Find Substance Abuse Treatment

Deciding to seek out substance abuse treatment is a courageous and life-changing decision. It can also be overwhelming, as you consider finances, treatment options, and other factors. Fortunately, there are many resources to help you figure out the best treatment option for your specific situation.

Steps

Finding a Provider

1. Visit the SAMHSA Web site. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a federal agency that provides a wealth of research and information on substance abuse. You can access their website at: https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/locator/home.
   • SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator is an easy-to-use tool to find a provider in your area.
   • You can either enter your location information on their confidential Web site or call a toll-free number (1-800-662-4357) to be given information on providers in your area.
2. Consider your local VA hospital if you are a veteran. Unfortunately, many veterans deal with substance abuse issues. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers many options for treating these conditions.
   • The VA Web site, http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/res-vatreatmentprograms.asp, offers an easy way to search for hospitals and providers in your area.
   • Eligible veterans can access a range of services, including intensive outpatient treatment, residential care, and self-help groups.
3. Consult your primary care physician. If you currently have a doctor you see on a regular basis, he/she will be able to direct you to appropriate providers in your area. Additionally, your physician will be able to provide any medical records that may be relevant to treating your addiction.
   • While at your appointment, tell your doctor something like, "I think my drinking has become a problem, and I'd your help to find treatment." Or, you could say, "I feel like I have become addicted to the painkillers prescribed for my neck pain. I need help."
4. Check whether your employer has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAPs are voluntary programs offered by some employers that seek to confidentially help employees.
   • EAP resources can help match you with counselors or refer you to a treatment program in your area.
   • Your workplace human resources department will know whether EAP services are available and how to access them.
   • Your access of EAP services and inquiries about them will be kept confidential by the HR department and the clinician.

Understanding the Ins and Outs of Treatment

1. Start with detoxification. Detoxification and medically observed withdrawal are usually the first stage of treatment. This is when your body rids itself of the drugs, but it is only the first step in achieving sobriety.
   • During the detox process, you will be supervised by medical staff to help treat your withdrawal symptoms. These can include nausea, chills, fever, diarrhea, and depression.
   • Sometimes, medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, or naloxone may be administered to help you cope with withdrawal symptoms.
   • Remember that completing drug or alcohol detoxification without pursuing follow up treatment or care is not considered treatment.
2. Consider long-term residential treatment. Some patients proceed to long-term inpatient or residential treatment after completing detox. During this time, patients live in a structured environment and work through their presenting issues both in individual and group therapy sessions. Long-term treatment typically lasts 120 to 180 days.
   • This type of treatment is often best for those who have chronic, long-term addictions.
   • Long-term residential treatment is also a good choice for those who also have mental health disorders.
3. Look into short-term residential facilities. If you cannot afford long-term care or cannot make the time commitment because of your family or job, a short-term stay may work for you.
   • These usually require a 30-day stay.
   • They are often based on a 12-step approach to treatment.
   • After completing a short-term residential treatment program, you will follow up with further counseling with self-help groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
4. Consider outpatient treatment. If you have a supportive home environment and social network, outpatient treatment may work well for you. It also allows you to remain at your job, and it costs less than inpatient programs.
   • Intensive outpatient treatment is a highly focused approach that usually requires attending sessions at least three days each week.
   • Partial hospitalization approaches are helpful if you are undergoing a medically assisted withdrawal. They usually involve no overnight hospital stays, but do meet for at least 20 hours per week.
   • Therapy and counseling are forms of outpatient treatment that often are a follow up to more intensive residential programs. Through meeting with counselors, you will learn about the causes of your substance abuse and work to mend broken relationships and learn skills to live substance free.

Paying for Treatment

1. Check out your insurance plan. If you are insured, you are at least partially covered for substance abuse treatment. The Affordable Care Act of 2008 requires that insurance providers offer similar coverage for substance abuse treatment that they do for other medical conditions.
   • The Affordable Care Act also stipulates that insurance companies cannot deny you coverage because of your addiction. So, you if you can afford it, try to obtain insurance coverage before entering treatment to help offset your out-of-pocket costs.
   • When you call your insurance company, have your card and membership information available. Take notes on what the representative tells you and get their name in case you have to follow up at a later time.
   • Ask questions like, “What levels of care are covered?” and “What are my co-pays or deductibles?”
   • Ask how they determine whether treatment is medically necessary.
2. Look into Medicare and Medicaid Coverage. Depending on your age and income level, as well as other factors, you may be eligible for these federal programs.
   • Medicaid, which provides coverage for some low-income people and those with disabilities, is one of the largest payers for substance abuse services in the country.
   • Medicare coverage is for those who are age 65 or older and have fulfilled certain requirements, such as paying into the Medicare pool during at least 10 years of work. Substance abuse services, such as inpatient treatment, are covered by Medicare.
3. Contact your state’s substance abuse agency. Each of the 50 states offers substance abuse treatment funded by government money.
   • You can obtain the directory of state substance agencies by following this link: http://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/ssadirectory.pdf.
   • After contacting your state agency, you will have to provide proof of residency, income information, and other data that will help them determine whether you are eligible for free treatment.
   • Since state funding is limited, you may have to be placed on a waiting list before receiving treatment.

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