Expert Insights
I recently heard that Gilbert is going to receive another large opioid settlement payment that could raise several hundred thousand dollars. Unfortunately, despite already receiving $281,434 not a penny has been spent on addiction services, because the council are considering what to spend it on, even though it is earmarked for opioid programs. With nearly 4,000 fatal opioid overdoses a year in Arizona alone, 20 fatal opioid overdoses and 546 non-fatal overdoses in Maricopa County so far this year, I don’t believe we have the luxury of sitting around in meetings deciding how to spend the money. People are dying and we need to act more quickly. The money could be spent on fentanyl testing kits, Narcan distribution, and other safe drug supplies until we properly fund more addiction treatment facilities.
~ Olivia Pennelle
How Expensive is Drug Rehab in Gilbert?
Drug rehabs in Gilbert can range from free to hundreds of dollars a week. The factors that determine costs are the facilities’ location, the services they provide, and the types of funding sources they receive. Also, the types of services and amenities available at a drug rehab in Gilbert can sometimes cost more money. For example, having a private room with scenic views will likely cost more than a shared room in downtown Gilbert.
In addition, participating in activities like acupuncture, massage, outdoor fitness, and having access to electronics will cost more than a basic treatment program. It’s important to consider insurance coverage, scholarships, payment plans, and other funding options, as well as free Gilbert alcohol rehabs.
How Does Gilbert Compare in Alcohol and Drug Use?
Gilbert is a town in Maricopa County, Arizona, located southeast of Phoenix within the city’s metropolitan area. Like so many other cities in the United States, it’s no stranger to the opioid epidemic. In 2020-2021, 3,888 Arizona residents died of an opioid-related drug overdose.1 If you or a loved one is battling substance use disorder and addiction, there are many types of alcohol and drug rehab centers in Gilbert that can range in cost and services.2
Out of the accidental deaths in Maricopa County in 2020, 45% were due to drugs.
Of every 100,000 residents, 46 residents died due to drug intoxication.
The most common drug detected in toxicology reports post-mortem is fentanyl.1
16.8% of Maricopa residents report binge drinking, higher than the state average of 15.1%.2
In the 2019 Maricopa County Community Survey, participants ranked the most significant health concerns in their community:2
- 48% cited alcohol and substance abuse
- 4% cited obesity
- 5% cited mental health issues
- 8% cited high blood pressure and cholesterol
- 6% cited cancers
Gilbert Fire and Rescue Human Services public safety calls in 2019 included:3
substance abuse calls
accidental drug overdose calls
intentional drug overdose calls
withdrawal-related calls
As you can see, there is a definite need for drug and alcohol rehab in Gilbert. Fortunately, there are options that fit the needs of each person, including costs.
Drug and Alcohol Laws in Gilbert
The Arizona Opioid Epidemic Act has allowed many initiatives to curb substance abuse, overdoses, and fatalities. Arizona is aggressive in stopping the epidemic with the following:11
Providing better access to naloxone, an opioid reversal medication
Updating prescription drug databases to prevent doctor shopping
Targeting and penalizing pill mills or doctors who over-prescribe narcotics
Holding manufacturers accountable who mislead consumers about their products
Upholding the Good Samaritan Law that protects people from arrest or prosecution when they are trying to save the life of another person, even if the person is misusing substances
Protecting those who seek help through the police with the Angel Initiative
Placing five-day limits of first-fill prescriptions of opioids
Resources
- Opioid Overdoses Surveillance Report, Arizona, 2020-2021. (n.d.). Arizona Department of Health Services.
- FindTreatment.gov. (n.d.). FindTreatment.gov.
- Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner. (2020). 2020 Annual Report.
- Maricopa County Public Health. (2020). Maricopa County CCHNA: Community Health Status Report.
- The Williams Institute for Ethics and Management. (2019). A Community Needs Assessment Sponsored by the Town of Gilbert, Arizona.
- Maricopa County. (2022). Mental Health and Substance Use.
- Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions. (2022). Jake’s Law.
- Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System. (2022). Who Can Apply?
- Arizona Department of Economic Security. (2022). Medicare Assistance.
- National Committee for Quality Assurance. (2022). 2019-2020 NCQA Health Insurance Plan Ratings Summary Report.
- McCarty, D., Braude, L., Lyman, D. R., Dougherty, R. H., Daniels, A. S., Ghose, S. S., & Delphin-Rittmon, M. E. (2014). Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Programs: Assessing the Evidence. Psychiatric Services (Washington, D.C.), 65(6), 718-726.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).
- Office of the Governor. (2018). Arizona Opioid Epidemic Act.
