Medication-Assisted Treatment in Alaska

Right now, we don’t offer addiction treatment in Alaska, but we hope to soon. In the meantime, we want to make sure you have the information you need to find support.

Here are a few places you can start:

• Alaska Addiction Rehabilitation Services: AARS offers residential substance use treatment in a structured, supportive setting just outside Anchorage. Their programs focus on long-term recovery.
• Alaska 211: Call 211 or 1-800-478-2221 to get connected to free, confidential help for addiction treatment, housing, food, and other local services. Available Monday–Friday during business hours.
• VOA Alaska: Provides behavioral health and substance use treatment for youth, young adults, and families. Services include outpatient care, peer support, and housing support, with options for both in-person and telehealth care.
• Alaska Division of Behavioral Health: Offers statewide access to substance use treatment, mental health services, and overdose prevention programs. Visit health.alaska.gov/dbh for a list of providers and resources.
• Apply for Alaska Medicaid: Medicaid may cover addiction treatment and behavioral health services. Visit my.alaska.gov to apply or check your eligibility.
• Search findtreatment.gov: Use this national directory to locate addiction treatment programs by ZIP code, type of care, and payment options.

If you or someone you love is in need of help, you can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for support day or night. They help anyone facing mental health or substance use challenges.

In Alaska, accessing addiction treatment can be challenging. Many residents live hours away from the nearest clinic, and harsh weather conditions, long travel times, and limited local options can make in-person care difficult, especially during winter months when roads and flights may be unreliable.

In 2023, Alaska saw a record increase in drug overdose deaths, totaling 44.5% higher than in 2022, according to the state Department of Health. Most of these deaths involved opioids, especially fentanyl, which was responsible for more than two-thirds of overdose fatalities.

But behind these numbers are real people, facing real challenges. And the barriers aren’t just geographic. According to the National Rural Health Association, 24 of Alaska’s 26 rural counties are designated as primary care shortage areas, while all 26 face shortages for mental health services.

In some areas, there may be just one doctor for 3,500 residents, or no doctor at all. These shortages mean that many Alaskans must travel long distances for care, which can be especially difficult during harsh winters.

Virtual addiction treatment changes that by bringing care right to your phone, tablet, or computer. Whether you’re checking in from Anchorage, a fishing village, or a cabin off the road system, virtual treatment can bring care to you, so you can focus on feeling better, on your terms.