FAQ's

1)      What are the costs?

 For many who are considering seeking treatment for addiction, the first concern is cost. They know that rehab can be expensive, and that fact alone may prevent them from seeking treatment. While rehab can be costly, it is important to also keep in mind the cost of remaining addicted: not only the cost of the drugs themselves, but also the potential lost jobs, fines for illegal behavior, and medical bills. When you take those into account, you may find that treatment is much more affordable in the long run.

 While the cost of treatment varies, inpatient programs typically run from $200 to $900 a day, depending on the facilities, treatment options available, and length of stay. Outpatient programs are less expensive, running from $100 to $500 per session.

2)      How can I help loved ones?

 If a loved one struggles with addiction, you might feel ashamed. If it is your child, you may think that it is your fault that they have turned to using. If it is one of your parents, you might be ashamed that you did not have the same kind of childhood as your peers. No matter what your relationship, it is easy to feel that a family member’s addiction is a reflection on you as a person, and that can make it very difficult to move past the shame.

 Remember, you did not cause someone else’s addiction. You need to think of your past self with compassion and understand that you did the best you could. It can be helpful to reach out, either to your own support network or through a formalized support group for family members of addicts. These groups can help you work through your own shame and find ways to support the people you love.

3)      How do you treat behavioral addiction?

 Behavioral addiction can seem less serious than substance addiction, but it can have an equally negative influence on one’s life. Any time a person becomes obsessed with a particular behavior and unable to focus on other things, that behavior can become an addiction. Common examples include gambling addiction, video game addiction, and sex addiction.

 Treating a behavioral addiction often begins by addressing the underlying mental health issue, often depression or anxiety. Then, patients learn new healthier coping strategies that will allow them to enjoy their day to day lives without the addictive behavior. Sometimes, behavioral addictions require medication to overcome.

4)      What happens in rehab?

 Generally, rehab begins with detoxification. This iswhen an addict is medically supervised in withdrawing from an addictive substance. Depending on the substance, this can be a dangerous process, which is why medical supervision is essential. Withdrawal is a relatively quick process, generally taking 24-72 hours.

 After the drugs have left the system, rehab focuses on helping people understand the triggers behind their addiction, treating any underlying mental health concerns, and helping people develop new healthy lifestyle habits. Generally, a significant amount of time in rehab is spent in either individual or group therapy. However, patients will also have the opportunity to exercise and practice other healthy habits to stay sober long after leaving rehab.

5)      How do I keep my job?  

 Many people avoid committing time to rehab because they are afraid of losing their job. However, there are actually federal laws protecting you against losing your job for seeking treatment. While you can be fired for using a substance while at work, you cannot be fired for attending rehab.

 The Family and Medical Leave Act, which applies to most American employers, allows you to take up to twelve weeks off of work to seek help with a medical problem. While you will not be paid during this time, it does allow you to find treatment and then return to your job after completing a rehab program. You may also be able to use paid time off that you have accrued to attend rehab. If none of these options are available to you, look into an outpatient program that allows you to attend sessions while also maintaining a full-time job.

6)       Is treatment covered by insurance? 

 The cost of rehab can seem overwhelming, which is why the first question many people ask is whether or not treatment is covered by insurance. That question is difficult to answer without more specific information about your coverage. Many insurance providers include therapy in some capacity; however,the level of coverage can vary widely. It is a good idea to read your insurance policy carefully and speak with your provider before committing to a program so that you know what will be covered.

 If you are uninsured, or if your insurance does not cover treatment, talk to the programs that you are interested in. They may be able to offer a payment plan that will make treatment affordable to you. Remember, while the price tag of treatment is high, it is even more expensive to remain an addict.