How to Actually Find Real Help for Addiction

After last weeks episode of Euphoria, it occurred to me that most people do not understand the insane barriers and hula-hoops that need to be jumped through in order to get into a treatment facility for substance abuse. For those of us who have been through it numerous times or who work in the industry, we understand there are certain things you are better off saying to ensure you can get the care you need. The insurance companies don’t want to approve you but there are ways around their bureaucratic ideologies.

Here are a few ways to make sure you can get help, no matter what.

Alcohol and Benzodiazepine withdrawals can be deadly, so regardless if that is an actual problem or not, if you even think it, say it. Insurance companies legally can’t deny these substances since they require medical detoxification. For opioid users, insurance companies feel that can be treated and monitored on an outpatient basis even though the success rates vary and inpatient treatment followed by outpatient is typically the suggested way to go through treatment.
Exaggerate the usage. Sadly quantity, length of use and how often you’re using all come into play when seeking treatment. Now I’m not saying to flat out lie. I am saying make it clear this person has a problem and they need help before its too late.
Find treatment centers that are in-network or who will help you find the treatment that best fits your needs. At the end of this article I will list some resources around the country that vary from in-network to out-of-network, but they all will help you find your personal solutions for substance abuse. In-network facilities tend to be easier to get into because your insurance company already has contracted rates with that program.
Don’t give up. Addiction is a never ending cycle of insane behaviors that not only hurt the addict themselves, but everyone around them. Trust me, I’ve been there. My entire family was affected by my drug use. Some days I wonder if that’s why they are the way they are in certain regards, but I found the hope in recovery and almost ten years ago I decided that was no longer a life I needed to choose to live. I had the power of choice and you or your loved one can find that too. You may think recovery isn’t possible and treatment doesn’t work, but thanks to the anonymous aspects of AA and NA the success rates reported are much lower than they really are. So don’t give up hope, recovery is always possible.

Local Addiction Treatment Resources

How to Actually Find Real Help for Addiction

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