the dangers of drug addictions.
These programs strive to reach out to children and young adults before they have been exposed to drugs and potential addiction:
- Above The Influence
- Mothers Against Prescription Drug Use
- Idaho Drug Free Youth
Idaho Addiction Treatment Programs
Idaho residents seeking recovery from addiction have a number of treatment options available to them. No single therapy type works for every person. Treatment plans should be customized to meet each individual’s unique needs, incorporating as many of the following levels of care as needed to bring long-lasting recovery.
Intervention Services
Professionally led interventions are a very successful method of convincing a loved one to seek treatment for an addiction. Interventions help guide families through the difficult process of addressing an addiction, and interventionists can also help plan the next steps of seeking treatment to ensure the person’s success. By walking the family through every step of the process, the best interventions ensure that no one is left alone to figure it out for themselves.
Idaho Drug And Alcohol Detox
Most Idaho drug and alcohol detox programs last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. The process varies from person to person, depending on the client’s health as well as the nature of their addiction. During professional detox programs, clients will be supported and supervised as their body goes through withdrawal. Medical staff will intervene if any complications arise, as withdrawal from some substances can become dangerous. Medications to relieve or prevent withdrawal symptoms may also be provided.
Idaho Inpatient Drug Rehab Programs
Idaho has several residential addiction treatment programs. While any level of care is better than none, inpatient drug rehab programs are often the most effective starting point. Inpatient clients engage in therapy sessions and group meetings and live onsite for the duration of treatment.
Most inpatient addiction treatment programs run anywhere from 60 to 120 days, or longer if needed.
Outpatient Drug Rehab In Idaho
For those who are very motivated to recover or are otherwise unable to participate in inpatient programs, outpatient addiction treatment programs are available in Idaho. After participating in therapy sessions and recovery activities during the day, outpatient clients return home in the evenings.
As with inpatient services, outpatient drug rehab programs typically last 30 days, 60 days, 90 days or longer, depending on individual needs and how the client responds to treatment.
Sober Living Programs
Once a person has successfully completed a drug rehabilitation program, they can choose to continue living in a supportive environment through a sober living facility. Sober living homes sometimes provide therapy and other treatment options, or they may only offer a sober residence. Idaho sober living homes can be a helpful way to transition from intensive treatment to fully independent living, decreasing the risk of relapse by offering an atmosphere focused on sobriety.
Aftercare Services And Alumni Programs
Addiction is a lifelong battle. Participating in addiction treatment aftercare services or alumni groups are excellent ways to continue getting the support needed after rehab treatment has ended.
Alumni care provides clients with ongoing support, resources, counseling services and more to strengthen their recovery efforts and help to prevent relapse. An excellent way to reinforce recovery, alumni care allows clients to maintain their support group after the treatment phase has ended.
Idaho Addiction Treatment Therapies
While enrolled in a drug rehab program, clients will participate in some or all of the following therapies:
- Individual counseling
- Behavioral therapies – cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing
- Group meetings
- Complementary therapies – yoga, acupuncture, equine therapy, adventure therapy, journaling, biofeedback
- Family involvement
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Trauma-informed care
- Dual-diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders and substance use disorders
- Gender-specific treatment
How To Pay For Addiction Treatment
Addiction treatment programs can be paid for through private health insurance plans. Addiction treatment is a covered benefit under most major insurance providers, although the copays and out-of-pocket expenses will vary from plan to plan. To check what drug rehab benefits are included in an existing health insurance plan, contact the addiction treatment center or the health insurance provider.
Health insurance providers offering coverage in the state of Idaho may include:
- Blue Cross of Idaho
- Mountain Health CO-OP
- SelectHealth
- PacificSource
No matter what type of addiction treatment services a person may be looking for, there are a few payment options besides health insurance:
- Self-pay with cash or credit cards
- Sliding-scale fees based on income
- Government grants
- Scholarships
- Private healthcare loan
- Payment plans established with the treatment provider
Traveling For Addiction Treatment
When considering where to seek addiction treatment, remember that the best treatment center for a person’s unique needs might not be right around the corner.
The benefits of being willing to travel to seek addiction treatment include:
- Access to more high-quality treatment programs than are available locally
- Improved focus on treatment and removal from environmental triggers
- Increased confidentiality
Vertava Health offers effective, compassionate treatment in several states across the country, and we can help people find the care they need—wherever they are.