Get tough on addiction with Tufts Health Insurance.
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Addiction is now understood to be a progressive, chronic brain and body disease that requires treatment and management just like heart disease and type 2 diabetes, in as such that relapse is common. Because drugs affect the way the brain is structured and works, addiction is classed mainly as a brain disease. These effects can be long lasting, sometimes even permanent, and cause significant problems in people’s personal lives and relationships, sometimes even resulting in death.
While the exact cause of addiction is not known, it is believed that genetics does play a part, not in the least because it commonly runs in families. However, behavioral and environmental factors are also important to consider as well. What matters most is that it can be treated so long as people are counseled into making lifestyle changes, sometimes with the support of medication. If addiction is left untreated, other mental and physical health problems are likely to occur, and these require serious attention. If none is received, addictions become disabling and even life threatening. Clearly, nobody would ever choose to become addicted.
Over the past few decades, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a number of medications for the treatment of addiction. These generally block how addictive drugs affect the reward system of the brain, and they also help to lower cravings and the effects of withdrawal symptoms. These medications can best be compared to insulin used in the treatment of diabetes. Under the 2010 Affordable Care Act, this has now been recognized, which means treatment for addiction has to be included in medical insurance packages, including those offered by Tufts. Exactly what is and isn’t covered, however, will vary depending on a range of factors. Tufts is known to be one of the best insurance providers for people with substance abuse problems, though.
Tufts Checklist on Substance Use
Tufts has released an easy checklist that people can follow to determine whether their current behavior may be classed as problematic. If people answer “yes” to any of the follow questions, then Tufts recommends they discuss the possible need for treatment:
- Has substance use ever caused a problem with the law, your health, your relationship, or your job?
- Have significant others expressed concerns about your substance use?
- Have you experienced anxiety, shakiness, sweating, or nausea when you stop using the substance?
- Are you currently pregnant yet continue to use substances?
If you answered “yes” to any of the questions, then you should speak to your healthcare practitioner to determine whether you may need some help. The sooner you do this, the better your chance of recovery will be as well.
Tufts has also released an interactive disorder tool to help members determine whether they may have a dangerous or unhealthy use of substances. The insurance company recommends that people speak to their primary physician if:
- They are worried about the quantity of prescription or illicit drugs or alcohol that they are taking and would like some help.
- They are worried that they, their children, or a loved one has a problem with substance use.
It is important to note here that if someone is referred to treatment and has Tufts insurance, details will be kept completely confidential.
Painkillers like morphine contributed to over 300,000 emergency room admissions.
Steps to Take If Someone Has a Substance Use Problem
People are often negatively affected if a family member drinks to excess or abuses substances; it affects entire communities, in fact. However, you cannot control the behavior of an addicted individual. All you can do is suggest that they seek help but they are likely to be in denial, which is incredibly frustrating. Until your loved one is ready to get help, there is little that you can do for that person. However, you should not allow them to control your life either. You must put your own emotional and physical health first. This is why Tufts may also cover you for anonymous peer support groups or individual counseling if you feel you are struggling because of the substance abuse of someone else. They may also cover you for lifestyle classes, such as relaxation techniques, exercises, healthy eating and other wellness activities.
Over 1 million people have tried hallucinogens for the fist time this year.
How Tufts Covers Drug and Alcohol Rehab
The short answer is that Tufts provides policy holders with coverage for drug and alcohol rehab. Thanks to the 2010 Affordable Care Act, all insurance companies must now cover people who require substance abuse treatment. Exactly how much help they receive, however, will depend on your individual plan. Sometimes, you could get full coverage but at other times you will only get partial coverage.
Through Tufts insurance, you will be able to receive coverage for a range of treatment options. This means that you do not have to wait before you go to treatment anymore, nor should cost be a barrier to you. The company has a range of plans available that can help you cover the cost of treatment and manager your addiction issues. The company also has a large and reputable network of providers on their database that can help you.
Tufts has a range of different plans available, each with different levels of coverage, and different costs associated with them. If you are looking for help, you need to take the time to look into which plan is likely to be most suitable for you.
50% of adolescents mistakenly believe that prescription drugs are safer than illegal drugs.
Choosing a Rehab Facility that Is Right for You
If you are ready to seek treatment, you must do so from a center that is of high quality and that meets your specific and individual treatment needs. All treatments starts with a period of detox. In the movies, people will often go “cold turkey” in their own homes, but it is now known that this is rarely effective and may be incredibly dangerous.
Rather, you should be medically supported during your period of withdrawal, where you are provided with monitoring and medication, if needed. After your period of detox, you should receive intensive counseling, often on an one to one, group and family basis. These counseling sessions will help you to properly deal with the psychological issues that lie at the heart of your addiction. When you have high quality medical insurance, it is far more likely that you will also be able to overcome your substance abuse problem. By calling (866) 578-7471 you can determine what your insurance plan covers to make a decision on how you will proceed with your rehabilitation.
