Idaho Alcohol and Drug Use Statistics
Non-medical drug use is common in Idaho.1 Excessive drinking is also common among residents.2
In 2021, 10% of adults in Idaho reported using drugs for non-medical purposes.
Illicit drug use was higher than non-medical use of prescription drugs.
Men and women are equally likely to use drugs.
People making under $25,000 per year were the most likely to report drug use, with 14% saying they used substances.
In 2020, 21% of adults aged 18-44 in Idaho engaged in excessive drinking.
20% of adults making more than $75,000 per year reported excessive drinking.
Men were more likely to report excessive drinking than women.
Excessive drinking is consistent across racial demographics, with White, Black, and Hispanic residents reporting a similar level of excessive alcohol use.
Cost of Drug Rehab in Idaho
Your costs for addiction treatment will depend on a lot of factors. Your out-of-pocket costs will be determined based on several criteria, including:
Whether you choose an inpatient or outpatient program
How many extra amenities the facility offers
The duration of your treatment
If the facility takes your insurance plan
Where the facility is located
Choosing inpatient rehab, sometimes called residential rehab, will come with higher costs. You will live in the facility for the entire duration of your treatment. Your costs will include housing, meals, therapy, and any medical care you need. If you choose a facility with luxury add-ons, your costs will go up.
If cost is a barrier to getting care, you can find free, low-cost, or sliding-scale programs in Idaho. You can ask a treatment center if it has structured payment plans. This will allow you to spread payments out over time. Some facilities have a sliding scale for costs and set your expenses based on your income level.
Where Can I Find Low-Cost and Free Rehabs in Idaho?
If the price of Idaho drug rehab is a significant concern, don’t give up on the idea of recovery. There are programs that offer low- or no-cost addiction treatment. Ask if treatment centers have sliding scale fees and if they will reduce your costs if you struggle financially. You may be eligible for scholarship funds at some programs. These funds are made available to assist patients who otherwise could not afford care.
Does Insurance Cover Alcohol and Drug Rehab in Idaho?
Insurance plans have to cover addiction treatment. There are two laws that require insurance coverage for rehab: the Affordable Care Act and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Act. This extends all types of insurance, including private insurance, insurance through an employer, Medicaid, Medicare, and military insurance plans.
Insurance companies often have specific networks of health care facilities that they work with, including addiction treatment facilities. You will have higher out-of-pocket costs at facilities that aren’t part of your insurance company’s network. You can ask your insurance company or the rehab center whether it is part of your insurance network.
Medicaid Covers Rehab
Medicaid is a state-federal partnership to provide health insurance to low-income adults and children, people with certain disabilities, and women who are pregnant. In Idaho, residents who make 138% of the federal poverty level or less are eligible for Medicaid coverage.3
Medicaid covers rehab care though not all facilities accept Medicaid. You can speak to an Idaho Medicaid administrator or staff at a rehab facility to find out if the facility accepts Medicaid.
Medicare Covers Addiction Treatment
Medicare is an insurance plan offered by the federal government for people over the age of 65 and certain people with disabilities or health conditions. Medicare is comprehensive insurance and covers physical and mental health care.
If you need inpatient addiction treatment, you can use the hospitalization coverage under Medicare Part A.4 You will have to pay a co-pay, but the remainder of the costs of treatment are covered by Medicare. If you choose outpatient treatment, Medicare Part B covers that as mental health care.5 Some Medicare Advantage supplemental plans offer more coverage or a larger network of facilities to choose from when selecting treatment.
If you are not sure whether your facility takes Medicare, you should speak to staff and ask. They will be able to tell you if they accept Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans.
Private Insurance Covers Substance Abuse Treatment
Any insurance plan from a non-government health insurance company is considered private insurance. This excludes plans you get through your job or a policy that you buy as an individual. Major insurance plans include companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, UnitedHealth, and Humana.
All private insurance plans cover addiction treatment. Your total coverage and number of participating facilities in your plan’s network will vary. Ask your insurance provider for the detail of your coverage. Make sure you understand:
- What your deductible amount will be
- If you have co-pays for addiction treatment
- What types of addiction treatment the plan covers
- The names of treatment facilities in your insurance company’s network
- What, if any, exclusions apply to your treatment
Popular Alcohol and Drug Rehab Centers in Idaho
Brick House Recovery Boise
Brick House Recovery in Boise is an outpatient program. Treatment starts as a partial hospitalization program and then gradually decreases the number of treatment sessions that a participant attends. It offers comprehensive aftercare and support for program graduates. It accepts many private insurance plans and Medicaid.
Port of Hope Centers Coeur d Alene
Port of Hope is a non-profit treatment facility offering residential, outpatient, and assistance for people in court-ordered treatment due to DUI. Contact the center to ask about payment options.
Gateway Counseling
This comprehensive mental health center in Pocatello offers addiction treatment as well as treatment for co-occurring diagnoses. All treatment is outpatient. Contact the facility to ask about payment options.
Raise the Bottom Addiction Treatment Boise
This facility in Boise treats opioid addiction. It offers counseling and medication-assisted treatment. All treatment is outpatient. It accepts many private insurance plans as well as Medicaid.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Drug Rehab in Idaho
Inpatient rehab, or residential rehab, is a treatment program where you live at the facility during treatment. You spend all your time at the facility or on supervised outings. You may be there for anywhere from 30-90 days. Some programs are longer.
In an outpatient program, you attend therapy sessions at a rehab facility but live at home. You may go to treatment daily or several times a week. The length of your therapy sessions will depend on the intensity of the program. Some programs include all-day treatment, while others are only for a few hours.
The types of therapy will be similar at both inpatient and outpatient facilities. Most rehabs rely on evidence-based therapy methods such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, along with group therapy and family counseling. The programs will also work with you on planning for life after you finish treatment.
Advantages of Inpatient Addiction Treatment
Inpatient treatment is one of the best options for achieving long-term recovery from addiction. If you need medical assistance with detoxification, inpatient programs may provide that on-site or at an affiliated medical center. Once you completely detoxify, you will have the opportunity to focus entirely on treatment without distractions or opportunities for relapse.
Inpatient programs are structured and well-supervised. Each day will include counseling activities and peer support. Many inpatient programs offer aftercare for continued therapy once you have been discharged. The staff will be available for support and assistance in returning to your home and other activities.
Disadvantages of Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient care comes with high financial costs. The expense can be a barrier, particularly for people who will have to leave their jobs during treatment. You can discuss any concerns about the cost of care with your treatment center. It may be able to offer you financial assistance.
Inpatient programs also disrupt work, school, and family life. In most cases, you will not be able to continue working or attending school while you are in treatment, though some schools and workplaces will offer a leave of absence during rehab. If you have family responsibilities, social workers at the facility may have suggestions for managing concerns like childcare or care for aging relatives.
Advantages of Outpatient Addiction Treatment
Outpatient treatment is helpful for people who don’t need medical treatment during detoxification. If you have a strong network of friends and family, it may make sense to rely on it during treatment rather than living in a residential program. Since the counseling methods are usually consistent with inpatient programs, you will still receive effective, evidence-based care. Outpatient treatment may allow you to continue with work or school during treatment.
Outpatient care may also be a more affordable option. Your insurance plan may have generous coverage for outpatient therapy, leaving you with lower out-of-pocket costs.
Disadvantages of Outpatient Rehab
Outpatient programs don’t offer the kind of comprehensive supervision that inpatient programs have. That can leave some people open to relapse. Relapse isn’t insurmountable, but it can set recovery back.
Types of Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in Idaho
Choosing a facility depends on your needs as well as your personal preferences. If you have particular requirements for your treatment or prefer certain therapies or amenities, you should find an Idaho alcohol rehab or drug rehab that includes all of those services.
You should also make sure that the facility is properly licensed and accredited. Look into its therapeutic methods to be certain that they are evidence-based and effective. Experimental or debunked treatments can do more harm than good.
Holistic Rehab
Holistic rehab centers use a combination of conventional and alternative treatment methods to address emotional, physical, and spiritual health. Holistic centers might include access to acupuncture, massage, aromatherapy, dietary and nutrition plans, hypnotherapy, and meditation. They also rely on evidence-based addiction treatment methods such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and group counseling.
Christian and Faith-Based Rehab
If you want to integrate your faith practices into your treatment, you might want a faith-based center. These programs combine spiritual guidance and support with conventional therapy. For example, there may be times set aside for worship or prayer. Having the encouragement of your faith may assist in your recovery process and help you sustain long-term recovery. If you have dietary or behavior rules based on your religion, a faith-based center will be able to accommodate them.
Luxury Rehab
Luxury rehab is a choice for people who have the ability to pay much higher costs for treatment. Luxury facilities offer a higher level of comfort and privacy than standard treatment centers. They may have private bedrooms and more attractive decor. Some resemble resorts. The facility may be on a large property where you can retain your privacy outdoors. Luxury rehabs might boast gourmet food, fitness programs, swimming, yoga, or spa services.
Executive Rehab
If you are a high-level decision-maker in your company and you can’t leave your work responsibilities behind during treatment, there are executive rehabs available. These programs allow greater access to phones and computers than most programs. You will be able to keep up with your job during treatment. In some cases, you might be allowed to leave the center for business travel, provided you return immediately afterward.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an FDA-approved method of using specific medication to alleviate symptoms of opioid and alcohol addiction. These medications require a prescription from a doctor and may also require long-term oversight.
The first benefit of medication-assisted treatment is to reduce the symptoms of withdrawal during detoxification. Detoxification can lead to severe physical discomfort and cravings while substances leave your system. Some medication regimens can be short-term to get you through the worst of withdrawal. Others are long-term regimens intended to replace harmful substances with benign ones.
Receiving medication-assisted detoxification should not be the only aspect of recovery. Substance use disorder is both a mental and physical condition. It’s important to get treatment for the mental aspects, as well as take medication to overcome the physical addiction.
How to Get Methadone at a Methadone Clinic: Methadone is an FDA-approved medication that can replace addictive opioids. Methadone is chemically similar to other opioid drugs, but it doesn’t cause a euphoric feeling after taking it. It can satisfy physical cravings for opioids without the corresponding high. If you go into a methadone program, you will need to follow a very strict plan. You will need to go to a licensed methadone clinic where you will be registered as a patient. Federal rules mandate that the clinic will record all your treatments and ensure that you are sticking to the program. Methadone clinics can be outpatient programs. For some people, methadone can be used as a step-down treatment to phase out opioid use altogether; others use it as a long-term maintenance treatment to prevent relapse.
How to Find a Suboxone Doctor: Suboxone is a combination of two drugs called Naltrexone and buprenorphine. Naloxone blocks dopamine receptors to prevent opioids and alcohol from causing a high. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which means it can replace opioids and reduce withdrawal symptoms. In combination, the two drugs make using addictive substances less pleasurable and prevent the physical discomfort of not using addictive drugs. You can get Suboxone from opioid treatment programs or with a doctor’s prescription.
Naltrexone for Alcohol or Opioid Addiction: Naltrexone can be used alone to treat opioid addiction and alcohol addiction. It prevents the high from using opioids or alcohol, which makes them less appealing to use. You need to see a doctor for a prescription for Naltrexone. Your doctor can determine the correct dose and how long you should use it.
Antabuse (Disulfiram) for Alcohol Addiction: Disulfiram is a medication that causes unpleasant sensations when you consume alcohol. Having an alcoholic drink while taking the Antabuse can cause nausea, vomiting, and skin flushing. The overall effect is to make abusing alcohol a negative experience. Antabuse is available with a prescription from a doctor.
Acamprosate for Alcohol Use Disorder: Acamprosate is a drug that reduces cravings for alcohol.6 Without the desire to drink, it’s easier to refrain from abusing alcohol. This is a long-term treatment, and the effects disappear if you stop taking it. Your doctor can prescribe acamprosate.
Should I Travel to Idaho for Alcohol and Drug Treatment?
Idaho has many options for rehab if you are considering relocating there for treatment. You may decide to go to Idaho for rehab if:
- Your preferred facility is located there.
- You will be closer to supportive friends or family.
- Your insurance covers treatment in Idaho.
- You enjoy spending time in Idaho.
Ultimately choosing where to attend rehab depends on the person. If you feel that Idaho is the best location to recover from addiction, you should consider going there. If you don’t live in Idaho and want to find a facility closer to you, you can still use this guide to help identify the best fit.
Regional Considerations in Idaho
Idaho is a beautiful state with rugged mountain landscapes. It has few large cities, which makes it perfect for people who prefer small communities. The state offers a wide array of outdoor activities, such as rafting, fishing, hiking, and skiing. The weather can be harsh, particularly in the winter. There are several universities in the state with strong sports programs that fans enjoy watching.
There are famed hot springs along the highways in the western parts of the state, along with extensive campground and hiking areas. Idaho’s historic sites offer a peek into the history of the early days of the west; there are ghost towns of mining settlements that were later abandoned, as well as museums dedicated to the stories of the Oregon trail, early settlers, and the mining industry. There are also museums that spotlight the rich culture of the Native Americans who preceded the settlers. Boise is a large city with a thriving local food scene, galleries, museums, and live performances. The eastern part of the state borders Yellowstone National Park.
The weather can be harsh, particularly in the winter. Spring and summer are mild, with the long days typical of northern locations. Idaho is easily accessed by plane, and you can also drive into the state from Oregon or Nevada.
Drug and Alcohol Laws in Idaho
Marijuana is not legal in Idaho.7 Possession of under 3 oz is a misdemeanor that carries a penalty of up to 1-year incarceration, up to a $1,000 fine, or both. Possession of amounts greater than 3 oz is a felony with a maximum sentence of 5 years and a $10,000 fine. Penalties for selling or trafficking marijuana can reach as high as 15 years in jail and a $50,000 fine.
Possession of other drugs is considered a felony with a penalty of up to 7 years in jail and up to $15,000 in fines.8 Distribution or trafficking charges can result in a life sentence. Multiple convictions will increase sentences.
Idaho has a Good Samaritan law that will protect you from prosecution if you call for assistance during an overdose.9 If you or someone else is experiencing an overdose and you call for help, you cannot be prosecuted for possession.
Idaho has standing orders at pharmacies so that residents can access naloxone without a prescription.10 Medicaid recipients can get naloxone free from participating pharmacies. People with other insurance plans may have to pay a co-pay.
There are treatment courts in Idaho that arrange for rehab in lieu of jail time.11 Non-violent offenders with substance use disorders may be eligible for these programs.
Resources
- America’s Health Rankings. (2021). Non-Medical Drug Use – Past Year In Idaho.
- America’s Health Rankings. (2020). Excessive Drinking In Idaho.
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. (2022). Medicaid.
- Medicare.gov. (2022). Inpatient hospital care.
- Medicare.gov. (2022). Mental health care (outpatient).
- NAMI. (2022). Acamprosate (Campral).
- Idaho Legislature. (2021). TITLE 37 – FOOD, DRUGS, AND OIL – CHAPTER 27 – UNIFORM CONTROLLED SUBSTANCEs – ARTICLE IV, 37-2732.
- Idaho Legislature. (2021). TITLE 37 – FOOD, DRUGS, AND OIL – CHAPTER 27 – UNIFORM CONTROLLED SUBSTANCEs – ARTICLE IV, 37-2732.
- Idaho Legislature. (2021). TITLE 37 – FOOD, DRUGS, AND OIL – CHAPTER 27 – UNIFORM CONTROLLED SUBSTANCEs – ARTICLE IV, 37-2739C.
- Idaho Office of Drug Policy. (2022). Naloxone.
- State of Idaho Judicial Branch. (2022). Treatment Courts.
