As one of the four states that border Mexico, Arizona frequently receives drugs trafficked and smuggled into the United States from overseas drug cartels. As a result, Phoenix, the state’s largest city, has become a major hub for illicit drugs. Arizona’s capital city is also known for its excessive drinking.
According to community data provided by Maricopa County, more than 1,000 people in Phoenix, Arizona died from drug overdose in 2019. Although the types of substances used varied, the majority of the deaths involved opioids, methamphetamine, and alcohol. 91 percent of these deaths involved more than 1 drug and 92 percent of the deaths were accidental. Fortunately, Phoenix has recognized its substance use issues and has strived to improve the city’s drug and alcohol recovery efforts.
How Have Legislators Supported Recovery Efforts?
The Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith, and Family (GOYFF) have used the following grants, campaigns, and resources to help curb substance use disorders and support recovery efforts:
- State Opioid Response (SOR) Grant helps curb opioid use in Phoenix by increasing access to medically-assisted treatment. SOR funding also helps train medical personnel and first responders to use naloxone which has helped reduce the number of fatal opioid overdoses.
- Substance Abuse Block Grant (SABG) aims to prevent substance use and provide early intervention services to Arizona youth. SABG dollars allow schools to develop drug prevention programs, screen for behavioral health and substance abuse challenges, and provide after-school opportunities that encourage youth engagement. The grant funding also helps schools in Phoenix host an annual back to school night that educates parents, students, and teachers about drugs. Overall, SABG funding helps the GYOFF invest more than $5 million each year in Arizona high schools.
- I’ve Got Something Better Campaign encourages Arizona teens to find an alternative to underage drinking, smoking marijuana, or vaping. The campaign asks teens to post a video with the hashtag #ivegotsomethingbetter to show what they’re doing instead of using drugs or alcohol. The site lists more than 40 activities teens can do instead of using substances, which include bowling, drawing, baking, hoverboarding, making music, playing sports, and blogging. The website also lists virtual and live events teens can attend instead of using drugs and alcohol recreationally.
- Arizona Substance Abuse Prevention Resource Hub is a comprehensive website that provides tools to prevent and reduce the misuse of opioids, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, e-cigarettes, and vaporizers. The resource site also provides treatment options through the SAMHSA’s treatment facility locator tool. Military personnel, first responders, parents, community program directors, school counselors, and local business owners can use the resources to help support drug and alcohol recovery efforts.
How Have Phoenix & Maricopa County Supported Recovery Efforts?
The community of Phoenix and its surrounding county have also supported the city’s drug and alcohol recovery efforts. Programs led and supported by the community include:
- Substance, Brief Intervention, and Referrals to Treatment (SBIRT) Screenings which allows individuals who remain in custody past their initial court appearance to receive a health assessment. The screening uses the motivational interviewing technique to talk about substance use without judgment. Based on the screening, inmates receive substance abuse programming in jail or via community treatment.
- DrugFreeAZKids.org that strives to reduce the number of children using drugs and alcohol in Phoenix. The site even includes a drug guide that shows young kids what various drugs look like. The guide also explains the risks and effects of each substance as well.
- Med Return Box is a community-based initiative that allows Phoenix residents to dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired medications in “med return” boxes. You can find boxes in the lobbies of Phoenix police stations or one of the following locations. The goal is to eliminate unneeded prescription drugs from Phoenix homes so that others won’t accidentally or recreationally take the medicine.
- Arizona Angel Initiative allows citizens to walk into a police precinct, turn in their drugs, and request treatment without fear of prosecution. All you need to do is show up at the Fiesta, Central, Red Mountain, or Superstition police precinct with a valid State I.D. between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to turn in your drugs and request treatment. If you have children, the Angel Initiative will find caregivers who will take them in while you get the help you need.
Local Drug & Alcohol Recovery Support Programs
You can find programs that support drug and alcohol recovery in Phoenix through the following resources:
- Nicotine Anonymous Meetings in Arizona Last Gasp, one of the current meetings through this support group, meets at Madison Baptist Church in Phoenix on Saturdays at 5:00 pm. Due to COVID-19, the group isn’t meeting in person, but you can join by phone. The call-in number is 712-770-4598 and the access code is 515249#.
- Arizona Youth & Family and Family Services, Inc provides behavioral health services for children and adolescents age 17 and younger. Services include home-based crisis management, outpatient counseling, medication management, behavior coaching, parental support, and mental health wellness programs.
Finding Help for Drug and Alcohol Abuse in Phoenix
Finding the right place for drug and alcohol recovery can be overwhelming and frustrating if you’re not sure where to look. Luckily, Phoenix has a number of resources that can help guide your search, including:
- Find Help Phx – a directory of free and low-cost services in Maricopa County. There is also a specific directory page for substance use disorders.
- Teen Lifeline or 602-248-8336 – Volunteer young adults and teenagers supervised by a Masters-level clinician lead this hotline. The volunteers answer incoming phone calls and text messages.
- FreeRehabCenters.org – has a list of free alcohol, drug, and other rehabilitation resources in Phoenix.
Providing Mental Health & Addiction Support in Arizona
At StoneRidge Centers, we strive to provide compassionate care that combines world-class brain science and expert clinical support. Our comprehensive programs include therapy-based techniques, nutrition, and exercise. Whether you’re looking for outpatient or inpatient support, our range of treatment programs can meet you wherever you are on your recovery journey.
We can help you obtain long-term recovery. Let us help you get there. Call us today at 928-583-7799 if you or a loved one are struggling with drug and alcohol addiction in Arizona or nationwide.
Innovative, Evidence-Based Therapies
Because mental health and addiction concerns are so often interconnected, we utilize research-based approaches with evidence-based outcomes that promote overall healing and recovery.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
This low-impact magnetic stimulation activates neurons inside the brain, relieving symptoms associated with depression and anxiety.
qEEG/Brain Mapping
Using brain scanning and readings, we create a map of our patients’ brains, helping us develop more targeted and effective treatments.
Neurofeedback
This process assists patients in visualizing their own brain functionality through continuous EEG readings.
Spravato Therapy
We use carefully monitored doses of Spravato to help patients struggling with complex mental health disorders, including severe depression.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Patients use this practice to help reframe intrusive or negative thought patterns and develop coping techniques for long-term recovery.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
This practice helps patients learn to regulate emotions, communicate more effectively, and process their own thoughts and feelings..
Eye Movement Desensitization (EMDR)
Licensed and trained therapists guide patients through this technique for managing stress and anxiety on an ongoing basis.
Individual Therapy
Patients experience one-on-one therapy sessions with a licensed therapist to provide a safe and private place to recover and heal.
Group/Family Therapy
Patients can practice the skills and techniques they have learned in treatment with others in a safe, therapist-guided space.
Contact StoneRidge Centers
5940 E. Copper Hill Dr. Ste B & E, Prescott Valley, AZ. 86314
928-583-7799
We exercise progressive, leading brain science in our treatment approach for patients in our community and across the country who are struggling with mental health and addiction challenges.
