If you or someone you love are battling a drug or alcohol addiction, you are not alone. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), there are roughly 20 million Americans currently suffering from behavioral or addictive disorders. Of these people, less than 10 percent are actively in treatment.
When dealing with a drug or alcohol addiction, the road is never easy—especially if you’re concerned about costs. For those who have health insurance, many health insurance plans offer drug and alcohol treatment provisions, but coverage and details vary from one insurance company and policy to the next. If you have health insurance, you need to be informed about what is and is not covered under your specific plan. But what about people who don’t have health insurance? Luckily, there are many state- and privately-funded organizations dedicated to helping people overcome their fight with addiction. Read on to find out more about resources and other free and low-cost places and organizations that you or a loved one can turn to for support and help regarding recovery.
Resources from The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD):
- NCADD: Get Help—Learn how seeking help is not only the first step, but the most important step.
- If you are looking for help or information but don’t know where to turn locally, use the NCADD affiliate finder.
- The NCADD also has a lot of information about both confronting and coping with drug and alcohol addictions.
Support groups:
- Alcoholics Anonymous–For alcoholics and recovering alcoholics who are seeking support. Includes a meeting finder to locate AA meetings in your area.
- Al-Anon and Alateen–For those whose lives have been affected by a loved one’s alcoholism. Learn what to expect at your first meeting, and find meetings in your area.
- Narcotics Anonymous–For those who are addicted to narcotics. Includes a meeting finder as well as links to recovery literature.
Other places to turn for help:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse–includes resources for people in recovery, parents, and youths, plus news articles regarding addiction and recovery.
- The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism–includes articles about how alcohol affects your health, how alcohol affects teens, college drinking prevention, and more.
- Your employer—ask your Human Resources team if you have access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through your company. If so, you may be able to receive telephonic counseling that can help you with addiction-related issues.
For more free and low-cost health resources, visit www.HealthcareSurvivalGuide.com. If you are a Health Advocate member with access to our EAP+Work/Life service, call us–our Licensed Professional Counselors can provide help concerning substance abuse and many other issues.
