Other Considerations

A Consumer's Guide to Alcohol & Drug Addiction Treatment

On this page:  Increasing  treatment effectiveness | If typical treatment methods didn’t work
Abstinence | Paying for treatment

Increasing Treatment Effectiveness

Certain characteristics increase the chances that a treatment program is of good quality

• Is the program accredited or licensed?

• Are treatment services delivered by licensed or certified staff?

• Is the method of treatment based on an assessment of the severity of the problem,
  as well as the individual’s other psychiatric, medical and social needs?

• Is the type of treatment appropriate for the individual’s age, gender, and substance
  of choice?

How the individual and family participate in the program also increase the chance of
success.

• Was the person in treatment for a long enough period of time?

• Did the person attend all scheduled appointments?

• Did they receive the right medications?

• Did the person complete the program as outlined by the staff?

• Was the person involved in aftercare following the initial treatment experience?

• Were one or more family members willing to participate?

• Did the person receive any pressure or mandates to attend treatment?

If the person didn’t want to stay in treatment:

• Was a treatment plan developed for the individual’s specific needs?

• Did it address all of their issues (including medical and social)?

• Was the plan modified as the person changed?

• Is there another problem, such as depression, that needs to be addressed
  simultaneously?

• Was the facility safe and clean?

• Did the person feel comfortable there?

• Did the person fit with the staff members and other treatment participants?

If typical treatments methods don’t work

Some individuals have found assistance by reaching out to members of their community
to find others who have overcome addiction.  There is a large and vibrant recovery
community in Gallatin County. Members of this community can share their wisdom about
what methods were helpful to them.

Other people find help attending bible-study classes, prayer groups, or taking on
responsibilities in their local church. Such settings provide drug-free environments and
encourage attendees to live by a set of values and ethics that include respecting
themselves and others, which is consistent with recovery philosophy.

Most treatment programs in the United States view abstinence, or absolutely no
substance use, as the only path to recovery.

Although some individuals, especially some young people, may be treated for “misuse”
and return to moderate, non-problem use, much research supports the need for
abstinence as a treatment goal for those who have developed alcoholism or drug
dependence. 

Whether total abstinence is necessary or not is a decision to be made between the
individual and the treatment provider.

Paying for Treatment

There are several options for paying for substance abuse treatment. However, these
options do not cover all individuals.

• Most private health insurance plans provide coverage for treatment.

  • If you have private health insurance, call the toll-free number on the back
    of your card and ask about your treatment benefits, or talk to your employer’s
    human resources professional.  Make sure you know exactly what you’re
    getting before making any arrangements.  You don’t want to be blindsided by
    hidden costs.
    

  • In the event your insurance denies a claim, refer to your benefits plan for
    instructions on how to appeal.  The appeal process may be different in every state, and there is often a time limit for you to file. The Henry Kaiser Family
    Foundation provides information on independent state review of insurance disputes and information on how to handle disputes with your insurance
    carrier.

• Medicaid is an insurance program for people who lack health insurance and meet
  certain financial thresholds.  Individuals must apply for coverage in their state,
  and benefits are administered differently in various states. Here's an overview of Medicaid eligibility.

• Medicare is an insurance program for people over 65 and people with disabilities.
  People who receive Medicare benefits can access Medicare benefits enrollment
  Learn how to enroll.  
  

• Administration benefits are available to veterans and their families. Call 1-877-222-VETS.
  

• Employee Assistance Plans:  Some companies have employee assistance
  professionals available for employed individuals.  Services may be provided on-site,
  or you may receive a list of substance use professionals in your area. Contact your
  company’s human resources office to learn more about this option. 
  

• College Students: Student health services often provide group and individual
  counseling for individuals with substance use problems. Contact the health or
  counseling center.
  

• Clinical trials are services provided by researchers studying the effectiveness of
  a range of treatment methods, including counseling and medications. Often these
  services are provided free of charge because they are part of large research
  studies. Visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse Clinical Trial Network to see if there is a clinical trial taking place nearby.
  

• Financial Aid:  Many private treatment centers have financial aid that helps defray
  the expense.  Contact treatment facilities directly about the availability of these
  funds. Family members who need to pay for treatment out of their own resources
  can work with treatment centers to create payment plans so that the entire sum
  does not need to be paid at the beginning.
  

This information is courtesy of 
Join Together, a project of Boston University School of Public Health

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