Cost of Not Attending Addiction Treatment
The first step of asking for help is often, but not always, the most difficult step to take. Feelings of guilt and shame amongst other negative emotions continue to fuel the behaviors associated with the misuse of substances, in conjunction with ongoing active use. It’s during these times that continuing down the destructive path of addiction may seem like the easier option; however, it is important to remember and be aware of the negative impacts that choosing to not receive care could have on your life. Let’s take a moment to examine some of these elements: Family Concerns: Relationships are often strained when a loved one is struggling with active addiction. Family members may choose to distance themselves or discontinue communication as a result of stress and anxiety levels being heightened as they fear for the well being of their loved one. Choosing to engage in care for your addiction is the beginning to repairing these strained relationships. Treatment offers a platform to better understand yourself, the dynamics of your family and/or other interpersonal relationships, and how to better manage yourself and communicate. In the absence of engaging in treatment, these family concerns will only continue to worsen and become increasingly difficult to mend as time goes on. Emotional Concerns: The misuse of substances often leads to increased symptoms of, most commonly, depression and anxiety. The co-occurrence of substance use and mental health disorders is highly prevalent. During active use, medications prescribed for mental health concerns may be taken inconsistently or completely forgotten. The re-emergence of psychiatric symptoms can increase the chance of ongoing substance use due to individuals attempting to manage their symptoms through the use of substances. In the absence of treatment, unmanaged mental health symptoms can continue to worsen and potentially result in the need for stabilization in a hospital or inpatient setting. In extreme cases, individuals may experience psychosis or thoughts to harm themselves or others. Medical Concerns: The potential for medical complications as a result of substance use can be significant. If engaging in the practice of sharing needles occurs as a part of your substance use, this increases the possibility of contracting HIV/AIDS, or Hepatitis C. Some individuals may wind up with an infection at the injection site which would require medical attention. There is also risk associated with detoxification from alcohol or benzodiazepines, as unmanaged withdrawal can result in seizures. Engaging in a medical detox will allow you to detox from substances comfortably and safely with the oversight of a full medical team, reducing the risk of complications. The largest concern with regards to health is the probability of overdose and death. Treatment is the best option to reduce the risk of any medical complications associated with addiction. Financial Concerns: Active use of alcohol or illicit substances can have major implications on financial stability. There is a risk of bills being unpaid, increase in debt, damaging your personal credit history, defaulting on a mortgage or car loan, and/or even losing everything. Sometimes the need for money to continue the use of drugs can lead to dangerous behaviors, for example; burglary or prostitution. Legal Concerns: Individuals that engage in the continued use of alcohol or drugs run the risk of arrest. Whether it is a possession charge, driving under the influence, or a theft/burlglary related charge; the implications and consequences are significant. Incarceration, fines, probation, etc. are all possible results of arrest. Choosing to receive care for your substance use disorder mitigates all the identified risks mentioned above. There is NO negatives to engaging in treatment. While it can be difficult and emotionally challenging to venture down the road of recovery, the possibilities of happiness and a positive quality of life are endless. Find the reason, and remember you are worth it. Author: Caitlin Simpson DSW, LCSW, LCADC – Footprints to Recovery – Director of Clinical Operations
I Don’t Want to Go to Rehab
Going to drug rehab isn’t exactly at the top of anyone’s list of things they want to do, but many times it’s a necessary step toward taking back your life, or even saving your life. You may have several reasons why you don’t want to go to addiction treatment. Many of these reasons are probably excuses tied to myths about addiction or what drug and alcohol rehab is like. Some of the reasons why you don’t want to go to rehab may include: 1. I’m Scared of Detox. Many people have an inaccurate idea of what detox is like. Hollywood often paints a picture of someone alone in a bare room going through painful withdrawal symptoms without help. That’s simply not the truth. When you go through medical detox at an addiction treatment center, you’re under 24/7 care from health professionals. They use research-backed medications to help ease withdrawal symptoms. While this doesn’t eliminate all discomfort from drug or alcohol withdrawal, it makes it much more comfortable. Detox specialists also regularly monitor your vital signs and make sure you’re safe. You’ll typically have your own room with a bed and other comfortable furnishings. 2. My Substance Abuse Isn’t Bad Enough for Drug Rehab. If your drug or alcohol use even has you wondering about addiction treatment, it’s time to take a closer look. Same goes for loved ones or employers who’ve confronted you about drug and alcohol use. If people are noticing your substance use and questioning whether you have a drug or alcohol addiction, chances are there’s reason for concern. Maybe you think just because you don’t drink or use drugs every day, you don’t have a substance use disorder. Perhaps you point to the fact that you can hold a job, go to school, or manage family and personal obligations as a reason why you don’t need help. The reality is, left untreated, addiction gets worse. Repeated drug and alcohol abuse changes how your brain functions, and you’re going to need to keep increasing substance intake to get the desired effect, or even worse, to stave off withdrawal symptoms. Not to mention, the long-term impact of drug and alcohol misuse is eye-opening. Depending on the substance, amount, how long you’ve been using it, and your individual make-up, drug and alcohol abuse can lead to: Alcohol abuse and drug addiction come in many forms. For instance, maybe you’re misusing prescription medications. Perhaps you’re only engaging in “heavy” drinking or recreational drug use occasionally. Regardless of the situation, substance abuse can alter your perception of the situation. While things may not be “that bad,” history tells us that with continued drug and alcohol abuse things tend to get worse before they get better. If you’re contemplating whether you need addiction treatment, the best thing you can do is get an assessment from a professional. 3. I Can’t Afford Addiction Treatment. The cost of drug and alcohol rehab is a concern for many people. The truth is addiction treatment may be more affordable than you think. Most insurances have a behavioral health component that may pay for treatment fully or partially. Medical detox is considered a medical necessity by most insurances and should be covered. Insurance coverage for substance abuse varies by provider and state. The best way to determine the cost of drug rehab is to verify your insurance coverage through the addiction treatment center. For instance, Footprints to Recovery offers free insurance benefit checks. We work directly with your provider to understand exactly what is covered and out-of-pocket costs and relay all that information to you. If you don’t have insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover drug rehab, there are other options. Some treatment centers offer payment plans for self-pay clients. You can also consider a lower level of care. For instance, maybe your insurance doesn’t cover residential treatment, but may offer some coverage for outpatient treatment or intensive outpatient treatment. Finances need not stand in the way. There are ways to get the help you need. 4. I Can’t Take Time off Work or School. The thought of taking time off work for alcohol or drug rehab can feel overwhelming. You may worry that your job will be in jeopardy if you do so, and of course there’s the financial concerns of not collecting a paycheck while you’re away. You should know that there are laws that prevent employers from firing you for taking a leave of absence to get this kind of help. The fact is, not getting help now may cost you your job down the road anyway. 5. I Can’t Take Time Away from Family. It’s not easy to carve out this time for yourself, but it is going to help you and your family in the long run. Ask yourself if you’re really there for your family in ways you’d like to be right now. Sacrificing a short amount of time for addiction treatment can create monumental, lasting positive change in your life. If inpatient drug rehab isn’t doable, consider outpatient rehab, which usually has day and evening hours, so you can maintain work or family obligations. All in all, it’s a worthy debate that ultimately your life will ‘remain on hold’ if you’re not seeking positive change. Why worry about putting life on hold when your life will perpetually be on hold while battling substance abuse? Try and do some positive thinking, imagine what living life clearly without being in active addiction will do for your physical, mental, and overall health. This is the time to rally your resources and loved ones to help with family and other responsibilities, so you can get the help you need to make a better life for all of you. 6. I Can Handle This on My Own. Quitting drug and alcohol abuse on your own is extremely difficult once you’ve developed a chemical dependency. Some people find they can quit for a little while, but the cravings and withdrawal symptoms continue to drive them back
Contemplating Addiction Treatment? What to Consider & How to Prepare
Addiction is a complex but treatable disease that impacts an individual’s behavior and ability to function through everyday life. When it comes to addiction treatment, it is important to know what treatment options are readily available to the individual. In addition to being aware of the treatment options, it is important to understand that effective treatment is not a one-size fits all model. No single treatment is appropriate for everyone and therefore, finding a treatment program that is person-centered and matches well with the characteristics of individuals is the best route to take. Once the commitment has been made to enter into a substance use treatment program, there are a few things one can do in order to be fully prepared. It is common to feel overwhelmed and stressed about putting things on hold in order to focus solely on one’s recovery; however, it is also important to understand that these things can be dealt with by taking the time to prepare for treatment. Below are some tips on how best to prepare for treatment. First, be sure to understand what the various types of treatment options are and which options fit the individual’s needs at this stage in their recovery. Understanding what one wants out of treatment may help guide them to make a decision on which treatment program to attend based on their needs. Below are some things to consider: What level of care may be most appropriate: 1. Detoxification Services: an inpatient setting where individuals may receive medically supervised detoxification; length of stay is generally 3-5 days) 2. Residential Services: an inpatient setting where individuals may receive a wide array of services at the facility; length of stay can vary from 30-120+ days, usually determined by insurance and clinical support. 3. Partial Hospitalization Program: an outpatient setting where individuals attend treatment a minimum of five times a week for approximately six hours a day; length of stay is generally 30 days or as medically necessary. 4. Intensive Outpatient: an outpatient setting where individuals attend treatment anywhere from three to five days a week for three to five hours a day; length of stay can be one month or longer depending on medical necessity. 5. Outpatient: an outpatient setting where individuals attend treatment anywhere from one to two days a week for three to five hours; length of stay is generally 30 days or longer depending on medical necessity. What type of therapies are important: 1. Individual Therapy: one on one therapy with a licensed clinician. 2. Family Therapy: therapy that includes the involvement of the family or other support systems the patient would like to include. 3. Group Therapy: therapy conducted with two or more individuals present at a time, led by a licensed clinician. 4. Trauma Therapy: a specific therapeutic approach geared towards assisting the patient in recognizing and emphasizing an understanding of how traumatic experiences impact the patient mentally, behaviorally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. As trauma is often prevalent in addiction, this has proven to be especially helpful in treating addiction. 5. Psychiatric Services and Medication Management: services provided by a licensed professional geared towards assisting the patient in managing co-occurring disorders with the support of medications. 6. Medication Assisted Treatment: the use of medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies for the treatment of substance use disorders; includes medications such as Methadone, Suboxone, Vivitrol, etc. How else do I prepare: Tell Friends and Family Tell People at Work Prioritize Recovery Regardless of whether or not an individual’s friends and family are aware of their addiction, the people whom they love will more than likely be relieved to know that they are getting the help they need. It is important, to be honest, think about how to tell them and don’t doubt the decision to enter into treatment. The support of one’s family and friends can play a critical role in the success of that individual’s recovery, so being able to tell friends and family what is going on can allow those people to support an individual throughout the process. While being open and honest with family and friends is the best policy, telling people at work is up to the discretion of the individual. Depending on the individual’s work policies around extended leaves of absence, it may be required that the individual disclose the reason for the absence to their Human Resources department; however, individuals are not obligated to tell their co-workers or direct boss the reason for this leave. Addiction treatment is not a one size fits all, so it is important for each individual considering addiction treatment to identify what their needs are and, when seeking out programs, determine if that program can truly meet their needs. Last, but certainly not least, it is imperative that individual’s put their recovery first and foremost. Treatment is being sought because the extent of the substance use has become unmanageable. Entering into Addiction treatment is the time to put the focus on oneself. This is the time to hone in on the healing process, to rebuild one’s life skills and learn to function in life without the use of substances. Committing fully to that journey will allow individuals to experience the true value of treatment and long-term recovery. Remember, addiction is treatable! Don’t ever hesitate to advocate for yourself or a loved one who may be seeking treatment. Take a moment to look at the different options and make the choice that fits your needs or your loved one’s needs at that moment in time. Author: Bonnie Wright, MBA – Footprints to Recovery – Executive Director, Colorado
Choosing a Rehab: 6 Questions to Ask
When it comes to choosing the right addiction rehab, there are many factors to be considered. Most importantly, an alcohol and drug addiction treatment program must address each patient’s needs on an individual basis. In order to identify the best facility for you, you should narrow down what exactly you are looking for and find a facility that tailors to your needs. Some key factors to consider when choosing an alcohol and drug treatment center are: Is the facility licensed and accredited? When looking for a treatment facility for addiction, it’s important to find one that carries the appropriate license and accreditation. A licensed facility has met the established guidelines for the treatment of alcohol and drug addiction by the state they operate in. In order to receive accreditation an alcohol and drug treatment facility must receive approval from an outside accreditation body. This process involves a thorough process of confirmation that the facility meets the high standards of care established for the addiction treatment industry. When looking for if the facility is accredited there’s two accreditation’s that stand out in the addiction treatment industry: CARF and JCAHO. What is the typical length of stay? Alcohol and drug addiction treatment duration varies from patient to patient. While some may prefer a shorter length of stay, a longer length of stay has been shown to improve an individual’s overall well-being. Alcohol and drug abuse is more than a physiological dependence; it affects all aspects of an individual including their psychological well-being. Longer rehabilitation programs allow a person to take the time they need to properly stop abusing a substance while working on their mental health, recovery and interpersonal relationships. However, that is not to say some may not benefit from shorter-term addiction treatment. Those with some sobriety time, or work or childcare obligations should consider an alcohol and drug treatment center that’s going to work for them. Does location matter? Location plays a vital part in a person’s recovery. It is often encouraged that the person seeking treatment gets out of their familiar environment. Sometimes, these environments have become toxic for those suffering from addiction. Individuals need to be in a place where they feel comfortable and safe. Removing yourself from familiar people and situations may help to prevent a relapse or certain triggers. It’s for these factors that individuals can benefit from traveling for addiction treatment. Although local treatment can be convenient, if you’ve gone through treatment a couple of times locally perhaps it’s time to seek alcohol and drug treatment in another city or state. Does the facility accept my insurance? This is one of the biggest factors for people that are seeking treatment. Under the Affordable Care Act, all health insurance marketplace plans must cover substance abuse and mental health treatment. However, some insurance companies may work with certain facilities only. In order to find out if the facility accepts your insurance, you can contact the facility’s Admissions Department, where they are then able to check your policy. For individuals that do not have insurance coverage, most rehabilitation facilities also offer private pay rates with a payment plan, loan financing options or scholarships. Are admissions available 24/7? Availability is very important when choosing a facility. You or a loved one may need immediate care so finding a treatment center that is open any time, day or night, is critical. Admissions Departments that are run 24/7 are also a good resource for individuals that have questions or need general information. Seeking treatment can be very challenging, but knowing that you have a dedicated team that is there whenever you need them, can ease your mind and make the process more seamless. Are there different types of treatment offered? Having different options means a more personalized treatment plan that can align with your needs. You should look into what types of techniques are offered such as: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Individual and Group sessions, Family Therapy, Expressive Therapy, Nutritional Counseling, Gender-Specific Processing Groups, Trauma Therapy, etc. You want to choose a facility that provides a wide range of effective and evidence-based alcohol and drug treatment methods that cater to your specific needs. If you or a loved one are seeking treatment, Footprints to Recovery’s Admissions Department operates on a 24/7 basis. We are available to answer phone calls, emails, and live chats on a round-the-clock basis. Author: Lindsey Bozzi – Footprints to Recovery – Admissions Coordinator
