Author Archives: James Haggerty

About James Haggerty

Experienced Chief Executive Addiction Recovery and Mental Health Professional Business professional in the Addiction Recovery and Mental Health industry for the past 26 years. Caring, compassionate and strongly motivated to make a difference in the organizations I am affiliated with and welfare of the population we serve. Currently focused on advocating, educating and developing projects leveraging evidence based, real time technology to support individuals in recovery.

Sober Living Home Success Rates - ECHO Recovery

Sober Living Home Success Rates

Do sober living homes provide value when it comes to substance abuse recovery? Of course, we will always reply, “Yes,” to this question, but can we quantify it?

There are a lot of variables in play when it comes to sober housing and determining what constitutes success. Nevertheless, we will draw upon a longitudinal study as well as other relevant statistics in order to demonstrate the great benefit of sober living homes.

If you’re looking for the universal success rate, there’s not one easy number to point to, but we can provide several related stats and facts that help paint a pretty close picture.

Sober Living Longitudinal Study in California

One of the most wide-ranging studies of sober homes came out of California last decade. Douglas L. Polcin, Ed.D., led a group of researchers who studied two different models of sober living houses from 2005 to 2010. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) funded this study, called “the first examination of sober living house residents using a longitudinal design.”

The Journal of Psychoactive Drugs published Polcin and co.’s findings in December 2010. The study tracked the results of 300 individuals who entered one of the two sober living communities on which Polcin’s team focused.

The two disparate models of sober living homes were:

  • A group of homes located in Berkeley, California with a direct connection to an outpatient addiction treatment program. At the time of the study, there were four houses and 58 beds in total.
  • A community of 16 “freestanding” houses (136-bed capacity) in Sacramento County, California. The first 30 to 90 days of residency were heavily structured, while residents enjoyed more personal freedom if they stayed longer than that. All residents had to abide by a curfew and attend 12-step meetings.

The research team interviewed all participants within their first week at one of the two sober living communities, and then conducted follow-up interviews at the 6-, 12- and 18-month marks. The study noted, “Average lengths of stay in both types of sober living houses surpassed the National Institute on Drug Abuse recommendation of at least 90 days to obtain maximum benefit.”

The average length of stay in the Berkeley sober living community was 254 days. The Sacramento County community boasted a still-impressive average length of stay of 166 days.

Sober Living Home Success Rates: The Findings

In the Berkeley sober living community, only 11 percent of interviewees said they were completely abstinent from drugs and alcohol over the six months prior to their initial (“baseline”) interview. During their stay in the sober home, that rate improved to:

  • 68 percent at the 6- and 12-month marks
  • 46 percent after 18 months

That’s right: The rate dropped between 12 and 18 months, but the researchers noted it was still significantly better than the baseline rate.

In the Sacramento County sober homes, 20 percent of interviewees said they were completely drug and alcohol abstinent over the six months prior to first entering the home. Over time, that rate improved to:

  • 40 percent at 6 months
  • 45 percent at 12 months
  • 42 percent at 18 months

Yes, the rate decreased here between 12 and 18 months, also. Why? The study noted that 68 percent of the Berkeley participants and 82 percent of the Sacramento County participants had left the homes by the 12-month mark. Arguably, the residents who stayed past that time may have been the ones who were struggling more with complete abstinence and needed extra time, driving down the rate over that final six-month period.

Sober Living Benefits: Additional Takeaways

The study noted that the alcohol and drug severity was already low among residents first entering one of these sober homes.

“Because severity was low there was limited room to improve on these measures. Nevertheless, we found significant improvement at 6 months for both alcohol … and drug (abstinence). Those improvements were maintained at 12 and 18 months,” the report said.

The researchers also found no statistically significant differences in outcomes among demographic subgroups (age, gender, ethnicity, education level, etc.) and different referral sources (self, family member, criminal justice, inpatient program, etc.)

The study also noted, “By 18 months nearly all had left, yet improvements were for the most part maintained.”

Researchers could not conclude that one model of sober living was better than the other, due to the differing demographics and objectives each model had. Ultimately, it comes down to what’s best for the individual.

In general, however, the researchers concluded that sober living houses are beneficial for people who are:

  • Completing residential treatment
  • Attending outpatient treatment
  • Seeking non-treatment alternatives for recovery (a sober, structured environment)
  • Entering a community after recent incarceration

Longer Programs Equal Reduced Relapse Rates

A related study worth pointing out has to do with the length of addiction treatment programs. For those who went to treatment for 90 or more consecutive days, the relapse rate was only 15 percent within the first year after completing treatment, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Compare that to the nearly 40 percent relapse rate within the first year among those who only received 30 days of treatment. Findings like these are why the NIDA has declared 90 days to be the new gold standard for addiction treatment program lengths.

The NIDA has never stipulated that patients need to complete all 90 days in an inpatient rehab facility. A combination of inpatient and outpatient treatment, uninterrupted, can be just as effective, especially if the individual takes advantage of sober living accommodations while participating in an outpatient program.

Even the previously mentioned NIAAA-funded study concluded, “there are several significant advantages” when pairing outpatient treatment with sober living accommodations. Among the many benefits is the lack of arbitrary discharge dates by the program, allowing the individual to decide when he or she is ready to transition to greater independence.

“Some residents probably benefit from the mandate that they attend outpatient treatment during the day and comply with a curfew in the evening,” according to Dr. Polcin and his research team.

Sober Living on the East Coast

ECHO Recovery believes strongly in helping people find access to recovery homes that are tied to structured outpatient programs. Through the generous donations we receive, we also may be able to offer financial aid to certain clients to cover a portion of their costs for staying in a sober home.

Whether you’re brand new to rehabilitation or currently in an inpatient program, ECHO Recovery can help you find sober living accommodations on the East Coast along with ongoing outpatient treatment. Contact us if you’re ready to start or continue your journey to addiction recovery.

Learn the Rules of Sober Homes

How To Pay For Sober Living Recovery Home Stays - ECHO Foundation

How to Pay for Sober Living and Recovery Home Stays

When you come to the end of a rehabilitation program, your funds may be drained from not working, and your insurance company has likely payed for all of the treatment it’s going to pay for. Perhaps you can get your insurer to cover outpatient treatment, but any other resources you may need – such as sober living accommodations – will probably be out of pocket.

So, what are your options if returning home is untenable at this time and you need to stay a few more weeks in a drug- and alcohol-free environment? A recovery home is the ideal situation you’re looking for, but paying for it won’t be easy.

Unless you have a few thousand dollars lying around after completing rehab, here are some tips for helping you pay for a recovery home stay as you continue to become accustomed to sobriety:

Will Insurance Cover Sober Living? Try to Use Your Insurance Plan

Just because the chances aren’t great that your insurance plan will cover a recovery home stay doesn’t mean you should avoid looking into it. There are so many insurance companies and unique plans out there that it’s hard to say with 100 percent certainty that you will or will not be covered.

Perhaps you have a higher-end policy that might cover this kind of expense, or if you’ve had a doctor deem sober living as medically necessary, then there’s a higher chance your insurer may cover it. Another possibility is you’ve had the foresight to add on certain options to your insurance plan, which may now cover extended care and accommodations for drug addiction.

You can’t know for sure unless you call up your insurance company directly and ask them if sober living is specifically covered, or what you have to do to get it covered. If you employer provides your insurance, you may be able to get your answers through a human resources representative at your workplace.

The moral of the story is: Don’t rule it out until you’ve asked.

Explore the Recovery Home’s Payment Options

If you’re interested in a specific recovery home, contact them to explore their payment options. They may be able to find a solution that works with your budget. They may offer financing so that you don’t have to put down the money all at once. Perhaps they will also offer a grace period before you start having to pay the loan back.

Some recovery homes are able to offer scholarships and financial aid in order to offset some of your costs. At ECHO Recovery, we take monetary and household good donations in order to help clients afford their fees and to so we can keep our recovery homes stocked with everyday communal items.

The takeaway here is to communicate with your desired recovery home and explore their payment plans before ruling out sober living completely.

Work While You Reside at the Recovery Home

Many recovery homes require you to work at least a part-time job while you enjoy their accommodations, so this can factor in to how you pay for their fees. Although the job you find (or resume) likely won’t cover the entire cost of recovery home living, it will certainly help. It may also factor into the loan terms they offer you if you approach them about a payment plan.

Seek a Private Loan

By no means are you relegated to the recovery home when it comes to seeking a loan. You can approach a bank or another reputable lender in order to seek one of the following types of loans:

  • Personal
  • Medical
  • Hardship

In fact, you may want to do this and secure your terms and then approach a recovery home and ask about their payment plans. This way, you can choose the best terms possible for your budget, and you won’t regret not exploring more payment options.

Please note that while you can take out a loan for sober living and possibly qualify for a scholarship from the recovery home itself, there are no federal grants available for “drug-free supportive housing” at this time, according to the federal Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.

Look into Nonprofit Scholarships and Sponsorships

There may be nonprofit organizations either in your hometown or located near your desired recovery home that can offer you financial assistance for sober living. It’s doubtful they will be able or willing to cover the entire cost, but any aid they can offer will help.

The recovery facility you look into may bring up this option if you talk to them about payment plans; they may work with local nonprofits in order to help their clients afford the accommodations. Otherwise, do an independent search online for a charity or nonprofit that may offer financial aid for your sober living stay.

Other Potential Options to Pay for Sober Living

And, if all else fails, or if there’s a certain dollar amount that you’re having trouble covering, there a few last-ditch efforts you can try, such as:

  • Ask a friend, family member or close neighbor if they would be willing to lend you the money until you can pay them back.
  • Sell off personal property or assets that can help you cover the sober living costs.
  • Dip further into your checking account or into your personal saving account, if you haven’t done so already. Be sure to leave enough to live off when you return home.

We understand that you would have to set aside some pride and personal comfort in doing any one of these three things, but consider what’s at stake here: your life and your health. If you finish rehab before you’re really ready and then you relapse, most of the work you did and most of what you’ve spent will have been for not. We say “most” because sometimes you can get right back on track quickly.

Think of the long-term implications of not following through with your recovery, and also think of the success you could find if you maintain sobriety for years on end. Look at rehab and sober living as an investment into your future.

Recovery Housing on the East Coast

ECHO Recovery can help you with a stable place to stay as you pursue outpatient addiction treatment or if you simply want more time in a sober environment before returning home. Our recovery homes emphasize life skills and encourage employment in addition to any treatment you’re receiving and support groups in which you’re participating.

Through various generous donations, we’re able to offer financial aid to many of our clients, as well. Find out more about the services we can provide to support you or your loved one’s walk toward recovery by clicking below.

Explore Our Recovery Housing Services

Choosing sober living

Tips and Professional Advice for Choosing a Sober Living Program

If you are considering choosing a sober living home for yourself or a loved one, take a moment to appreciate this victory. Choosing sober living is a major step toward lifelong addiction recovery. Now the question is – which sober living program is right for you? Use these tips and advice from professionals to get started.

Find Recovery Homes with Structure, Consistency, & Predictability

The last thing a recovering person needs is a chaotic or confusing environment. The best sober living facilities ground their programs and daily living in stability. Look for a facility that has staff members coordinating each day, or at least a basic framework for how activities should go. Without someone telling you what to do in your new sober lifestyle, you may end up feeling intimidated and overwhelmed. This can easily lead to relapse in the wrong circumstances.

Search for structure beyond just a daily routine. Your sober living home should have mandatory rules and regulations, including curfews and a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol-free environment. Anything less is a risk you shouldn’t be willing to take. Stability is especially important in the first weeks and months of recovery. Rules and responsibilities can give you a sense of accountability for your actions, and motivate you to continue on your path toward long-term sober living. When it comes to maintaining sobriety, the more structure the sober living home has, the better.

Don’t Compromise On Safety Or Security

As someone recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction, you’ve dealt with enough bumps in the road. You need a sober living program that ensures your safety – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Ask about the home’s security measures and the technology it uses to keep the grounds safe, free from weapons, and free from intruders.

Take a look at the location of the facility. You don’t want to live in a bad part of town, where drug use and dealing are rampant. This would be counter-intuitive to your goal of sober living, and make your life harder than it has to be. A location close to your job, meetings, church, and hospitals is ideal – especially if you don’t have a vehicle or license to drive. Choose a house where you feel safe, comfortable, and cared for.

What You Can Do to Help Fight the Opioid Epidemic

Get To Know The Recovery Staff

Visit the sober living home in person to get a sense of its mood, spirit, and atmosphere. You should feel a sense of positivity, or have a gut feeling that it’s the right place for you. The people currently living there should appear well taken care of and happy – at least for the most part. Search for a sense of friendship or camaraderie among residents. Talk to some of the staff members, making sure they treat the residents appropriately.

The staff at the facility should be well trained, professional, and dedicated to the safety of residents. A strong staff is the backbone of a good sober living home. The staff should truly care about the success of the residents. They shouldn’t be afraid to enforce the rules and kick residents out who break them, such as those who bring drugs across the threshold. Finally, the staff should have experience in the field of addictions and recovery.

Avoid Scams And Fraud In The Sober Living Industry

Protect yourself from fraud in the sober living industry by watching for the common signs of a scam. This can include patient brokering, or when a recruiter “sells” patients to the sober home. Kickbacks, or when a sober home receives money for patient referrals, are also red flags for fraud. Any home that allows its residents to keep using drugs, as long as they attend treatment, is a fraudulent treatment center. Report these facilities if you happen across them.

Scams involving sober homes billing for unnecessary services have also fooled hundreds of unsuspecting people. Watch for lab tests such as urinalyses or other diagnostics that seem unnecessary or overly expensive. On the other end of the spectrum, homes that waive all co-payments and other financial responsibilities for patients are also suspicious. These facilities attract patients with addiction who do not have the means to pay for treatment, but always waiving all patient responsibility could violate contracts and laws.

Read Sober Living House Reviews

Glean valuable insights into how a program really functions by reading sober living house reviews. Reviews from clients who have participated in the sober living facility will offer deeper insights than the facility’s website or spokespeople. Look up reviews on Google or Yelp, and read them carefully before choosing a facility. Keep in mind that one or two bad reviews in a sea of good ones might not mean much. Some people may have gone through something that casts the entire experience in a bad light. Multiple negative reviews, however, should be a red flag.

The reputation of a sober living home can speak volumes about the success of its residents. Conduct an online search for the home and see what you can find. Ask around to friends and family members to get their opinions. The more you can learn about the facility before enrolling, the better. If time is of the essence, there are services such as ECHO Recovery that can help you investigate a potential sober living facility quickly and efficiently.

Reach Out To ECHO Recovery

People struggling with addiction, parents, and loved ones can contact ECHO Recovery and receive information about licensed, desirable living facilities. The ECHO Recovery Foundation is a non-profit rehabilitation charity that provides affordable sober living housing, addiction education, and recovery advocacy. ECHO Recovery helps people vet sober living programs thoroughly, to make sure they fit the bill. You’ll feel confident sending yourself or a loved one to a safe sober living environment when you conduct your search through ECHO. Start your search today.

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Increased Benzodiazepine Overdose Rates in the United States

Increased Benzodiazepine Overdose Rates in the United States

Opioids are the drug at the root of the current overdoses and addiction crisis in the United States, and benzodiazepines are the drug at the heart of a silent epidemic that is happening at the same time, but hasn’t garnered as much attention in the media.

The results of a study on “Increasing Benzodiazepine Prescriptions and Overdose Mortality in the United States, 1996–2013” found that the percentage of American adults filling benzodiazepine prescriptions had increased from 4.1% to 5.6% in the 17 years between 1996 and 2013. Shockingly, revised numbers by the National Institute on Drug Abuse as of 2018 put that increase at 67%. Representing an increase of 8.1 million to 13 million.

With the number of people addicted to drugs alike Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin increasing, and subsequent benzodiazepine overdose and addiction treatment admissions skyrocketing, the case for a possible benzodiazepine epidemic in America must be made.

The Benzodiazepine Epidemic in the United States

The number of opioid prescriptions being filled in the United States has decreased since 2016 – a sign that prevention measures put in place in-response to the opioid epidemic are working. While we haven’t seen the trickle down effects of opioid epidemic responses lowering the number of overdose deaths, we are seeing early wins.

If low prescription rates for opioids signal a positive trends in the opioid epidemic, increased benzodiazepine prescription rates signal a negative and dangerous trend that appears to be getting worse every year.

Opioid Deaths involving Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines Overdose Statistics:

Benzodiazepines were involved in 30% of all prescription drug deaths in the year 2013 – a number that would shock the medical community, and spur a response from the public, if it wasn’t being overshadowed by and even bigger number. 70% of all prescription drug deaths involved opioids.

“75% of benzodiazepine deaths in the US also involve opioid use”

The overdose rate for benzodiazepines alone quadrupled from 1999 to 2010 in Adults 18-64 years in age.

Key Statistics on Benzodiazepine Addiction:

  • Benzodiazepine overdoses increased from 1,135 (1999) to 8,791 (2015) in 16 years.
  • The increase in benzo overdoses between 1999 and 2015 was more than 700%.
  • Alprazolam (Xanax) was involved in 3,677 deaths in 2010.
  • Alprazolam (Xanax) was involved in 4,043 deaths in 2011.
  • Alprazolam (Xanax) was involved in 3,785 deaths in 2012.
  • Alprazolam (Xanax) was involved in 3,696 deaths in 2013.
  • Alprazolam (Xanax) was involved in 4,217 deaths in 2014.
  • Alprazolam (Xanax) is consistently involved in more deaths than Diazepam (Valium).
  • The percentage of people using benzodiazepines increases directly with the age group (the older the age group, the higher percentage of benzodiazepine use).
  • Emergency room visits involving mixed opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 11 (per 100,000) to 34.2 between 2004 and 2011.
  • Increases in benzodiazepine overdose deaths between 2004 and 2011 hit every age group except the 12-17 year old age group.

Maryland Benzodiazepine Overdose Statistics:

  • Emergency room visits involving mixed opioids and benzodiazepines increased every year in all demographic groups in Maryland since 2007.
  • Overdoses involving benzodiazepines and opioids make up 53% of overdose cases in Maryland.
  • Overdoses involving benzodiazepines and fentanyl make up 45% of overdose cases in Maryland.
  • Overdoses involving benzodiazepines and heroin make up 43% of overdose cases in Maryland.
  • The total amount of overdose deaths in Maryland has increased every year, from 649 deaths in 2010 to 20189 deaths in 2016.
Xanax Vs Valium Overdose Deaths

Xanax Vs Valium Overdose Deaths

Percentage of the U.S. population in 2008 with any benzodiazepine use, by sex and age

Percentage of the U.S. population in 2008 with any benzodiazepine use, by sex and age. Source: IMS

Why is Benzodiazepine Use, Abuse, Addiction, and Overdoses Increasing?

There have been a lot of theories as to why benzo use is increasing in popularity in recent years. However, to understand why more people are using and becoming addicted to benzodiazepines, you really only need to look at what benzodiazepines are prescribed to treat, and the uses of benzodiazepine.

Statistic of Americans That Had an Addiction to Prescription or Illicit Opioids

What are Benzodiazepines Used For?

Benzodiazepines are primarily used to treat anxiety, sleeplessness, seizures, and pain and discomfort caused by a number of medical issues. They are also used in treating addiction to alcohol, opioids, and even addiction to benzodiazepines. Further, benzodiazepines are often used in conjunction with antidepressants to treat depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, and a host of other mental health issues.

When we put together all of the issues that benzodiazepines treat, we come up with a list:

  • Anxiety and Panic Disorders
  • Depression
  • Drug and Alcohol Addiction
  • Insomnia
  • Personality Disorders
Given the fact that recent studies have shown a high correlation between mental health disorders and substance abuse, it would seem that the reason for an increase in the use of benzodiazepines can be tied back to mental health disorders.

We have a mental health crisis in America and across the world that we are not dealing with adequately – just medicating its symptoms.

Why Has the Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders Increased in Recent Years

There are innumerable reasons why mental health disorders have increased since the year 2000 – the whole world has been under a lot of stress. From the September 2001 terrorist attacks and following wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan, the world changed rapidly in the past nearly 2 decades. Add to that a housing and financial crisis, technological advances bring technology deeper into your life and threaten your privacy, and – of course – social media.

In short, the past 20 years have taken a toll on humanity and most assuredly can be to blame for the increase of mental health illnesses in those without a genetic predisposition to mental health illnesses. We are a world of people that are self-medicating the very real pain and injury we feel from a world moving faster and becoming more chaotic and aggressive in nature.

It is believed that the opioid epidemic was the first wave of a response to changes in society and in our world. While we are making strives to address the opioid epidemic now, we must not forget that a second wave is following closely behind the opioid epidemic, in the form of a benzodiazepine epidemic.

Preventing a Worsening Benzodiazepine Addiction Epidemic

Inaction in the beginning is what caused the opioid epidemic to become out of control so quickly, and we must not let inaction worsen benzodiazepine addiction rates in the U.S. and cause a benzodiazepine addiction epidemic. We need to cut off the growth of prescription benzodiazepine abuse – just as we have with prescription opioid abuse, and we need to make more addiction treatment and housing options available for those struggling with addiction.

The United States is lacking the treatment capacity to deal with those needing treatment for opioid addiction in the wave of the opioid epidemic. Adequate housing, housing assistance, and transitional living options are in high demand and short supply. We do not have the resources to deal with the current addiction epidemic, and we will be severely hit with a greater lack of resources if a second wave of an addiction epidemic comes in the form of a benzodiazepine epidemic.

Learn more about ECHO Recovery’s efforts to provide affordable drug and alcohol recovery housing in the United States. Our efforts aim to help with opioid epidemic recovery, and to help prevent benzodiazepine addiction from becoming America’s next prescription drug crisis.

Who Is ECHO Recovery?

prescription drug abuse in the United States

How You Can Help in the National Fight Against Opioid Addiction

Most Americans are at least somewhat aware of the ongoing opioid crisis in America, but looking out your front door, it can be hard to spot the signs of opioid addiction in your community. Prescription drug abuse in the United States affects all Americans, in every state, across racial, cultural, economic, and educational lines. While many states have passed legislation specifically targeting opioid abuse, the average citizen can have a profound impact in several ways.

Advocacy, Education, And Support For Addiction Recovery

The first step any average person should take to fight the ongoing opioid crisis is to learn about the effects opioids have had at the local, state, and national levels. If you are wondering what you can do to help fight the opioid epidemic, start by researching the impact the epidemic has had in your community. Most of the people suffering opioid addiction started with prescription medication for legitimate medical issues like chronic pain or surgery recovery. Opioid dependence takes root and worsens very quickly, and many people become addicted without realizing it until withdrawal and cravings emerge.

Talk with Friends

Talk To Your Friends And Family about Prescription Drugs and Addiction

Do some research into the effects of opioid addiction in your area, and then talk to your loved ones and friends about what is happening. They may be misinformed, believe faulty information, or simply not realize the breadth and depth of this ongoing issue. Try to have conversations with the people in your life so they can research the issue on their own time. Advocacy starts at the personal level, so start conversations in your social circles so more people become aware of the opioid crisis.

Volunteer Your Time

Opioid epidemic advocacy can take many forms. While it can start with the conversations between you, your loved ones, and your friends, there are many existing programs that are always in need of volunteers. Substance abuse support groups, needle exchanges, food drives, and other events are a great way to lend your time and energy to worthwhile causes. These events are also great opportunities to have more conversations and drive awareness even more.

Find Prescription Drug Disposal Programs Nearby

Many states and communities have organized prescription drug disposal programs and events to help remove potentially addictive drugs from communities. When a person receives a prescription for opioid painkillers, he or she should consult with a doctor about when to stop the medication. In some cases, the individual may only need to take the pills for a few days. Mistakenly continuing opioid doses needlessly is very dangerous, but many people simply assume they should finish the bottle they received. No one should take opioid medication for any longer than absolutely necessary, and prescription drug disposal programs are a great way to collect leftover medications and safely dispose of them.

Addicted Newborn Baby Cuddling, Volunteer Work and Support

There are many babies in the United States born addicted to opioids due to their mothers’ addictions while pregnant. These babies enter the world feeling the effects of withdrawal, an extremely distressing experience for a newborn. During their time in NICUs and neonatal care, touch is a valuable comfort. Some hospitals have started programs for volunteers to act as “professional cuddlers.” They simply hold and soothe these struggling babies to provide them with the healing power of personal touch they probably wouldn’t receive otherwise. Consider reaching out to your local hospital to see if they could use more volunteers to cuddle opioid addicted babies.

Never Lose Faith

Contact ECHO Recovery For Addiction Recovery Advocacy And Support

The ECHO Recovery Foundation works closely with clients at the local level to help drive awareness about substance abuse and provide relief for the people affected by it. If you can’t find an advocacy program in your area to help, you can contact ECHO for advice about how to start a community outreach program. Let us know whether you think your community could benefit from events like prescription drug disposals, recovery resources, or awareness campaigns. We can provide pointers for how to get started.

Help Fighting Addiction

Donate To The ECHO Recovery
Advocacy Program

Prescription opioid abuse problems and responses are different for every community, and not every person has the time to volunteer. If you have a busy schedule but still want to do your part to help, a donation to the ECHO Recovery Advocacy Program can help make a tremendous difference in the lives of people suffering the effects of prescription drug abuse. We work closely with communities to provide recovery housing, addiction education courses, and advocacy programs. Contact ECHO Recovery if you have ideas for advocacy programs in your area or to make a donation to the Advocacy Program today.

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Understanding the Full Continuum of Addiction Treatment and Care

Understanding the Full Continuum of Addiction Treatment and Care

Substance abuse treatment professionals and researchers in the medical community agree that a continuum of care provides the best chances of recovery for a person struggling with addiction. While most people think of substance abuse recovery and imagine detox and an inpatient rehab program, the reality is that these are only two of the elements that should comprise a continuum of care.

What Is A Continuum Of Care?

Establishing a continuum of care requires careful analysis of the patient’s medical history, drug of choice, mental health, and lifestyle. It’s essential to address the root cause of addiction, not simply treat cravings and the negative symptoms of withdrawal. Substance abuse treatment professionals must meet one-on-one with a patient to develop a comprehensive plan to address the patient’s substance abuse problem holistically.

The logic behind crafting these long-term treatment plans is simple: detox and rehab only go so far when it comes to breaking addictive cycles. It’s essential for people in recovery to learn coping tactics for handling addiction triggers and toxic influences. Many people benefit greatly from support groups and sponsorship programs after rehab. A continuum of care extends from a patient’s intake and detox through rehab and counseling to aftercare and long-term support for sober living.

Early Steps In Recovery

If you or a loved one needs addiction treatment services, it’s vital to find a facility or organization that can address your specific issues with addiction. Some organizations only provide detox while others are robust inpatient facilities. There are also outpatient programs for people with less severe addictions or who simply want a more thorough transition from an inpatient facility to regular life. A caregiver should be able to provide a care plan that extends beyond detox and admission into an inpatient treatment program, but these are still critical first steps.

Medical Assistance In Detox

Detox can be a fatal process for some. People struggling with alcoholism or opioid addiction experience severe withdrawal symptoms that can turn deadly. The detox process is essential to recovery, however, and medical assistance during this process is essential. Many people suffering with addictions experience malnutrition, dehydration, and vitamin depletion. During medically-assisted detox, caregivers supply nutritional support and monitor the patient’s vital signs. They can also administer medication to help make the symptoms of withdrawal less uncomfortable and treat emergency conditions as they arise.

A solid continuum of care needs to begin with medically-assisted detox. A proper detox process can lead to withdrawal symptoms fading within a few days, while they can last for months for individuals who attempt self-detox. Medical assistance not only narrows the chance of a life-threatening crisis during detox, but also helps prepare the patient’s body for the next stages of recovery.

Substance Abuse Treatment Options

After detox, the next step in a continuum of care is to select a rehabilitation organization and format. People struggling with substance abuse experience it in unique ways, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer to substance abuse treatment. A continuum of care could include one or more different types of rehabilitation based on the patient’s needs and personal preferences.

Rehab And Inpatient Treatment Services

Traditional rehab typically takes place in an inpatient facility. Similar to vacation resorts, these facilities typically offer patients private rooms with easy access to medical and counseling services. Most of the therapeutic work will take place on facility grounds, and residents will have to abide by the facility’s code of conduct and operational policies.

While inpatient options are a popular and effective choice, some people may not feel compelled to enter a residential treatment program, or may have other obligations that prevent them from doing so. Inpatient rehab is long-term and intensive.

Outpatient Options

Outpatient programs offer services on a regular basis but do not require patients to remain in a specific residence during the course of treatment. For example, an outpatient program could include counseling services at specific times during the work week that a patient can visit while maintaining a typical work schedule. Outpatient treatment options are also a popular choice for transitioning from an inpatient facility back to normal life. Many people who finish rehab still do not feel ready to confront their old lives or may feel daunted at the prospect of managing relapse triggers on their own. Outpatient support services will help these individuals transition more easily into sober living.

Addiction Government Report

Long-Term Care For Sober Living

A full continuum of care doesn’t end with rehab. When developing a continuum of care with a substance abuse treatment professional, a patient needs to consider the transition from rehab back into regular life. This can include ongoing support in various ways. Some people benefit greatly from traditional 12-step programs, while others prefer one-on-one counseling or other group counseling options. Still others may simply prefer close contact with another individual who has completed treatment who acts as a sponsor or mentor.

Whatever form it takes, long-term aftercare needs to have a place in any continuum of substance abuse care. Relapse is a very real problem in the substance abuse world, and the old methods of returning to normal life after a 30-day stint in rehab are long gone. Substance abuse researchers now understand the value of maintenance and aftercare in substance abuse recovery, so every continuum of care should account for these necessities.

Addiction Recovery Support Networks

Support networks take many forms, and groups are available in just about every city and town. If you’re curious about the available support networks in your area, take some time to research online, visit community centers to look for posted flyers, or ask neighbors and relatives in the area what they recommend. These networks can be lifelines when facing intense cravings or temptation to fall back into old, bad habits.

Mentoring, Group Counseling And Sponsorship

Many substance abuse treatment programs offer patients the chance to participate in ongoing peer counseling programs. These benefit both the counselors and the people they counsel in many ways. These relationships can easily blossom into valuable friendships and provide the kind of intimate support most people need during recovery. It can also be very rewarding and cathartic to offer guidance and assistance to someone else who is traveling down a similar path to what you previously experienced.

Ultimately, the continuum of care in today’s world must include prevention and advocacy, detox and rehab, and a plan for relapse prevention and long-term care. Echo Recovery helps connect people in need of addiction treatment and support services through a vast network of support groups, treatment centers, professional specialists, and countless therapy options. A full continuum of care provides the best chances of achieving lifelong sobriety, so every person struggling with addiction needs to forget the old days of going back to work immediately after rehab.

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Drug Rehab Fraud and Its Effect on Insurers and Access to Addiction Treatment

Drug Rehab Fraud and Its Effect on Insurers and Access to Addiction Treatment

Rick and Drew want to help people get better. As licensed therapists and shareholders in a rehab center, these dedicated addiction and mental health professionals lost everything five years ago due to insurance fraud. Meaining, through no fault of their own, Rick and Drew paid the price for other rehab centers’ unethical practices.

Although the names have been changed, this sad but true story is becoming more and more the norm today.

The Rise of Insurance Fraud Cartels

Rick says sketchy facilities were billing patients’ health insurance $1,200 for a urinalysis, which should have been billed for about $10. Using a typical schedule of three urinalyses a week per patient, some addiction treatment centers were gouging the insurance companies big time.

Holding themselves to a higher moral standard, Drew and Rick refused to over-bill for their services to survive.

Burdened by outrageous bills from other rehabs, insurance companies became slow to pay and eventually stopped paying altogether. Drew spent many hours trying to collect insurance debts of more than $1 million.

The lack of payments drove Rick and Drew out of business, and both therapists lost their life savings that was invested in their dream of helping people.

It brings new meaning to the phrase “drug cartels.”

Insurance Companies Sued

Insurance companies like Health Net, which serves Arizona and California, are suddenly not paying claims for drug addiction treatment. Health Net was sued by nine drug and alcohol treatment centers last year for delayed or incomplete payments for policyholders’ addiction treatment.

The nine treatment centers claim Health Net improperly withheld funds from virtually all drug addiction rehab facilities in Arizona and California.

Similarly, a group of California treatment facilities filed a lawsuit against Health Net for halted payments for medically necessary services.

The New Drug Cartels

This trend of health insurers absconding reflects poorly on the new drug cartels. Insurers control the ebb and flow of industry money, and for each company that gets away with the money, there’s another company that follows suit.

In the same way, sketchy rehab centers act like drug treatment cartels by inflating their claims, gouging insurance companies and learning underhanded tactics from other rehabs.

The Fraud Fallout

Like Rick and Drew’s story, some rehabs have been squeezed financially to the point they could no longer operate, closing their doors permanently. Health insurers blame drug rehabs for filing claims with grossly inflated prices in an attempt to regain their losses impacted by fraud in the industry.

Laws Governing Mental Health Care

Although the rehab industry is not regulated by state or federal government, there are laws requiring mental health care benefits for all insured patients.

Here are a couple of the laws governing mental health care in the U.S:

  • Under federal law, insurance companies are required to provide equitable coverage for substance abuse and addiction treatment.
  • Equitable coverage is relegated under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Act.
  • The Affordable Care Act reiterates the mandate for essential health benefits, including behavioral health services.
  • Insurers are forbidden from denying these benefits due to a preexisting condition.

A few unscrupulous substance abuse programs misapplied these laws and billed exorbitantly, believing the insurers would be required to pay for services no matter what. Additionally, in some circumstances, the services were not medically necessary or not performed at all.

Patient Brokering

Another way disreputable addiction treatment centers have skirted the laws and taken advantage of insurers is by patient brokering. Patient brokering involves hiring sales agents to convince prospective clients into traveling to a certain rehab facility. The sales agents get a kickback for each client referred.

Potential clients are offered everything from free airfare to perks and financial help to go to the advertising rehab. The recruiters use deceptive advertising and urgency tactics, and when the client’s insurance benefits run out, he or she is immediately discharged.

Early discharge is certainly not in the best interest of the client, as some are released too early and immediately relapse. Death by accidental overdose happens fairly often during a relapse.

Of note, when someone has a relapse, they qualify for readmittance into rehab, and the insurance benefits reset for a new round of therapy.

Patient brokering is illegal in some states, like Florida. Florida rehab facilities are forbidden to fly out-of-state clients in for treatment. They are not allowed to waive fees, copays or give any other monetary compensation for coming to their rehab.

Some rehab facilities have gone so far as to bring out-of-state patients into treatment and help them apply for health insurance from an insurer that pays out high benefits. There are even cases of addiction centers applying for insurance for a patient who is unaware the center is doing so.

Despite these laws, drug rehab fraud is still occurring, and health insurance companies are spending additional time and resources sifting through legitimate and illegitimate claims.

How Insurance Fraud Is Affecting Availability of Treatment for Americans

The availability of addiction treatment for patients is limited. The problems:

  • Insurance fraud
  • The out-of-network designations with higher patient responsibility
  • Increasing number of rehab centers falling into the out-of-network providers’ category
  • The impact of the opioid crisis demanding more services than are available in some areas

These factors make it difficult for some to find a rehab center that accepts their insurance and that the patient can afford to go to.

Many who are insured are discovering that most rehab centers are becoming out-of-network providers under their plans. Because more costly rehabs are being excluded from the in-network list, patients are responsible to bear the lion’s share of the costs.

In an unregulated industry, the little man gets the brunt of the bill. For instance, many rehab facilities are refusing to admit patients with certain types of health insurance — like Health Net. Non-payment became an insurmountable hindrance to the aforementioned California and Arizona facilities, and they had to start refusing care to patients with Health Net insurance.

In this way, Americans are losing the freedom to go to the rehab of their choice.

Between soaring premiums, deductibles, copays and the out-of-network factor, patients are paying the price. Patients are not only paying the financial price, but also receiving a lower quality of mental health care.

Soaring Costs for Patients

The cost of substance abuse services covered under PPO plans surpasses all other types of medical treatment. Cancer, childbirth and even surgeries are less expensive than lengthy rehab stays.

Even when insurance policies require prior authorization of treatment — and when that treatment gets approved — the big business of health insurance stiffs the small business rehabs. It has been documented that insurance companies are doing audits of the claims, invoices and services of drug and alcohol abuse programs. But even when the audits come back clean, insurers often find a reason not to pay.

Patients receive huge bills after coming home from rehab. Quite a few people who’ve struggled with addiction have been ravaged by their disease and come to treatment broke and homeless. When the emotional, mental and physical work concludes and individuals regain their health, the financial aspect of life may take longer to recoup.

In other words, people who trusted their insurance to pay as agreed are left with a big bill they can’t pay.

In the end, the drug addiction and sober living homes suffer. Their patients can’t pay and their insurance won’t. The smaller facilities, like Rick and Drew’s, are forced out of business. Health insurance companies are bought and sold for billions of dollars; it is a highly profitable industry.

Having difficulty finding an in-network provider can be a roadblock for families seeking help for their loved one. Addiction devastates one’s whole life and whole being, and those dealing with addiction need the proper help to recover.

Insurance Premium Hikes for Policyholders

Health Net reports that due to widespread fraud at drug rehab centers in California and Arizona, they have lost tens of millions of dollars and have had to pass the costs on to individuals in the way of higher premiums.

If it hasn’t already affected your insurance premium, it may be coming. Attempting to balance the deficit caused by fraud, insurers are passing on the expense to employers and policyholders. Even if you get your health insurance through your job, your company will likely only take on a portion of the increase in cost and make you responsible for the rest.

It’s a dirty needle business.

Insurance companies have to be cautious that claims are not fraudulent to protect themselves. They certainly can’t turn a blind eye to blatant misuse or providers taking advantage of the system. But also, insurers must keep their agreements to pay and not penalize all rehab facilities and patients because of a few underhanded for-profit facilities.

Opioid Epidemic Killing People and Prices

At a time when, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 115 people die every day from overdosing on opioids, we need addiction treatment centers more than ever. The CDC also reports opioid-related deaths are still continuing to rise. In a country divided on how to solve the opioid issue, one thing we all agree on is something needs to change. We need to help our people.

With the swelling opioid crisis, a continually growing number of beds and treatment centers are needed to meet the demand. The rehabilitation industry booms because the opioid epidemic booms. Along with more rehab centers springing up and sober living communities growing, the demand cannot be met fast enough.

However, the effects of drug rehab fraud on insurers and the trickle-down effect on patients trying to gain access to addiction treatment are concerning obstacles. Proper health care needs to be a priority, and the rising number of opioid-addicted citizens means an increasing burden on insurance companies to pay out mounting costs from more rehab patients.

Like Rick and Drew discovered, insurance is foremost a for-profit business and their bottom line is their top priority.

While it’s true that the substance abuse treatment field is littered with bad apples, that’s only half the story. The other half is people like Drew and Rick who lost everything because insurers failed to keep their agreements.

The Impact of Halted Payments

It’s now five years after Drew and Rick lost their life’s work. They only recently received the records and files their attorney requested for review. In viewing the documents, they were shocked to find so many late and unpaid claims, along with trumped-up excuses from health insurance companies.

A few months after their loss, Rick and Drew pulled themselves out of the situational depression engulfing them and they found work as therapists in a bigger rehab center. They spearheaded a new program at the center, and as a team still working together, they run the obsessive-compulsive process addiction department.

They don’t make the money they used to, but their hearts are full once again, doing the work they love and helping people recover. Rick is 81 years old and Drew is 79.

Rick, Drew and many other addiction treatment providers are still waiting for their money from insurance companies.

ECHO Recovery Is Helping

Because the opioid epidemic and rehab fraud are making it more difficult for some people to receive addiction treatment, ECHO Recovery is working harder than ever to help as many Americans as possible find affordable addiction treatment, housing, and help.

If you can empathize with the plight of those struggling with the debilitating disease of addition, we encourage you to be a champion of those who need it the most and join our grassroots movement.

Success is found in the small, compassionate, everyday acts of goodness. Donating to the cause alleviates the suffering of those addicted to drugs and alcohol, one dollar at a time.  If you’re considering donating, click below to see where your money would go.

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We Need Your Help in Fighting the Opioid Epidemic

We Need Your Help in Fighting the Opioid Epidemic

Countless people throughout the United States have experienced substance abuse in some way, either personally or through a relative or close friend. Although there are many destructive substances causing havoc in American communities, opioids are the deadliest. The numbers of opioid prescriptions, opioid overdoses, and opioid-related deaths have skyrocketed in recent years, and it’s up to everyone to fight this ongoing epidemic.

How Can I Help?

One of the best ways you can help fight the opioid epidemic is by talking to your friends and loved ones about substance abuse. Even if you believe that no one you know is struggling, many people hide their addictions or simply don’t pay enough attention to them because they do not realize the danger. Starting conversations is one of the best ways to drive awareness of this issue, so be sure to talk to the people you know and love.

It’s also important to know how to spot the warning signs of addiction. If a friend or relative starts displaying odd behavior, seems preoccupied when you spend time with him or her, or has sudden financial trouble, these could all be signs of a blossoming addiction. Let him or her know you are concerned, and if you discover that any type of substance abuse is happening, help him or her find resources for treatment and recovery.

Advocacy Programs

Starting conversations in your own circles is definitely helpful, but you can take this a step further if you have the time to join an advocacy group. There are addiction advocacy organizations all over the country, so you should be able to find one close to you relatively easily. When you take part in an advocacy program, you may work toward informing your community about the dangers of substance abuse in your area, but these organizations offer other opportunities as well. People who have completed recovery often participate in such programs to act as mentors, guides, and sponsors to people just starting their recovery journey. You can also plan and participate in community actions, charity drives, and many other events.

Donating To Help Substance Abuse Treatment

Echo Recovery is a not-for-profit organization that helps connect people struggling with addiction to specialists and treatment centers that can help them recover. You can help this endeavor by donating items that sober living and addiction treatment homes greatly need.

Living in a residential treatment program or transitioning from rehab to recovery are difficult times for people struggling with substance abuse, and the items you donate can make a tremendous difference in many peoples’ recovery experience.

Basic items like bedding (twin size), pillows, pillowcases, and comforters help people in recovery live comfortably as they work toward lifelong sobriety. You can also donate paper items and cleaning supplies like paper towels, toilet paper, trash bags, soaps, detergents, and disposable plates, cups, and cutlery. During a stay in a residential treatment program, patients start to relearn the basic requirements of daily life like cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry. Dish soap, laundry soap, dryer sheets, cooking utensils, and pots and pans are tremendously helpful in this regard.

You can also donate lawn care equipment like mowers, weed whackers, and gardening tools. We accept new and some gently used items. Donations can also take the form of gift cards to gas stations, grocery stores, and department stores like Target and Walmart. These donations will allow recovery patients to shop for basic living essentials in their areas. You can also donate nonperishable food.

Questions About Donating?

If you’re unsure what type of donation to make, want suggestions for a future donation, or simply don’t know where to send your donated items, contact Echo Foundation today and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about donating. We can also let you know of items in high demand or whether a gently used item qualifies for donation.

Mailing a donation of supplies may not work for everyone, so if you’d prefer to make a cash donation, you can do so through the Network for Good. Your donation may be tax deductible as well, so be sure to speak with a tax advisor in your area about your donation to make sure you meet any applicable regulations or donation caps for your area.

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The Echo Foundation blog covers the latest news in substance abuse, treatment, and the latest statistics across the country. We are dedicated to providing the public with the latest and most accurate information regarding substance abuse and treatment in the United States. Continue following our blog for the latest news and to learn more ways you can help those in need during recovery.

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What Will Insurance Cover for Addiction Treatment?

What Will Insurance Cover for Addiction Treatment?

Anyone struggling with an addiction is likely to have countless questions about detox, rehab – and how to pay for both. Thanks to the Federal Parity Law enacted in 2008, large employers with more than 50 employees who purchase group healthcare plans must secure coverage for employee mental health and drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Additionally, a plan that offers such coverage cannot restrict it any more than coverage for other medical issues like surgeries and emergency care. “Parity” implies that coverage for mental health services and substance abuse treatment is equal to more “traditional” medical coverage.

While the Federal Parity Law ensures large employer coverage for mental health and substance abuse treatment, smaller employers with fewer than 50 employees do not need to meet this requirement. However, many states have enacted their own parity laws concerning mental health and substance abuse coverage for employee insurance plans. Roughly 96% of American employers report that their insurance coverage applies to mental health and substance abuse. When an insurance plan falls under the jurisdiction of both federal and state-level parity laws, whichever one provides the greater benefits applies.

Depending on your health insurance coverage, your plan may cover all or part of your substance abuse rehabilitation. However, it’s vital to carefully review your policy to look for disclaimers or network restrictions. You may need to attend a rehabilitation center from a specified list provided by your insurance carrier or within a certain radius of your primary residence. Some insurance plans will require a referral before coverage applies, and some plans may not cover your type of addiction.

What Does Insurance Cover For Drug Rehab?

If you want to get the most out of your existing insurance coverage, you should first look at the differences in benefit allowance for in-network versus out-of-network care. For example, your plan may cover 100% of the cost of visiting an in-network provider, but only cover 60% of the cost of an out-of-network provider.

You should also investigate your deductible obligation to find out how much you’ll have to spend out of pocket before your insurance coverage takes over. Your plan may also include an out-of-pocket limit. Once you reach this limit, all of your remaining medical expenses for the year receive 100% coverage. Your insurer will also want proof of good faith that you are taking rehab seriously, so you should expect some type of monitoring during your recovery.

There’s no solid answer to what your insurance will cover for drug rehab. Coverage will vary based on insurance carrier, employer, location, state parity laws, and individual details. Some of the largest medical insurers in the country offer drug rehab coverage under certain conditions.

Aetna Drug And Alcohol Insurance Coverage

Aetna offers a variety of drug rehab coverage, and plan details vary by plan option as well as by state. Aetna plans offer coverage for inpatient and outpatient rehab services as well as behavioral health services, so it’s up to you to find a plan that works for you. Some Aetna plans will cover a portion of inpatient substance abuse treatment, outpatient rehabilitation services, and behavioral health counseling. The covered portion of the cost can sometimes exceed $9,000 per individual per the calendar year, depending on the plan. As a baseline, most Aetna plans will offer up to $1,500 toward detox and withdrawal treatment and another $2,500 per year for additional services.

Anthem Drug And Alcohol Insurance Coverage

Anthem is part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance network and upholds the belief that behavioral health is integral to overall health. Anthem plans can include 100% coverage or partial coverage for substance abuse treatment, psychological counseling, and behavioral health services. Policyholders will also have the option of purchasing partial coverage for lower premiums or participating in a health savings account. The exact details of Anthem’s coverage vary from plan to plan.

Assurant Drug and Alcohol Insurance Coverage

Assurant provides a wide variety of mental health and substance abuse coverage options in their insurance plans. Most Assurant plans will cover most inpatient and outpatient treatment services, typically requiring a $30 copay per calendar day. Some plans limit the number of service days you can have in one year while others have no limits. This is especially valuable for intensive treatment programs like inpatient substance abuse rehabilitation.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Drug And Alcohol Insurance Coverage

Blue Cross Blue Shield is one of the largest medical insurance carriers in the country, and the details of a Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance plan will vary on an individual basis. Coverage options vary between states, so it’s vital for policyholders to understand the coverage they have in their state.

While there are limits to certain types of coverage, most Blue Cross Blue Shield plans include coverage for family counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, medication coverage, and psychotherapy. A distinct benefit to Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage is that there are no dollar limits you will need to meet throughout the year that affects your ability to receive treatment.

Cigna Drug And Alcohol Insurance Coverage

Cigna coverage can include outpatient rehabilitation services, intensive inpatient rehabilitation, and some residential treatments. Like all other insurance carriers, it’s important for policyholders to carefully review the terms of their coverage to confirm in-network and out-of-network rates, disclaimers, and restrictions for coverage. Cigna also has a unique Alcohol Specialty Care Management Team including licensed professionals with training in alcohol abuse disorders. This team helps connect policyholders to providers in their area.

Coventry Health Care Drug and Alcohol Insurance Coverage

Coventry is part of the Aetna insurance network and offers access to the First Health Network, one of the largest and most reputable Preferred Provider Organizations in the country. Coventry also offers Medicare Advantage plans that may cover both inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment services.

Harvard Pilgrim Health Drug And Alcohol Insurance Coverage

Harvard Pilgrim offers coverage through United Behavioral Health, a network of specialists and professionals including medical doctors, detox experts, psychologists, psychiatrists, and holistic therapy experts. Harvard Pilgrim also offers family counseling, marriage counseling, and even access to social workers and individual counselors.

Health Alliance Plan (HAP) Drug And Alcohol Insurance Coverage

Based in Michigan, the HAP is part of the Henry Ford Health System and assigns a unique service coordinator to every policyholder. HAP also covers emergency services and urgent care anywhere, even outside of Michigan, and detox and rehab programs throughout Michigan fall under HAP coverage as well.

Humana Drug And Alcohol Insurance Coverage

Humana is one of the largest insurance carriers in the country and offers both individual and group healthcare plans. Every plan is different, and there are several options for coverage for inpatient services, intensive outpatient services, and behavioral health counseling.

Medical Mutual Drug And Alcohol Insurance Coverage

Medical Mutual offers coverage for substance abuse, dependency, individualized therapies, and both inpatient and outpatient addiction care. This insurance carrier also sets itself apart by guaranteeing at least partial coverage for all the typical expenses associated with a rehabilitation program. A Medical Mutual plan may also cover alternative, faith-based, or holistic therapies.

Oxford Health Plans Drug And Alcohol Insurance Coverage

Oxford Health Plans operate under the umbrella of United Healthcare in New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut, but coverage often extends outside of these states as well. As a branch of United Healthcare, Oxford offers a wide variety of individual plan options for policyholders in many states, and plans can cover inpatient, outpatient, and mental health services.

United Healthcare Drug And Alcohol Insurance Coverage

United Healthcare offers nationwide coverage, so you won’t have to worry about traveling out of state for substance abuse treatment. United offers several plans that cover a wide range of treatment options for substance abuse and rehabilitation programs in every state. Coverage can extend from detox through inpatient and outpatient intensive care and behavioral health counseling.

Learn More At The Echo Foundation

The Echo Foundation is committed to providing the public with the latest news concerning addiction, substance abuse, advocacy, and treatment in the United States. Visit us to learn more about our work and the latest treatments available in addiction recovery.

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