What is Drug Addiction?

Drug addiction is a complex illness characterised by intense and, at times, uncontrollable drug craving, along with compulsive drug seeking and use that persist even in the face of devastating consequences. While the path to drug addiction begins with the voluntary act of taking drugs, over time a person’s ability to choose not to do so becomes compromised, and seeking and consuming the drug becomes compulsive. This behavior results largely from the effects of prolonged drug exposure on brain functioning. Addiction is a brain disease that affects multiple brain circuits, including those involved in reward and motivation, learning and memory, and inhibitory control over behavior.

Because drug abuse and addiction have so many dimensions and disrupt so many aspects of an individual’s life, treatment is not simple. Effective treatment programs typically incorporate many components, each directed to a particular aspect of the illness and its consequences. Addiction treatment must help the individual stop using drugs, maintain a drug-free lifestyle, and achieve productive functioning in the family, at work, and in society. Because addiction is typically a chronic disease, people cannot simply stop using drugs for a few days and be cured. Most patients require long-term or repeated episodes of care to achieve the ultimate goal of sustained abstinence and recovery of their lives.

Inpatient Rehabilitation or Outpatient?

Unfortunately there aren’t nearly enough residential beds available in Alabama for those who need an effective drug rehab program. Up to 90 percent of addicts who receive some type of treatment each year attend outpatient counseling or meetings. In most cases, a longer-term residential (more than just 30 days) Alabama drug rehab program is going to produce better results. There are some scenarios where outpatient treatment is successful, given the type of program and the circumstances of the individual, but whenever possible a longer-term drug-free program is a better choice, especially if it addresses the biophysical aspects.

The Biophysical Rehabilitation Program

A biophysical drug rehab program recognizes the fact that drug addiction usually has two main components. There is the physical dependency and cravings for the drugs as well as the mental/emotional need for them. This type of drug rehab center is typically the most successful, given that it is a longer-term program (more than 30 days), uses a drug-free approach, and incorporates a unique and effective detoxification method that goes beyond mere withdrawal and actually eliminates the drug residues that have stored in the body. The result is the addict no longer feels the physical effects of the drugs and he now has a sound body and clear head to address the mental/emotional side through a social education method. The recovery rate for a biophysical program is very often three times higher than most other drug addiction 

HOW TO MEDICALLY MANAGED DETOX?

Before recovery begins the body must undergo detoxification and rid itself of drugs and alcohol. If you or someone you know is in need of medically managed detox services, then we offers a variety of medically managed detox solutions. All services are facilitated with the assistance of independent professionals and are designed to address physical withdrawal symptoms. Our Los Angeles Detox Center utilizes the most advanced techniques in order to effectively assist individuals struggling with all kinds of addiction issues. Some examples include; alcohol detox, prescription drug detox, opiate detox, or benzodiazapine detox.

Safe and Effective Medically Managed Detox Begins with a Phone Call

Prior to enrollment to each client is initially evaluated by credentialed intake staff through a phone assessment that is designed to gather information about the history and extent of alcohol or drug abuse. During this evaluation all medications currently being prescribed for co-occurring conditions are ascertained, so each client can continue medication protocols assigned by any primary psychiatrist or referring physician.

Once the client arrives at our drug and alcohol detox center in West Los Angeles, the intake specialist they have worked with up to this point will greet them and introduce each client to their personally chosen doctor, who will supervise the client during the detoxification period.

From the independent physician’s intake evaluation, medications may be prescribed to ease the symptoms of withdrawal. During the early withdrawal period, that same physician will conduct rounds to determine both through observation and the clients expression, whether adjustments need to be made to heighten the effectiveness of the medications being provided.

Our Los Angeles Detox Center Boasts Highly Trained Staff To Assist In The Process

Our staff with the client every half-hour to provide reassurance and to supply fluids and nutrients as necessary. The staff also observes each client to determine whether there is any area of the detoxification period that can be supplemented by additional support, such as the clients sleeping pattern.

During the detox period the staff is trained to report any psychological concerns to the clinical staff. The clinical staff is a resource that will intervene on any intense emotions that are heightened during the withdrawal phase. The client’s primary clinician, having already been assigned, begins to work with the client on articulating on processing these emotions. This helps to serve as a venting process and prevents an emotional eruption that could lead the client to leave our Los Angeles detox, and ultimately treatment unfinished.

This medically managed detox and clinical interface during the withdrawal period is an essential factor ensuring the client will complete any of the many Los Angeles detox centers. Both disciplines working in unison helps to facilitate an overall smooth transition out of the detoxification program and into our Residential program.

A MEDICALLY MANAGED DETOX AIDES WITHDRAWAL

Withdrawal from almost any substance presents itself in two forms; Acute Withdrawal and Post Acute Withdrawal. Acute Withdrawal symptoms primarily manifest in physical symptoms whereas Post Acute Withdrawal general manifest in much more subtle ways. Acute withdrawal symptoms are typically the easiest to recognize and include simply because of their physical manifestations.

Acute Withdrawals:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Agitation
• Tremors
• Tachycardia (rapid heart beat)
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS) are more subtle to the outside observer but highly recognizable to the person experiencing them. PAWS are both physical and psychological. They can induce feelings that are extremely uncomfortable and difficult to overcome without independent medical and clinical support. 

PAWS:

• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Cravings
• Depression
• Sleeplessness
• Stress sensitivity
• Memory problems
• Inability to think clearly
• Coordination problems

Post-acute withdrawal symptoms vary based on a person’s substance of choice, length of abuse and method of consumption. We have found that the nature of these symptoms make it imperative to treat them both biologically and clinically. These symptoms can be present for weeks after acute withdrawal has been completed. Untreated post-acute withdrawal symptoms are often the intricate precursor to client relapse.Our treatment focus is on providing a full spectrum of care that takes into account individual challenges physiologically, psychologically and circumstantially that can inhibit the personal process of recovery.

Understanding Insurance Covered Treatment

Drug Rehab

Tips to understanding payment options for treatment – especially if you need to act fast. Family members, clients, and even seasoned professionals get overwhelmed by navigating the payment options for substance abuse treatment services. Should you pay privately, should you use your insurance – and if you do, will that affect ongoing medical coverage or future employment? What will insurance cover for drug rehab?

Insurance Covered Drug Rehab

The questions about the right thing to do are virtually endless

A family member recently asked us to verify their insurance benefits for a loved one to enroll in a drug rehab. But without understanding how insurance works for drug treatment programs the information we provide after verifying is of little help. So to learn what it all means, we’ve provided 3 simple tips to helping people understand the insurance verification process. Here are the most important things you should know about insurance plans and paying privately for rehabilitation.

Use cash and enroll now or use insurance and prepare for some serious red tape.

No matter what, using cash is the easiest way to access substance abuse services. It’s also the most private, and most unlikely way to ever have an issue about having received substance abuse treatment in the future. Cash offers total privacy and total control. These are two elements that whenever possible, shouldn’t be overlooked. Insurance benefits are laden with red tape. When you’re in crisis the process can be unwaveringly slow. So if you need to place someone immediately private payment is almost always the way to go. Before an insurance company will authorize any form of treatment you have to give them a lot of information first. Then they will verify what form of coverage you have (if any). After that they will probably request some additional information. Then, if you’re lucky, they will authorize a set number of days. 

Then they will verify your coverage and…See a pattern emerging?

So no question about it, if you can afford to pay for treatment privately it the the best option.. Most PPO insurance plans offer In Network and Out of Network options. They will usually provide more coverage if you stay In Network then if you choose to go Out of Network. A lot of times the drug rehab you want to attend will be a non-preferred provider (Out of Network) and this means if go that route you will be responsible for more of the costs.

Out of Network treatment and the little known SUPERBILL

When you want to go to a specific Out of Network drug treatment program you can choose to get a Superbill. This means that at the end of treatment you will get a reimbursement check instead of the facility. With a Superbill, you pay the entire cost of treatment upfront and then get reimbursed directly from the insurance company. This is usually better for you financially in the long run if you go to treatment Out of Network. The sad fact is that you can go to any program you want if you have an insurance plan that offers Out of Network coverage. The insurance companies really, really, REALLY discourage you from going this route. That’s quite simply because it ends up costing them more money. 

Not All Insurance Covered Drug Rehabs Offer The Same Thing

Out of Pocket Maximums

In addition to having an In Network and Out of Network option on most PPO plans, there will also be an Out of Pocket Maximum. This means that once you reach a predetermined amount in patient payment responsibilities, the insurance will cover at 100% going forward. To determine what your Out of Pocket Maximum is on your PPO plan simply call the 800 number on the back of your insurance card and ask them what your Out of Pocket Maximum is for Substance Abuse treatment.

Deductibles

An unfortunate aspect of the Out of Pocket Maximum is that is often doesn’t include your deductible. In other words, the deductible on your PPO insurance might be $2500.00 per person on the plan, with a Family Aggregate of $10,000.00. In this scenario, if you went In Network, you would more than likely be responsible for the 20% (at least) for the duration of the whole treatment episode. Remember to ask them if your deductible is included in your Out of Pocket Maximum. When the insurance company says they will cover 60% of substance abuse treatment you will have out of pocket expenses (often not including your deductible) up to, but not exceeding, a set dollar amount. So if your out of pocket maximum is $10,000.00 you will have to pay 40% up to $10,000.00. After that the insurance company will cover 100% of authorized services.

MENTAL HEALTH INSURANCE COVERED DRUG REHAB AND ALCOHOL TREATMENT

How Mental Health Benefits Can Help Offset Costs

Remember, insurance benefits are broken up into several categories. The two that are most relevant to you are the Behavior Health (outlined in the previous section) and Mental Health benefits. When you go to a co-occurring disorders treatment facility, or dual diagnosis program, you can effectively bill for any behavioral and mental health issues that you presently have. This can be very helpful with both Out of Network coverage and when Superbilling.

The breakdown for mental health coverage in terms of In and Out of Network benefits, deductibles, and out of pocket maximums is very much the same as their behavioral health counterparts. However, it’s important to specify the coverage type your seeking when calling your insurance company to verify benefits information.

SIGNS OF DRUG WITHDRAWAL

Drug withdrawal refers to a set of symptoms that occur as a result of cessation from a drug or medication that one has habitually used for a prolonged period of time. The symptomology of withdrawal is as varied as the substances that produce their effects. One can experience withdrawal symptoms from Stimulants such as Methamphetamines, from Sedatives such as Valium, long lasting tranquilizers such as Barbiturates, in addition to Opiates such as Heroin.

The Essence of Addiction

The development of withdrawal symptomology is exclusively precipitated by dependence, which in turn necessitates habituated use, and usually occurs in tandem with addictive pathology. For the sake of clarity, addictive pathology can be regarded as an umbrella term – a shorthand – that covers a wide range of behaviors, disorders, and personality traits, which, taken together, indicate the presence of addiction. In cases where addiction is present, there is a constellation of characteristics that, broadly speaking, give shape to the treatment measures best suited to the individual, and orient the trajectory of the protocols that will be employed to help them get clean.

Personalized Protocols are Critical

Unfortunately, treatment has become an industry; primarily concerned with the bottom line as opposed to the well-being of the client. Efficiency has become so pervasive that the integrity of the treatment process has degenerated proportionally to the quality of care that is available. Today, more often than not, the treatment process is preoccupied with streamlining its protocols and operating under generalized assumptions that have less to do with ensuring the client receives dignified, personalized care, as it does maintaining census. With regards to the medical component of treatment, addiction is not the same as, say, high cholesterol, where treatment measures are standardized and adhere to a set of interventions that apply effectively to both elderly Caucasians as well as young African Americans. Addiction is so complex with regards to its pathology that to make overly broad assumptions actually hinders the addict’s progress towards recovery. 

Withdrawal Causes are Complex

Addiction is multifaceted, and is the result of myriad factors, which include genetic markers, physiological traits, psychological disorders, family history, personal history, and a host of other features that make effective treatment a form of alchemy. What works for one person may very well harm another, and when other mental health disorders are present (what is referred to as dual diagnosis – more below), successful treatment protocols become that much more refined. Usually, by the time a person experiences withdrawal symptoms, their condition has progressed to a point where professional care is a necessity. It is at the preliminary stages of treatment where assumptions can be employed with little or no harm done to the addict.

For example, Heroin withdrawal follows a predictable course and manifests with a predicable set of symptoms which last for a specific set of time that occur regardless of one’s personality traits or psychological characteristics. As such, detoxing someone from Heroin requires certain steps that are as universal as the symptoms themselves; as such detox can be successfully achieved with the assistance of assumptions that usually pertain to the physical aspects of the detox process. It should be noted, however, that even symptomology as predictable as Heroin, it is nonetheless necessary to take into account emotional and psychological considerations that are unique to the individual, without which comprehensive treatment is impossible.

This holds true for Stimulants and Sedatives alike. Each substance, medication, or drug, manifests common features that will occur at stages regardless of the personality traits each person brings to the table. There are also scenarios that, by their very nature, require scrutiny in a way that honors them as unique beings requiring a unique set of interventions. This is especially true where a person has become dependent on a drug but demonstrates little or none of the Addictive pathology that typifies the Addictive cycle.

Med Compliance Dependency and Withdrawal

There are situations in which a person becomes unwittingly dependent on a medication that is obtained legally and prescribed by a physician. This particular scenario presents certain complications with regards to treatment protocols, not the least being that they otherwise manifest none of the drug seeking behaviors and co-occurring illnesses that are present in most addicts. This particular variety of Addict is usually baffled, terrified, and resistant to the idea that they are in the same situation as a Heroin addict who has spent years running the street and engaging in anti-social behaviors. There are scenarios in which a person becomes addicted to a Sedative – Valium, for instance – without demonstrating the behaviors that typify addictive pathology. In situations of this kind, detox protocols must be tailored to the individual, despite the fact that this is the stage of recovery where assumptions can be safely made because of the commonality of physical withdrawal symptoms.

Severity of Drug Withdrawal Symptoms

Symptomatically (in addition to the variety of drug being abused), the severity of the withdrawal symptoms is proportional to the quantity and duration of abuse. A long-term Methadone habit will be significantly more uncomfortable than a two month Vicodin habit, although symptomatically there will also be similarities. And, in the same way Addiction occurs in stages, withdrawal progresses through clearly defined stages, as does the entire treatment process.

Antidepressant Withdrawal

It is also worth noting that withdrawal symptoms can occur from cessation of drugs that are not regarded as drugs with abuse potential. Antidepressants, what are known as SSRI’s (Selective Serotonin reuptake Inhibits), can generate symptoms that are fairly uncomfortable and possibly injurious. Before a person stops taking a medication of this nature, it is important to explore with their physician what course of action is best suited to their situation. Regardless of the drug or medication’s abuse potential, symptoms of withdrawal may be even more dramatic when the drug has masked prolonged malnutrition, disease, chronic pain, or sleep deprivation, conditions that addicts often suffer as secondary consequence of their drug habit.

Physical Symptoms of Drug Withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms can manifest as both physical and psychological symptoms, which are caused by physiological adaptions in the central nervous system and the brain due to chronic exposure to a specific substance. The following list is not comprehensive but should give you an idea of some of the more common physical symptoms that indicate the presence of withdrawal. These include:

• Increased heart rate and/or blood pressure.
• Sweating, chills, and tremors.
• Confusion.
• Seizures.
• Cramps.
• Body aches and paions.
• Hallucinations.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Insomnia.
• Runny nose and fever.

Emotional Symptoms of Drug Withdrawal

In addition to physical withdrawal symptoms, symptoms can also manifest emotionally. Emotional symptoms include:

• Extended periods of depression.
• Anxiety.
• Nervousness.
• Volatile mood swings.
• Suicidal thoughts.

Drugs with Abuse Potential

The following is a list of some of the more commonly abused drugs available. These drugs include:

• Alcohol
• Marijuana
• Hallucinogens
• Cocaine
• Amphetamines
• Benzodiazepines
• Opiates
• Anabolic steroids
• Inhalants
• Methamphetamine
• Nicotine

AM I GOING THROUGH ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL?

WHAT IS ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL?

General Signs of Acute Alcohol Withdrawal

The psychological damage tends to surface as a network of highly specific symptoms, and invariably follows the cessation of drinking. Other common withdrawal symptoms that are specific to the acute phase of alcohol addiction include:

• The emergence of tolerance.
• The development of dependence.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
• Drinking to alleviate or evade withdrawal symptoms.

Typically, the discomfort and severity of one’s alcohol detox will be proportional to the nature of their drinking and in what quantities they consumed alcohol. Addiction of this variety, in which entrenched pathology is present, necessitates comprehensive treatment that takes into account the full spectrum of addictive pathology; in addition to implementing the most effective clinical protocols. In situations where a person has developed dependence to alcohol, measurable changes to the Central Nervous System will usually emerge, in addition to other personality disturbances.

Severity of Symptoms

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome can emerge with either mild or severe symptoms and sets in approximately 5 to 10 hours after one’s last drink. In most cases, symptoms peak at around 60 hours, with acute symptomology largely disappearing after day 5. The region of the brain that alcohol impacts is defined by several features: 

1) It is the region of the brain that is associated with reward circuitry;

2) Alcohol binds to what is known as GABA receptors, which regulate sedation, relief of stress, and sleep; 

3) The production of the neurotransmitter Dopamine.

Signs of Acute Withdrawal

During the acute phase, when the person is fully immersed in detoxification, the brain is actually engaged in a series of operations that are by-products of the detoxification process and as such considered to be aberrations. Symptoms that indicate a person is experiencing Acute Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome include:

• Demonstrating shakiness.
• Chills.
• Tremors.
• Anxiety.
• Stress.
• Depression.
• Difficulty thinking clearly or expressing one’s self coherently.
• Extremely volatile; mood swings.
• Presence of intermittent or persistent headaches.
• Sweating.
• Clammy skin.
• Pale skin.
• Weight loss or gain.
• Fatigue.
• Sleep disturbances – difficulty falling asleep; difficulty staying asleep; or a combination of both.
• Loss of appetite.
• Rapid heart-rate.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Abnormal or involuntary movements of the eyelids.
• Dilated pupils.
• Depersonalization.
• Confusion.
• Psychosis.
• Convulsions and seizures.
• DTs.
• Death.

Although these symptoms emerge during the early, initial phase of treatment, they are also regarded from the standpoint of what strategies will be employed over the course of the alcoholic’s long-term treatment and recovery. This is significant because, as already noted, there are several stages through which the alcoholic will pass getting sober, and each subsequent stage will be largely informed by the stage that preceded it. Successfully addressing all of the facets of the recovery process is pivotal to helping an Alcoholic achieve long-term sobriety.

ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL TREATMENT

Long-term studies indicate that psychotherapy in conjunction with a medical detox is effective tools for treating the withdrawal symptoms that occur during the acute phase. Our clinical program and our treatment team is cross-disciplined to address the many facets of the addictive condition. The primary, operative principle is to meet the client where they are at, and from there create a personalized treatment plan that will honor them as an individual and strive to do away with assumptions based upon conventional or standardized modes of clinical care.

Detoxification

Treatment that successfully addresses the issues accompanying a dual diagnosis must work as one intervention, with each condition being thought of as part of a whole. The first phase of any treatment plan, however, is detoxification (Dual diagnosis essentially refers to a condition in which one’s alcohol addiction plays out in tandem with another mental health disorder – Depression, Anxiety Disorder, etc. – complicating treatment and requiring a subtle set of protocols to halt the progression of both conditions).

Assessment

A dual diagnosed client is carefully assessed by one of our physicians to determine the correct course of action to rid the person of their physical dependence to liquor. During and after this initial phase a comprehensive treatment plan is developed, taking into consideration all of the factors that contribute to a client’s mental health status, including family history and medical history, in addition to all relevant psychological factors. As such, treatment at ARC includes individual and group counseling, attending 12 Step meetings and working a 12 Step program, psychotherapy, as well as education and supplemental, alternative therapies such as nutrition and exercise.

Social Model Treatment

Unique treatment strategies is utilizing the social aspects of the residential setting. Alcoholism is in part a disease of isolation. The addict isolates themselves, and also ends up isolating loved ones, friends, and family. The social component of addiction treatment is vitally important, without which treatment cannot occur. The group must be used to organically create an environment in which a chemically dependent person learns to express feelings, process emotions, successfully resolve conflicts, and essentially learn to develop and maintain healthy relationships that will be crucial to their long-term recovery. If successful, the social element of  addiction treatment will act as a map of sorts that the client will unconsciously carry over into other aspects of their life.

Family Support

Treatment for acute alcohol withdrawal also must take into consideration the family component. At Addiction Aide family support is provided with group therapy, couples counseling, and family therapy. This network of support encourages and supports loved ones to become a part of the client’s process of recovery, and in turn fosters their own growth.

Multidisciplinary Approach

As with all diseases that are chronic and debilitating, alcoholism impacts virtually every aspect of the alcoholic’s life. Addiction Aide staff, counselors, and therapists, represent the best and most advanced cross-disciplined team available. This is crucial for creating comprehensive, therapeutic strategies that will address all of the facets treatment. No one therapeutic style is necessarily better than another, but instead must be regarded as parts of a whole; and effective treatment always requires a certain amount of latitude and flexibility with regards to clinical protocols. Some of the more common therapeutic styles 

• CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, targets destructive thoughts and destructive behaviors and aims to have the client unlearn them. In place of these destructive traits the client is instructed and encouraged to construct new belief systems that counter the destructive cycles that characterize addictive behaviors and thinking.
• IGT, or Integrated Group Therapy, is a recent addition to the pre-existing therapies designed to tackle dual diagnosed individuals. Using the group setting, this style of therapy targets people suffering from bipolar disorder and drug addiction.
• ET, or Exposure Therapy, is a behavioral model that had proven useful in assisting addicts also suffering from phobias or anxiety disorders. Frequently with people suffering from anxiety disorders, they find themselves triggered by specific stimuli, which in turn triggers a craving for a drug. Like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Therapy seeks to unlearn these responses, and to establish in their place more rational, less destructive responses. This style of treatment has promise assisting individuals who experience anxiety and are also addicted to cocaine.
• DBT, or Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, specifically seeks to lessen behaviors that cause self-harm, such as cutting or mutilation. It is also used to treat individuals with a history of suicidal ideation or suicide attempts, and has proven helpful treating individuals who are diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.

Advanced Holistic Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment

It should be noted that no one single therapy provides a cure, and that the most successful interventions combine different therapeutic styles in conjunction with various medications. This is where the need to utilize an integrated approach becomes necessary. Alcohol withdrawal treatment is distinguished by the comprehensive programs created by our multi-dimensional staff, which includes aftercare programs specifically tailored to the needs of each individual.

• The most advanced and effective dual diagnosis treatment available.
• Comprehensive assessments that take into consideration both medical, psychological, and emotional factors.
• Detoxification services that are closely monitored by our trained staff and overseen by independent doctors.
• A dignified approach that honors the total needs of the client.
• Counseling that includes Family Counseling, Group counseling, as well as One-on-One Counseling.
• Ongoing therapy with clinicians who specialize in addiction pathology.
• Long-term treatment planning that includes aftercare, extended care, and alumni services.
• Integrated treatment specially designed to treat dual diagnosed individuals. This includes psychiatric care, oversight of medications, and continued aftercare.

DRUG REHAB: Drug Treatment, Drug Addiction

WHAT IS DRUG REHAB?

Drug rehab is a shortened term often used in place of drug rehabilitation. Traditionally, the idea of enrolling in a drug rehab program was for exactly that purpose: to rehabilitate a person exhibiting signs of addiction. Although our understanding of addiction has advanced significantly in the last century, many programs have not evolved alongside these breakthroughs in order to provide the most advanced rehabilitation available for the treatment of substance abuse disorders. Therefore, the question, “What is drug rehab?”, is not as easy to answer as it seems to be. To understand why you have to learn about the divergent philosophies applied in drug treatment settings.

Drug Rehab Philosophies

There are essentially two types of rehabilitation philosophies:

• Behavior Modification – This type of program offers the traditional treatment approach of counselor confrontation coupled with ongoing group therapy. The basic goal in a behavior modification drug rehabilitation center is to, “Break the addict down, to build them back up”.
• Clinical Treatment – This type of program is designed to clinically assess each client for co-occurring disorders, and treat with specific one on one techniques any psychiatric or psychological issues that are discovered. The basic goal in clinical treatment settings is to view addiction as a symptom and to encourage the client to develop new skills in place of old habits.

Ultimately, all drug rehab centers fall into one of these two categories. This is widely considered to be the most effective and advanced approach to the treatment of addiction and substance abuse, as well as for clients with co-occurring disorders. Although clinical treatment centers are capable of successfully treating people without a dual diagnosis, behavior modification programs are not designed for people with complex psychological or psychiatric disorders. This is especially true for people that exhibit signs of Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, and Attention Disorders. 

WHEN IS DRUG REHAB NECESSARY?

Drug rehab is necessary whenever substance abuse is creating any type of problem for the user, their friends, or their families. It doesn’t matter whether these problems are mild or severe. The question is not whether or not drug rehabilitation is necessary if problems are present. The only question is what method of drug rehabilitation is required.

METHODS FOR DRUG REHAB

To expand on the previous section, if problems are present then drug rehab is necessary. However, depending on the severity of the problems, certain specific types of rehabilitation may be more advisable than others.

Types of Drug Rehab

There are essentially three different types of drug rehabilitation in the treatment setting. These are:

1. Detoxification – This type of treatment is required whenever physical or chemical dependence is one of the presenting problems.
2. Residential – This type of treatment is required whenever the problems stemming from substance abuse are seriously impairing normal, healthy functioning.
3. Outpatient – This type of treatment is required whenever the problems resulting from substance abuse are causing stress, but not serious life impairment.

If you are uncertain about which type of drug rehab is required in your situation call 1 877 415 4673 to speak with a licensed clinician. We will conduct a free treatment assessment to help you determine the level of care that is right for you.

WE OFFER A DRUG REHAB THAT IS COMPREHENSIVE

More often than not, addiction, drug abuse, and compulsive disorders occurs in tandem with mental illnesses such as Depression or Anxiety. It is crucial that these complicating factors give shape to an intervention if the intervention is to be successful. Clinically, the overlap between these different conditions can be difficult to identify, despite signs and markers that indicate their presence. In situations where an addict suffers from co-occurring disorders, they are referred to as being dual diagnosed. And one of ARC’s distinctions is how comprehensive its services are. This distinction is vitally important for both diagnostic reasons as well as determining what clinical protocols will be most effective once a client is in treatment.

How Insurance Coverage Working for Addiction Treatment?

Insurance Covered Drug Rehab

The questions about the right thing to do are virtually endless

A family member recently asked us to verify their insurance benefits for a loved one to enroll in drug rehab. But without understanding how insurance works for drug treatment programs the information we provide after verifying is of little help. So to learn what it all means, we’ve provided 3 simple tips to help people understand the insurance verification process. Here are the most important things you should know about insurance plans and paying privately for rehabilitation.

Use cash and enroll now or use insurance and prepare for some serious red tape.

No matter what, using cash is the easiest way to access substance abuse services. It’s also the most private, and most unlikely way to ever have an issue about having received substance abuse treatment in the future. Cash offers total privacy and total control. These are two elements that whenever possible, shouldn’t be overlooked. Insurance benefits are laden with red tape. When you’re in crisis the process can be unwaveringly slow. So if you need to place someone immediately private payment is almost always the way to go. Before an insurance company will authorize any form of treatment you have to give them a lot of information first. Then they will verify what form of coverage you have (if any). After that, they will probably request some additional information. Then, if you’re lucky, they will authorize a set number of days. Then they will request more information about why further treatment is medically necessary.

Then they will verify your coverage and…See a pattern emerging?

So no question about it, if you can afford to pay for treatment privately it the best option. Most PPO insurance plans offer In Network and Out of Network options. They will usually provide more coverage if you stay In Network then if you choose to go Out of Network. A lot of times the drug rehab you want to attend will be a non-preferred provider (Out of Network) and this means if go that route you will be responsible for more of the costs.

Out of Network treatment and the little known SUPERBILL

When you want to go to a specific Out of Network drug treatment program you can choose to get a Superbill. This means that at the end of treatment you will get a reimbursement check instead of the facility. With a Superbill, you pay the entire cost of treatment upfront and then get reimbursed directly from the insurance company. This is usually better for you financially in the long run if you go to treatment Out of Network. The sad fact is that you can go to any program you want if you have an insurance plan that offers Out of Network coverage. The insurance companies really, really, REALLY discourage you from going this route. That’s quite simply because it ends up costing them more money.

Not All Insurance Covered Drug Rehabs Offer The Same Thing

Out of Pocket Maximums

In addition to having an In Network and Out of Network option on most PPO plans, there will also be an Out of Pocket Maximum. This means that once you reach a predetermined amount inpatient payment responsibilities, the insurance will cover at 100% going forward. To determine what your Out of Pocket Maximum is on your PPO plan simply call the 800 number on the back of your insurance card and ask them what your Out of Pocket Maximum is for Substance Abuse Treatment.

Deductibles

An unfortunate aspect of the Out of Pocket Maximum is that is often doesn’t include your deductible. In other words, the deductible on your PPO insurance might be $2500.00 per person on the plan, with a Family Aggregate of $10,000.00. In this scenario, if you went In Network, you would more than likely be responsible for the 20% (at least) for the duration of the whole treatment episode. Remember to ask them if your deductible is included in your Out of Pocket Maximum. When the insurance company says they will cover 60% of substance abuse treatment you will have out of pocket expenses (often not including your deductible) up to, but not exceeding a set dollar amount. So if your out of pocket maximum is $10,000.00 you will have to pay 40% up to $10,000.00. After that, the insurance company will cover 100% of authorized services.

MENTAL HEALTH INSURANCE COVERED DRUG REHAB AND ALCOHOL TREATMENT

How Mental Health Benefits Can Help Offset Costs

Remember, insurance benefits are broken up into several categories. The two that are most relevant to you are the Behavior Health (outlined in the previous section) and Mental Health benefits. When you go to a co-occurring disorders treatment facility or dual diagnosis program, you can effectively bill for any behavioral and mental health issues that you presently have. This can be very helpful with both Out of Network coverage and when Superbilling.

The breakdown for mental health coverage in terms of In and Out of Network benefits, deductibles, and out of pocket maximums is very much the same as their behavioral health counterparts. However, it’s important to specify the coverage type your seeking when calling your insurance company to verify benefits information.