TREATMENT OPTIONS

Detox, or detoxification, is medically directed withdrawal management that will improve a patient’s health and support their participation in a rehabilitation program. Though this treatment is usually not necessary for opioid addiction, it will help individuals consider a life without opioids, because they can think more clearly once difficult withdrawal symptoms have passed. 

In a medically directed withdrawal, a doctor provides medication to reduce the effects of withdrawal symptoms and continuously monitors the patient to make sure they are safe and comfortable throughout all stages of withdrawal. Medications for OUD can be started in a detox program. MOUD does not encourage drug use.

The effects of detoxing without help from medication can range from an uncomfortable process, like a bad case of the flu, to a very painful physical experience. However, withdrawal is usually not life-threatening. It is smart to check with a doctor or counselor before quitting the use of opioids on your own if you are a heavy or long-term user.

For more information on availability for detox programs in Connecticut, visit http://www.ctaddictionservices.com/.

Some individuals seeking treatment benefit the most by changing their behavior in an organized residential setting. A residential treatment center is a setting where you live for a period of time and recover with support available to you around the clock. Residential treatment promotes recovery in a place that is supportive, away from any desire to use, and typically provides counseling and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) education.

This care can be short-term (3-4 weeks) or long-term (3-12 months) and may be provided in different residential settings, such as SUD facilities and SUD hospital units.

Recovery houses also provide a supportive, sober environment but do not offer on-site treatment. Residents of recovery houses usually stay 1-3 months and get outpatient treatment elsewhere.

For more information on availability for residential treatment, including Recovery Houses in Connecticut, visit http://www.ctaddictionservices.com/

There are many pathways to recovery. Step recovery programs, individual counseling, and group counseling all play a different role, and can be used together for recovery that benefits your mind, body, and soul.

Individual Counseling and Therapy
Some people may be misusing drugs to help ease the symptoms of a physical condition or emotional struggle. Counselors are professionals who are trained to help identify the factors that lead to addiction, and provide ways to change negative thought patterns and behaviors. These professionals work one-on-one with the individual to develop tools and skills to achieve treatment and recovery goals; typically with an emphasis on a “higher power” and “sponsor” support.

Group Therapy
People struggling with addiction can benefit from counselor support in a group setting as well. Support groups can be low-cost, help develop and practice sobriety skills, and provide support through treatment and recovery. Therapy in a group setting also has some unique benefits such as the opportunity to give and receive support from peers, practice communication skills, and increase self-awareness.

Step Recovery Programs
These programs are a great option for individuals who are ready to stop using drugs and are open to group meetings. The 12 step model’s supportive approach helps recovering individuals work toward their recovery goals.

The cost of rehabilitation, detox, and MAT/MOUD can change based on the level of care needed. There are options to pay for treatment—including self-pay, private insurance or State insurance coverage, or financing through the rehab center.

Connecticut has many insurers who offer individual and group health insurance plans. It is important to know who your provider is; if you are not insured, it is recommended that you get coverage in case of a health emergency. For a list of available health insurance companies in Connecticut, visit the Connecticut Office of the Health Care Advocate website: https://www.ct.gov/oha.

If you don’t have insurance, the State offers affordable health care options for you or your loved one to consider.

HUSKY: This State insurance program includes federal Medicaid and offers a program for adults. “Husky D” provides insurance for low-income adults without children and covers behavioral health services. There are programs offered for families, those with disabilities, and those with children as well. For more information or to see if you qualify, visit the HUSKY website.

To apply for HUSKY healthcare, visit Access Health CT and apply online, dial 1 (855) 805-4325 to apply over the phone, or visit your local Department of Social Services (DSS) field office to apply in person.

If you don’t qualify for HUSKY, there are other plans available to you. You can buy an individual healthcare plan through Access Health CT.

If you have insurance, it is important to know what your plan covers in case you need addiction treatment services. HUSKY provides complete coverage which includes Behavioral Health Services. Behavioral Health Services include, but are not limited to:

• Detoxification
• Residential rehabilitation (HUSKY D only)
• Partial Hospitalization
• Day Treatment
• Outpatient Services
• Prescription Coverage (through the CT Medical Assistance Program – CMAP)
• Methadone Clinics and related lab fees for testing
• All outpatient substance use clinic services, including medications

To find out what other services are covered under your HUSKY plan, dial 1 (855) 805-4325 or visit Access Health CT.

If you have a private insurance plan, such as Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, ConnectiCare, or others, you may want to talk to your employer or call your provider to see what services are covered under your plan. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 requires insurance companies to make mental health benefits comparable to general medical coverage. This means copays, treatment limitations, out-of-pocket expenses, etc. are all treated similar to other physical conditions. As of 2017, Connecticut passed a law requiring insurers to cover medically necessary inpatient detox services.

It would be helpful for you or your loved one to call your insurance company to determine your coverage. If you are unsure what questions to ask, see Suggested Questions to Ask below.

Coverage depends on your health insurance plan. However, Connecticut law requires all individual and group policies to provide benefits for the examination and treatment of substance use disorders. 

The State requires the following services:

• Residential Treatment
• Chemical Maintenance Treatment/MAT/MOUD

The State considers the following as “essential health benefits” in any plan:

• Office Visits
• Inpatient Services
• Partial Hospitalization
• Intensive/Routine Outpatient
• Substance Abuse Detoxification
• Emergency Room & Urgent Care

When asked by the CT Insurance Department, most insurance providers covered all of the above. Each plan’s coverage may be different, so it is important for you or your loved one to get in touch with your insurance provider to learn about what benefits you have, how long you will have them, and if you are responsible for any additional costs.

To determine what kind of insurance you have and to learn more about your treatment options, you should call the Member Services Department of your insurance company. Be sure to have your insurance card and member ID number ready. It would also be helpful to have a pen and paper nearby to take some notes.

• What type of plan do I have? (i.e. EPO, HMO, POS, PPO, etc.)
• What levels of care are covered? Inpatient services? Outpatient services? Medication Assisted Treatment/Chemical Maintenance Treatment?
• If so, what is my deductible, or out-of-pocket cost? What is the cost of each copay?
• If I want inpatient treatment, is there a limit for my stay? If so, how many days?
• Will my coverage change based on my stage of treatment? (Detox vs. continuing care)
• Can you provide me with a list of providers covered by the insurance plan?
• Do I need to be pre-approved or be recommended by a doctor to get coverage for treatment?
• Ask them to send you a document that lays out what is considered a “medical necessity”

Health insurance can be a bit difficult to understand sometimes. Thankfully, the Connecticut Office of the Healthcare Advocate (OHA) is available to answer questions about your insurance plan and make sure you get the treatment you need! To contact the OHA, visit portal.ct.gov/OHA or call 1 (866) 466-4446.