Drug abuse in Idaho

Idaho has a population of 1,900,923 people. The most recent data from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that 235,000 people over the age of 12 had abused illegal substances in the past month, around 12.36% of the population. 209,000 reported marijuana use in the past month and 302,000 in the past year. The report also found that 28,000 Idaho residents had abused cocaine in the past year, 30,000 had abused meth, and 57,000 had abused prescription pain medication. 13,000 people over the age of 18 reported using heroin in the last year. Those reporting opioid misuse including heroin, painkillers, and fentanyl in Idaho totaled 59,000 people.

Alcohol abuse in Idaho

Alcohol misuse was also reported in Idaho with 736,000 people over the age of 12 saying they had used alcohol in the last month and 358,000 reporting binge drinking. The perceived risk of people over 12 years of age indulging in problematic alcohol use (5 or more drinks twice a week) in a month was 715,000 people.

Overdose deaths in Idaho

In 2021, Idaho saw a total of 329 recorded drug-related overdose deaths. This includes those that were accidental or unidentifiable but excludes those that were related to suicide or homicide. This puts the overdose death toll in Idaho at 17.3 people per 100,000. The total number of alcohol-related deaths (including overdose and all other causes) was 416 people.

Substance abuse and treatment in Idaho

The NSDUH report also recorded the total amount of substance abuse disorders in Idaho and those who currently require treatment. The report found that 319,000 were recorded as having a substance use disorder (SUD) and 222,000 had an alcohol use disorder. 45,000 people were recorded as having an opioid use disorder including those with painkiller, heroin, and other opioid-based drug use disorders. There are also many who have been diagnosed with or reported a substance, illicit drug, or alcohol use disorder that require rehab treatment and are not receiving it. The report found that 141 people in Idaho needed treatment for illicit substance abuse, 210,000 required treatment for an alcohol use disorder, and 278,000 needed treatment for a diagnosed substance use disorder.

What treatment options are available in Idaho?

You can access various treatment options for substance and alcohol addiction in Idaho. From inpatient treatment to group therapies and detox centers, there are different methods that can help you reduce and control your drug use. 

Other services include outpatient treatment, mental health care, and Alcoholics Anonymous to help you get the care you need. They also offer services based on demographics like age and gender. 

Here are some drug and alcohol rehabilitation treatments in Idaho you can check out:

Inpatient rehab services in Idaho

Outpatient rehab treatment in Idaho

Addiction treatment programs for seniors in Idaho

Addiction and detox centers in Idaho for teens and young people

How do I pay for rehab in Idaho?

Paying for rehab is a daunting task because you can never be sure what kind of treatment you need or how long it will take until you get a consultation. 

But with different payment options available from these facilities, you can pay for rehab and access the services you need. Most rehab facilities in Idaho accept self-funded payments which means you pay in cash or credit card, either upfront or via a payment plan. They also accept private and public insurance plans to help meet the rehab costs. 

Many rehab centers in Idaho also accept state assistance like Medicaid and offer financial assistance to those who can’t afford the full cost of rehab.

Government assistance for addiction treatment in Idaho

The Idaho Department of Health & Welfare offers various substance abuse services to help individuals in the state deal with drug or alcohol abuse. They offer information about prescription takeback locations and Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings per county to help reduce alcohol addiction. 

You can get more assistance through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. On the SAMHSA website, you can quickly locate treatment services and facilities in your county to get immediate assistance. 


You can contact them through their Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are in distress.