Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Addiction affects parts of the brain involved in reward and motivation, learning and memory, and control over behavior.

If you are ready to cut back or quit, call your doctor. He will help you set goals and discuss treatment options, which may include seeing a substance abuse counselor. Counselors can help you change behaviors that make you want to indulge, deal with stress, learn to build a support system, and set and reach goals. Some doctors and counselors may prescribe medications to help you.

Treatment

Most patients need long-term or repeated care to stop using completely and recover their lives.

• Addiction is a complex but treatable disease that affects brain function and behavior.
• No single treatment is right for everyone.
• People need to have quick access to treatment.
• Effective treatment addresses all of the patient’s needs, not just his or her drug use.
• Staying in treatment long enough is critical.
• Counseling and other behavioral therapies are the most commonly used forms of treatment.
• Medications are often an important part of treatment, especially when combined with behavioral therapies.
• Treatment plans must be reviewed often and modified to fit the patient’s changing needs.
• Treatment should address other possible mental disorders.
• Medically assisted detoxification is only the first stage of treatment.
• Treatment doesn't need to be voluntary to be effective.
• Drug use during treatment must be monitored continuously.
• Treatment programs should test patients for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases as well as teach them about steps they can take to reduce their risk of these illnesses.

Benefits

Members may self-refer to any substance abuse counselor in the network at no cost. If you need additional services, your substance abuse counselor will handle the referrals for you. Call Beacon Health Options at the number on the back of your card with any questions.

Your Drug Formulary will let you know which medications are covered and at what cost-sharing tier. 

Resources

• Facts about drugs
• Alcohol and Heart Disease
• National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA)