Arizona Alcohol and Drug Use Statistics
In 2020, nearly 15% of adults in Arizona reported illicit drug use, and close to 54% reported alcohol use.1
A national survey on drug use and health revealed the following statistics among adults in Arizona:1
Almost 19% reported using marijuana in the past year.
Nearly 1% reported heroin use in the past year.
Approximately 2% reported methamphetamine use in the past year.
About 24% reported binge drinking in the past month.
Rehab Admissions in Arizona
In 2019, the most commonly used substances in Arizona were: 2
Alcohol
Opioids
Stimulants
Marijuana
Cocaine
These substances made up 90% of all admission for substance use for people who are 12 years and older.2
Each year, thousands of people in Arizona are admitted for drug and alcohol use. In 2019, a national survey revealed the following rehab admission statistics in Arizona for people 12 years and older:2
Almost 11,000 were treated for alcohol use.2
About 7,200 were treated for heroin.
Nearly 9,000 were treated for methamphetamines.
Close to 5,000 were treated for marijuana.
About 1,000 were treated for cocaine.
The survey data showed differences in alcohol use in Arizona based on race. About 26% of the alcohol treatment admissions were American Indian or Alaskan natives, 67% were white, and close to 7% were Black or African American.2
What is the Cost of Drug Rehab in Arizona?
The cost of rehab in Arizona will vary based on multiple factors including:
Setting (outpatient vs residential).
Funding or insurance type (Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, or self-payment).
Type organization (federal, state, private for-profit, or private nonprofit).
Length of stay.
You can expect to pay an average of $1,706 for outpatient rehab and $56,789 for residential treatment in Arizona.3
Compared to other states, the cost of rehab in Arizona is relatively high. Arizona was ranked the 31st state in a list of non-hospital rehab from least to most expensive.3 However, the average cost of outpatient drug and alcohol rehab in Arizona is the same as in New York, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.3
Low-Cost and Free Rehabs in Arizona
You can reduce the cost of rehab in Arizona by choosing free or low-cost programs. Your options for free rehab in Arizona include: 4
- Faith-based rehab.
- Government-subsidized rehab facilities.
- Non-profit rehabs.
- Facilities with sliding scale.
State-Funded Rehabs
State programs have funding to provide free drug and alcohol rehab. Arizona’s Substance Abuse Block Grant (SABG) provides state funds for alcohol and drug rehab for people with no health insurance or other resources.5
SABG funding is available for uninsured people in the following order of priority:5
- Teenagers of pregnant people who inject drugs
- People who use drugs by injection
- Women or teenagers with children who use drugs and alcohol
- Anyone who uses drugs and alcohol as funding is available
You have to show active drug or alcohol use in the last 12 months for SABG eligibility.5
Four Regional Behavioral Health Authorities (RBHAs) and three Tribal Regional Behavioral Health Authorities (TRBHAs) operate as state-managed care organizations throughout Arizona.6 You can find out about how to get into a state-funded rehab by contacting the RBHA or TRBHA in your area.
Does Insurance Cover Alcohol and Drug Rehab in Arizona?
Yes, insurance typically covers rehab in Arizona because of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Mental Health Parity and Addictions Equity Act (MHPAE). The MHPAEA is a federal law that ensures that the insurance benefit limitations for mental health and substance abuse are the same as that for medical and surgical benefits.7
The benefits of the MHPAEA were extended by the ACA by adding drug and alcohol rehab as essential benefits for individual and small group insurance.8 The MHPAEA and ACA prevent insurance providers from refusing to cover rehab in Arizona.
Private Insurance
The ACA and MHPAEA require private health insurance companies to cover drug and alcohol rehab 7 However, your insurance providers may not cover the total cost for your rehab needs. Popular providers include:
- Health maintenance organizations (HMOs)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- United Healthcare, Anthem
- Centene Corp
Some insurance providers cover close to 80% of drug and alcohol rehab costs.8 Also, the extent of insurance coverage may depend on the type of substance you use. Marijuana use has been associated with the most coverage whereas heroin use has been linked with the least insurance coverage.8 Most people who know their insurance coverage status report having drug and alcohol rehab coverage, so it is important to know your insurance coverage status.
Medicaid
Medicaid is government insurance funded jointly by the federal government and states.9 Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) is Arizona’s Medicaid program.10
Drug and alcohol rehab is provided by the AHCCCS in compliance with the Mental Health Parity Act.
You may qualify for Medicaid in Arizona if you are a:9
- Low-income adult.
- Child
- Pregnant woman.
- Elderly adult.
- Person with disabilities.
The AHCCCS offers coverage for the following drug and alcohol rehab services:10
- Day programs
- Crisis services
- Health promotion services, such as prevention, education, and medication training
- Residential services up to 24 hours/day services
- Rehabilitation services, including living skills, supported employment, and education support
- Support services
- Treatment services
Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are:9
- 65 years or older.
- Under 65 with certain disabilities.
- All ages with end-stage renal disease.
Medicare covers drug and alcohol rehab services as long as they are reasonable and necessary. Medicare coverage for rehab services includes:11
- Outpatient treatment
- Screening
- Partial hospitalization
- Inpatient treatment
- Brief interventions
- Referrals
Does My Insurance Plan Cover Addiction Treatment?
You can expect your insurance plan to cover at least some of the cost of your addiction treatment because of the ACA requirements. We can help you verify your insurance coverage and to find a rehab in Arizona. Please call our helpline
800-926-9037
(
Who Answers?)
to verify your insurance coverage and to find rehab in Arizona.
You can also call the number on the back of your insurance card to speak with your insurance provider directly about the details of your health plan.
How To Finance Alcohol and Drug Rehab in Arizona
Money should not be a barrier to alcohol and drug rehab in Arizona. If the free rehabs are full, you don’t qualify for free rehab, or you don’t have insurance, you can consider plans that reduce the cost of rehab. Alternatives to free rehab include payment assistance programs, sliding scale, and rehab scholarships.
Choose a Program That Offers Payment Plans: You can choose a program that offers payment plans to make it easier to pay for drug and alcohol rehab. Payment plans allow you to pay for the rehab service in small amounts over time instead of one large amount. Many programs in Arizona offer
Apply for a Rehab Scholarship: You may qualify for a rehab scholarship if you need financial assistance to pay for your drug rehab in Arizona and alcohol rehab in Arizona. Rehab scholarships available in Arizona include the substance abuse block grant (SABG) and the mental health block grant (MHBG).5
You are eligible for a SABG rehab scholarship if you are underinsured or uninsured and have actively used drugs and alcohol within the previous 12 months.5 There are no age restrictions to SABG funding. You can use SABG funds for:5
- Detoxification
- Crisis interventions
- Co-occurring drug use and mental illness
You can contact the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System directly for details about the SABG grant.
Find a Sliding Scale Rehab Program: You can find a sliding scale rehab program in Arizona to help pay for rehab if you have no or limited income and no health insurance. Sliding scale rehab programs modify their fees based on your ability to pay.4 Rehab fees are reduced if you have low income and less money because of high expenses. You can visit our website, find a sliding scale rehab program and discuss your income and the sliding scale with them.
Choose a Program that Offers Payment Plans
You can choose a program that offers payment plans to make it easier to pay for drug and alcohol rehab. Payment plans allow you to pay for the rehab service in small amounts over time instead of one large amount. Many programs in Arizona offer payment plans.4 You can discuss the offers for payment plans to identify the most suitable drug and alcohol rehab program.
Popular Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers in Arizona
There are numerous drug and alcohol rehab centers in Arizona. Some of the popular rehab centers are accredited, accept multiple funding types, and offer several service settings.
Desert Cove Recovery Center LLC
Desert Cove Recovery Center LLC is a SAMHSA and Joint Commission accredited alcohol and drug rehab center located in Scottsdale, Arizona. This facility is private for-profit. Desert Cove accepts cash or self-payment and private health insurance. Desert Cove delivers rehab services in the following settings:
- Outpatient
- Outpatient day treatment
- Intensive outpatient treatment
- Outpatient methadone
- Regular outpatient treatment
Valle de Sol
Valle de Sol is a private non-profit drug and alcohol rehab center in Phoenix, Arizona, with SAMHSA accreditation. A sliding fee scale based on income and other factors is available at this facility. Valle del Sol accepts several funding and insurance options, including:
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- Private health insurance
- SAMHSA funding or block grants
- Federal or government funding
Haven Outpatient Program
Haven Outpatient Program is a private non-profit drug and alcohol rehab located in Tucson, Arizona. The Haven Outpatient Program is accredited by the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP). This facility accepts most insurance and funding types, including:
- Federal or government funding
- IHS/Tribal funds
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- Private health insurance
- Cash or self-payment
- State-financed health insurance other than Medicaid
- SAMHSA funding and/or block grants
The service settings for Haven Outpatient Program include outpatient, intensive outpatient treatment, and regular outpatient treatment.
Intensive Treatment Systems Mesa Clinic
Intensive Treatment Systems is a private for-profit drug and alcohol rehab located in Mesa, Arizona. This facility is accredited by SAMHA and offers treatment in multiple service settings, including:
- Outpatient
- Intensive outpatient treatment
- Outpatient methadone
Intensive Treatment Systems accepts several funding and insurance options, including:
- Federal or government funding
- Cash or self-payment
- Medicaid
- Federal military insurance
- SAMHSA funding and/or block grants
Lack of insurance or funding should not be a barrier to treatment. Intensive Treatment Systems offers payment assistance.
Addiction Treatment Settings and Options
Arizona has numerous drug and alcohol rehabs that offer a variety of addiction treatment settings. You can choose a rehab center by selecting the most suitable treatment setting for your lifestyle, personal commitments, and needs.
Inpatient Drug Rehab
Inpatient rehab is an intensive treatment setting that provides care 24 hours a day. This setting offers primary nursing and medical care as well as withdrawal management. A benefit of inpatient rehab is the availability of a multidisciplinary team to treat co-occurring mental health conditions and physical illness. This service setting will work well if you lack a stable living or work situation or family support in Arizona.3 Access to 24-hour rehab services in inpatient rehab is critical in preventing relapse.
Partial Hospitalization Programs
Partial hospitalization programs provide drug and alcohol rehab services for 6 to 8 hours during the week. You can leave the facility after your treatment ends. Partial hospitalization programs offer services for people who have already completed residential treatment. A benefit of this program is that you spend the night at home if the environment supports recovery. You do not have to drastically change your daily routine.
Intensive Outpatient Programs
Intensive outpatient programs provide 24-hour services in an outpatient setting. This setting offers rehab for people with severe conditions that do not require an overnight stay. The 24-hour services provide you with flexibility. You are not required to stay overnight at intensive outpatient programs. You continue to get support from your loved ones when you go home.
Standard Outpatient
Standard outpatient settings provide drug and rehab treatment during the day, before and after work or school, at night, and on weekends. Standard outpatient programs typically last from two months to one year.3 Some require daily attendance whereas others require one to three meetings each week.3
In this setting, you may receive treatment at the rehab site while you live in your home. A standard outpatient setting in Arizona may be a good option if you have both mental health and substance use problems. An advantage of this setting is the flexible treatment schedule.
Telehealth and Online Addiction Treatment
Telehealth and online addiction treatment refer to drug and alcohol rehab services delivered over the phone or online.3 A benefit of telehealth is that you do not have to travel to the treatment center. Telehealth and online addiction treatment can be offered as an important aspect of the treatment plan if you live far away from the rehab center in Arizona.3
Medical Detox Treatment
Medical detox is medically supervised withdrawal treatment to assist people in drug and alcohol rehab.3 It is not a substitute for addiction treatment but rather the initial step on the continuum of care. Withdrawal from large amounts of drugs and alcohol can be accompanied by severe symptoms, such as hallucinations, seizures, or other dangerous conditions.3
Medical detox promotes safety during withdrawal by preventing severe symptoms. Medical detox is done in a hospital ward or special detox unit under close supervision for a few days to one week or more.3 Alcohol and heroin are associated with severe withdrawal symptoms and require medical detox.3
Specialized Alcohol and Drug Rehab in Arizona for Various Populations
Rehabs in Arizona cater to the needs of a diverse population. You can find specialized rehab in Arizona for various populations, such as:
- Veterans
- LGBTQ+
- Teens
- Women
- Men
A specialized rehab may provide the most appropriate environment and community for recovery.
Veteran Drug Rehab
The Phoenix VA Health Care System Southwest in Arizona provides veteran rehab services. This rehab center is accredited by SAMHSA, the Joint Commission, and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation facilities. The Phoenix VA Health Care System Southwest offers rehab in multiple service settings, including
- Short-term residential.
- Long-term residential.
- 24-hour residential.
This facility accepts private health insurance and federal or any government funding for drug and alcohol rehab.
LGBTQ+ Rehab
Valle de Sol is a drug and alcohol rehab center in Arizona that provides LGBTQ+ rehab. This facility offers:
- Partial hospitalization
- Intensive outpatient treatment.
- Regular outpatient treatment.
Valle de Sol accepts several funding and insurance options, including
- Federal or government funding.
- IHS/Tribal funds.
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- Private health insurance.
- Cash or self-payment.
- State-financed health insurance other than Medicaid.
- SAMHSA funding and/or block grants.
Valle de Sol offers a sliding fee scale based on your income and other factors if you do not have insurance or any of their funding options.
Men-Only Rehab
Ebony House Men’s Residential is a men-only rehab in Arizona. This drug and alcohol rehab center offers residential or 24-hour residential services. Ebony House Men’s Residential accepts multiple funding options, including
- Federal or government funding
- IHS/Tribal funds
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Private health insurance
- Federal military insurance
- State-financed health insurance other than Medicaid
- SAMHSA funding and/or block grants
If you don’t have any of their funding options, Ebony House provides payment assistance and a sliding fee scale.
Women-Only Rehab
Arizona Women’s Recovery Center is a women-only rehab in Arizona accredited by the Joint Commission. This drug and alcohol rehab center offers many different services, including inpatient and outaptient
Arizona Women’s Recovery Center accepts:
- Federal or government funding
- IHS/Tribal funds.
- Medicaid
- Cash or self-payment
- State-financed health insurance other than Medicaid
- SAMHSA funding and/or block grants
If you don’t have any of their accepted funding sources, Arizona Women’s Recovery Center offers payment assistance.
Teen Rehab
The Family Service Agency Mesa Site in Arizona provides teen rehab services, which address the unique challenges of adolescents, such as peer pressure, identity development, goal-setting, and more.
Should I Travel to Arizona for Drug and Alcohol Rehab?
Many people travel to Arizona for drug and alcohol rehab. The reasons for traveling to Arizona include the following:
- They have friends and family in Arizona that can provide social support.
- They prefer a rehab far from their old environment.
- They prefer the Arizona weather.
- They want a resort with a view of the Arizona landscape.
- They cannot find their preferred rehab in their current state.
You should consider traveling to Arizona for drug and alcohol rehab if you prefer the climate to that in your current location. A drug and alcohol rehab in Arizona may be far away from friends with habits that might hinder your recovery.
Regional Considerations in Arizona
Arizona consists of three major land regions from north to south: the Colorado plateau, the Transition Zone, and the Basin and Ridge Region.
The Colorado Plateau
The Colorado plateau is located in the northern 2/5 of Arizona. This region has broad, mostly flat, level land with occasional soaring mountains and deep canyons. This region is known for its beautiful canyons and the Colorado River. You may consider choosing a drug and alcohol rehab in this region because of the natural beauty of the area.
The Transition Zone
The transition zone is south of the Colorado Plateau and north of the Arizona Basin and Ridge Region. This region is known for its rugged mountain ranges and valleys. You may consider a drug and alcohol rehab in this region if you want to receive treatment in a scenic area with mountain views.
The Basin and Ridge Region
The Basin and Ridge region is south of the Transition Zone in Arizona and shares a western border with California. This region is known for mountain ranges running from the northwest in a southeasterly direction. You may consider this region if you want a program close to California.
Alcohol and Drug Laws in Arizona
Naloxone Standing Order: Arizona has a standing order that allows any licensed pharmacist to dispense naloxone without a prescription. The standing order allows Arizonans to obtain naloxone from any pharmacy in the state.12
Good Samaritan Law: Arizona has a Good Samaritan law protecting people from criminal liability related to drug and alcohol overdose. The Good Samaritan law prohibits law enforcement from charging or prosecuting a person with a drug-related charge when they seek medical assistance during an overdose.12
Court-Ordered Treatment: Under Arizona law, people who plead guilty to a drug offense have the option of court-ordered treatment instead of jail time. Most drug courts have a process where a person can enter a treatment program with counseling and education after pleading guilty.13
Health Insurance: Arizona law permits you to pay for drug and alcohol rehab out of pocket without getting penalized for not having health insurance. Article 27, section 2 of Arizona insurance law states that a person does not need to participate in any healthcare system and may pay for healthcare services directly.14
Aftercare Options for Post-Rehab Success
Aftercare refers to programs that help you develop skills for post-rehab success. Aftercare is necessary for relapse prevention after you complete inpatient or outpatient treatment because aftercare helps you maintain healthy behaviors and habits.19 There are many aftercare options in Arizona for post-rehab success, such as:
- Sober living homes
- Step-down care
- Individual and group counseling
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
- SMART Recovery
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
AA is an aftercare option that provides peer support and social networks for post-rehab success. This aftercare option uses the 12-Step model and has members who discuss their experiences. You may learn how to cope with risky situations and negative emotions from your peers through AA.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
NA is an aftercare option is similar to the AA model and uses the 12-Step model. NA is designed for narcotic use. You will benefit from the peer support and discussions of similar experiences during NA meetings.
Sober Living Homes
Sober living homes are aftercare options in an environment without drugs and alcohol reducing your chances of relapse. Attendance at a 12-Step program is a requirement for sober living homes. A key benefit of sober living homes is that you are less likely to relapse because of the drug and alcohol-free environment.
Step-Down Care
Step-down care provides a transition between residential treatment and post-rehab life. This program offers education sessions and counseling to promote post-rehab success. You typically spend six to eight hours a day in step-down care. Step-down care is an appropriate aftercare program if you need structure after residential care
Individual Counseling
In individual counseling, you work together one-on-one with a counselor who helps you to achieve your post-rehab goals. There is no one else in the counseling sessions so you can develop a close relationship with the counselor. A benefit of individual counseling is that you do not share the counselor’s time and attention with others. You do not have to listen to the stories of others.
Group Counseling
Group counseling sessions have several members who meet and discuss issues that affect them. You can develop relationships and receive support from the group. The stories of the group members’ post-rehab experiences may teach you strategies on how to navigate your recovery journey.
SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery is a self-management and recovery training that moves people from negative behavior to be willing to change. At SMART Recovery meetings you will work with peers and professionals to build a healthy balanced life. SMART Recovery is designed to assist you in:15
- Living a positive, balanced, and healthy life
- Building and maintaining the motivation to change
- Coping with urges to use
- Managing feelings, thoughts, and behaviors effectively
Arizona has numerous and diverse drug and alcohol rehab programs that make it fairly simple to select the most suitable rehab for your needs. If you think you need help in choosing a program, we are available to assist you. Call our confidential and free helpline at
800-926-9037
(Who Answers?)
and speak with a treatment support specialist. We are available 24/7 to help you.
Resources
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). 2019-2020 NSDUH state-specific tables.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Treatment episode data set (TEDS) 2019 (Revised). Admissions to and discharges from publicly funded substance use treatment.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). Paying for treatment.
- Freerehabcenters.org. (n.d.). Find rehab centers in your state.
- Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System. (2018). Substance Abuse Block Grant (SABG) and Mental Health Block Grant (MHBG).
- Arizona Department of Health Services. (2015). Annual report on substance abuse programs.
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2021). Mental health and substance use insurance help.
- Motbabai, R., Mauro, C., Wall. Barry. C. L., & Olfson, J. (2020). Private health insurance coverage of drug use disorder treatment: 2005-2018.
- S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Medicare f13program – General information.
- Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System. (2022). About the Arizona health care cost containment system (AHCCCS).
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (2016). Medicare coverage of substance abuse services.
- Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System. (2022). Opioid use and disorder treatment.
- Arizona Supreme Court. (2022). Specialty courts.
- Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial institutions. (n.d.). Insurance laws and rules.
- Smart Recovery. (2022). About SMART recovery
