Busting Rehab Myths: Not Just for the Wealthy

If you were to randomly pick a corporation, a local high school or neighborhood in America and use as a cross-section of the population, a good portion of those in the group could claim a tie-in with addiction. Whether a person has active drug or alcohol addiction, is in recovery, or knows someone else with a problem of substance abuse, the numbers might surprise you. Rich and poor both suffer, and drug rehab for the wealthy is not the norm.

In fact, substance use disorder is on the rise. Between the opioid epidemic, the increase in production and distribution of cocaine and social acceptance of alcohol and marijuana use, addiction to legal and illicit drugs is pandemic. It would stand to reason then that we have systems and programs in place to eradicate the problem. Unfortunately, we don’t.

The press covers stories of the rich and famous as they admit to addiction, enter rehab and glorify their release from detox and the subsequent road to recovery. While drug addiction can creep up on anyone, getting the help to overcome it isn’t as easy. Once a person is ready to admit they have a problem with substances or if you want to approach a loved one that is showing the signs of addiction, the bigger issue might be finding a treatment facility that will take them.

Is it money, insurance, or lack of available treatment beds? Whatever the obstacles to getting into medical detox or outpatient care, for example, celebrities and the wealthy don’t seem to have this problem. It makes you wonder if drug rehab that suits rich lifestyles is the only option that exists…

The starlets of Hollywood and geniuses of the music industry enter drug rehab as if it’s a normal part of their life stories. In fact, some addiction treatment centers cater to this audience and showcase their facilities in a very ‘hollywood’ manner, appearing on mainstream television programs. Who wouldn’t want to stay at one of these resorts, addiction or not? But a solid recovery program isn’t about the glitz and glam or what famous person has been there before: it’s all about what it can do for you or your loved one fighting addiction.

You or someone you know may have already gone through a drug or alcohol rehab program in the past. As you probably know, are many reasons for relapse: relapse triggers, insufficient aftercare, minimal emotional support or lack of commitment to living clean and sober. It could also be that the program itself did not serve the specific needs of the individual. Celebrities aren’t the only people that deserve customized treatment. Anyone suffering through addiction deserves a solution that suits him or her best.

Treatment Isn’t a One Stop Shop

The stigma associated with drug and alcohol addiction affects the way we view treatment options. Unfortunately, there is a lot of focus on the detriments of addiction instead of highlighting the recovery process. Because addiction is a disease that can be treated, there are options on how to get to a life of sobriety.

Just as other illnesses come with multiple ways to minimize or remove the condition, addiction is no different. The key is finding the right program for each patient. It starts with a complete personal assessment. Patient assessment should include:

• Type of drug or alcohol use
• Duration of use
• Co-occurring disorders
• Financial resources available

Now that you know what’s important in finding the right treatment, the next question is how to pay for it.

Insurance Covers Detox but There’s Room for More

The success rate of addiction treatment and a patient’s ability to experience a drug-free life are impacted by the length of time spent in a recovery program. The first part of drug rehab is medical detox, which rids the body of the drug or alcohol on a cellular level to begin the process of healing the mind, body and spirit. Addiction recovery specialists will unanimously tout the benefits of a more than 30-day program because the life skills and emotional barriers that hamper how to live sober are just beginning to come to light after the first month.

The challenge is in getting long-term treatment provided. Many insurance providers, like Aetna or UnitedHealthcare PPO and HMO will cover medical detox for drugs or alcohol, though there may be time limits of up to 30 days. The type of treatment facility that insurance providers will approve may also vary from Residential Inpatient, Partial Hospitalization, or Intensive Outpatient.

AHCCCS Helps Lower Income Addicts Get Alcohol and Drug Detox

As daunting as an insurance deductible can be, imagine wanting to break free from drugs or alcohol but having absolutely zero resources to get started. For other Arizonans who have undergone personal hardships, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) provides medical care for people who fall within their criteria. Drug and alcohol addiction treatment is part of their program but not all rehab facilities are included in their service umbrella.

Find the Best Drug Addiction Recovery by Asking This Question

Whether you or your loved one is seeking drug treatment at a luxury facility or quick-turn medical detox center, the program options available may run deeper than what you see on a website offering. Many of the treatment facilities are owned or operated by people who went through a very similar struggle with alcohol or drugs. If you know someone who is an insurance deductible away from getting the help needed, reach out to a compassionate addiction treatment counselor who may have other resources to help make addiction recovery that much easier to get started.

Talk to Someone Who’s Been There. Talk to Someone Who Can Help. Scottsdale Recovery Center holds the highest accreditation (Joint Commission) and is Arizona’s premier rehab facility since 2007. Call 866-893-1276. Content for Scottsdale Recovery Center and Arizona Addiction Recovery Centers created by Cohn Media, LLC. Passionate and creative writing and broadcasting, covering the following industries: addiction rehab, health care, entertainment, technology and advocate of clear communication, positivity and humanity at its best. www.cohn.media