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Mental Health Crisis and Addiction Rates in America

Erik Epp No Comments
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Addressing the Mental Health Crisis and Addiction Rates in America


What you will learn in this blog

  • Drug and alcohol addiction rates
  • Fentanyl-laced drug problem
  • Xylazine animal tranquilizer abuse
  • Steps the government is taking to address the problem
  • Drug Use and Mental Health Use Disorders
  • Major Depressive Episodes (MDE) Among Adolescents
  • Mental Illness Among Adults
  • Co-occurring Substance Use Disorder with Any Mental Illness
  • Serious Thoughts of Suicide, Suicide Plans, and Suicide Attempts
  • Recovery

        monarch butterfly, half is in color and half is black and white
        Drug and Alcohol Addiction Rates



        Nearly 1/3 of adults had either a substance use disorder or a mental illness in the past year, and 46 percent of young adults 18-25 had either a substance use disorder or any mental illness. In 2021 92% of those aged 12 and older who had reported a substance abuse disorder did not receive any treatment at a drug rehab center or reported that they didn’t think they needed it. Over 150 people a day are dying from a synthetic opioid overdose in America.

        Seeking a drug rehab center that has experienced staff, and infrastructure should be your number one priority for those struggling with a mental health disorder and substance abuse issues concurrently. With the risk of fatal overdose increasing, we cannot stress this enough.

        Fentanyl-laced Drug Problem


        Fentanyl is being mixed into different illicit drugs on the streets, including pills that look like prescription medications. Fentanyl is often added to other drugs because of its extreme potency, which makes drugs more potent, more dangerous, and more addictive. Fentanyl is available in liquid form and powder form. It is commonly mixed with heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, and can also be made into pills that resemble other prescription opioids. Fentanyl-laced drugs are dangerous and can be deadly. Most people do not know that their drugs are laced with it. We strongly encourage that if you are using drugs that you have purchased on the street, to please consider using fentanyl testing strips to make sure the substance is not laced with this dangerous drug. Drugs that are found on the street may contain deadly levels of fentanyl and you wouldn’t be able to tell. It can be nearly impossible to tell if a drug is laced with the drug unless you use a test strip. Test strips are inexpensive and give results in about 5 min. while test strips can detect fentanyl they may not be accurate on higher potency fentanyl-like drugs like carfentanyl.

        Xylazine Animal Tranquilizer Abuse


        Fentanyl mixed with Xylazine is a new threat in the US. Xylazine is an animal tranquilizer that has been found in the United States illicit drug supply and has been linked to overdose deaths. Due to its impact on the opioid crisis, fentanyl mixed (adulterated) with xylazine has been declared an emerging threat by the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy.  Xylazine is a substance that is not meant for human consumption and is extremely dangerous when mixed with fentanyl. The response by the white house over this problem is welcomed by drug rehab centers, detox facilities, counselors, and professionals who are dealing with this epidemic on a daily basis.

        Seeking help for addiction is the best way to prevent an accidental overdose. Get help either through a rehab center program, detox, or counselor.

        Steps the government is taking to address the problem


        On July 11, 2023, the White House released a National Response Plan to address the emerging threat of fentanyl mixed with xylazine. The monthly percentage of illegally manufactured fentanyl-involved deaths with xylazine detected increased by 276% (from 2.9% to 10.9%) between January 2019 and June 2022. A first-of-its-kind National Response Plan outlines action steps the federal government will pursue to address this threat, protect public health and public safety, and save lives. This includes both short- and longer-term action steps to provide immediate relief to communities across the nation, and to support the large-scale efforts needed to eradicate this threat.

        The federal government has laid out a guideline plan for basic and applied research as noted above, which will include the following steps.


        • Treatment development: They will be looking at treatment protocols, detoxification, and antidotes in humans.

        • How Xylazine impacts human psychology and behavior: Conduct basic research on drug-drug interactions to understand the pharmacology, chemistry, biology, and toxicology of how xylazine and fentanyl interact in humans and the behavioral consequences.

        • Research social outcomes of xylazine use in humans: Conduct applied research on population-level health, social, equity, and economic drivers and consequences of exposure to fentanyl adulterated with xylazine.

        • Research on use motivation: Conduct research on awareness of and motivations for use of xylazine-containing products, strategies people use to reduce harm, how motivations related to use are changing over time, as well as the recovery process for those who have been able to stop use after a sustained period of consumption of xylazine-adulterated fentanyl.


        The plan released focuses on six pillars of action:

        1. Testing
        2. Data Collection
        3. Evidence-Based Prevention, Harm Reduction, and Treatment
        4. Supply Reduction
        5. Scheduling
        6. Research

        You can read the full plan HERE that outlines the steps that are to be implemented locally, federally, and at the state level.


        Drug Use and Mental Health Use Disorders

        When a person is experiencing mental health distress in the form of anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts they are looking for any relief from these symptoms. Drugs and alcohol can give them a false sense of relief which can make them feel better for a short period of time. The dangers of self-medicating are real, especially now that fentanyl is being mixed into almost every illicit drug a person can get on the street. Seeking professional help, be it through a drug rehab, clinic, or therapist is the best way to get control over the underlying condition that has led to the addiction.


        On January 4th, 2023, SAMHSA and the Department of Health released the results of its annual survey on drug use and mental health, showing how people in America reported their experiences with mental health, addiction, and their pursuit of treatment.

        SAMHSA latest national survey on drug use and health (NSDUH) results detailing mental illness and substance abuse levels from 2021.

        Among people aged 12 or older in 2021, 61.2 million people (or 21.9 percent of the population) used illicit drugs in the past year. The most used illicit drug was marijuana, which 52.5 million people used. Nearly 2 in 5 young adults 18 to 25 used illicit drugs in the past year: 1 in 3 young adults 18 to 25 used marijuana in the past year.

        9.2 million people 12 and older misused opioids in the past year.

        46.3 million people aged 12 or older (or 16.5 percent of the population) met the applicable DSM-5 criteria for having a substance use disorder in the past year, including 29.5 million people who were classified as having an alcohol use disorder and 24 million people who were classified as having a drug use disorder.

        The percentage of people who were classified as having a past year substance use disorder, including alcohol use and/or drug use disorder, was highest among young adults aged 18 to 25 compared to youth and adults 26 and older.

        In 2021, 94% of people aged 12 or older with a substance use disorder did not receive any treatment. Nearly all people with a substance use disorder who did not get treatment at a specialty facility did not think they needed treatment.

        Major Depressive Episodes (MDE) Among Adolescents


        In 2021, 1 in 5 adolescents had a major depressive episode in the past year. Of these, nearly 75 percent had symptoms consistent with severe impairment, which caused severe problems with their ability to do chores at home, do well at work or school, get along with their family, or have a social life. The prevalence of past year MDE among Black and Asian adolescents was lower compared to adolescents from most other racial/ethnic groups. More than half of youth with an MDE did not receive treatment in the past year.

        Mental Illness Among Adults


        Nearly 1 in 4 adults 18 and older, and 1 in 3 among adults aged 18 to 25, had a mental illness in the past year. Adults with serious mental illness had higher rates of treatment compared to those with any mental illness. Despite having the highest rate of serious mental illness, people aged 18 to 25 had the lowest rate of treatment in comparison to adults in other age groups. White and Multiracial adults were more likely to receive mental health services in the past year than Black, Hispanic Latino, or Asian adults.


        Co-occurring Substance Use Disorder with Any Mental Illness


        13.5 percent of young adults aged 18 to 25 had both a substance use disorder and any mental illness in the past year. Nearly 1 in 3 adults had either a substance use disorder or any mental illness in the past year, and 46 percent of young adults 18-25 had either a substance use disorder or any mental illness. The percentage of adults aged 18 or older who met the criteria for both a mental illness and a substance use disorder in the past year was higher among Multiracial adults than among White, Black, Hispanic Latino, or Asian adults. Asian adults were less likely to have had both AMI and a substance use disorder in the past year compared with adults in most other racial or ethnic groups.

        Serious Thoughts of Suicide, Suicide Plans, and Suicide Attempts

        12.3 million adults aged 18 or older had serious thoughts of suicide in the past year, 3.5 million made suicide plans, and 1.7 million attempted suicide. Hispanic or Latino adults were more likely than White or Asian adults to have attempted suicide in the past year, and Black adults were more likely than Asian adults to have attempted suicide in the past year.

        Woman in victory pose and dog in a field with sunset, sober living

        Recovery


        7 in 10 (72.2 percent or 20.9 million) adults who ever had a substance use problem considered themselves to be recovering or in recovery.

        2 in 3 (66.5 percent or 38.8 million) adults who ever had a mental health issue considered themselves to be recovering or in recovery.

        For more information on specific types of treatment centers for addiction, or to enter into treatment now, please give our certified counselors a call today. This is a 24-hour service. We are here to help you find and enter into the best drug rehab for you or someone you love. We can answer any questions that you may have pertaining to what treatment option will be the best fit for your current situation.

        1-800-513-5423



        Addiction No More is a drug rehab referral service. We can help you find treatment anywhere in the USA 1-800-513-5423Author: Erik Epp  Erik is one of the leaders in the field of drug and alcohol rehabilitation with over 20 years of experience behind him. His focus on helping people relies on education, prevention, and rehabilitation. Erik continues to be at the forefront of technology to help as many addicts achieve the life of sobriety that they are looking for.





        Sources

        SAMHSA Announces National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) Results Detailing Mental Illness and Substance Use Levels in 2021

        FACT SHEET: In Continued Fight Against Overdose Epidemic, the White House Releases National Response Plan to Address the Emerging Threat of Fentanyl Combined with Xylazine

        whitehouse.gov

        ncapda.org

        The Heroin Epidemic in Kentucky

        Addiction No More ® No Comments
        Addiction No More is a drug rehab referral service. We can help you find treatment anywhere in the USA 1-800-513-5423

        Carfentanil-Laced Heroin Abuse And Addiction

        Addiction No More ® No Comments
        Addiction No More is a drug rehab referral service. We can help you find treatment anywhere in the USA 1-800-513-5423

        In The News: The Churches Role in Recovery

        Addiction No More ® No Comments

        Blog written by STOYAN ZAIMOV, CHRISTIAN POST REPORTER

        America’s working class has been the subject of studies analyzing the large spikes in alcohol- and drug-related deaths over the last few decades, and churches and Christian-based recovery groups are playing a vital role in saving lives by helping people overcome their addictions.

        “The church should have a role in helping people with any type of addiction. Depending on the congregation and their level of resources that help will vary. Some churches are taking an active role in developing in-house assistance and counseling while others that are not funded for this type of activity are partnering with people in their congregation who have a heart and vision for this type of ministry,” said Ray Perea, CEO and facility director of Revival Recovery Services in Apple Valley, California, in an interview with The Christian Post.

        Harvest Crusade Anaheim 2015 worship church

        Read more HERE (PAGE 1)
        Read more HERE (PAGE 2)
        Blog written by STOYAN ZAIMOV, CHRISTIAN POST REPORTER



        Christian drug rehab centers
        have some of the best treatment available. Recent trends and statistics have shown that for a Christian seeking a faith-based treatment program, entering into a Christian drug rehab will result in a considerably higher success rate for the addict. 

        For further assistance please feel free to contact us by phone. Our counselors are here to assist you, 24/7 and guide you to the right treatment center that is Christian in its beliefs. Do not wait until it is too late to call. Every day you wait, your chances of something negative in life become greater. Addiction to drugs and alcohol does not discriminate. It does not care if you are living on the street or living in a Park Avenue apartment. Addiction is everywhere and can be hidden in some of the people we know, love, and consider friends or family. If you think there is something that has changed in a loved one please let us help you decide if there is a need for help or if an intervention is needed. 

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        Psalm 112: 1, 7-8 Praise the Lord! Happy are those who fear the Lord. They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, and secure in the Lord. Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid.






        Drug Overdose Deaths Accelerating Due to COVID 19 (Coronavirus)

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        Addiction No More is a drug rehab referral service. We can help you find treatment anywhere in the USA 1-800-513-5423

        Drug Overdose Deaths Accelerating Due to Covid 19 (Coronavirus)

        Covid 19 Coronavirus Safe Drug Rehab Centers with social distancing
        Covid 19 has been hard on everyone but no group has been hit harder than those that have an underlying addiction to drugs or alcohol. Finding help for addiction during the coronavirus pandemic can be difficult but not impossible. Getting help before something adverse happens can be the difference between life and death. Depression and addiction to drugs or alcohol have been increasing every day as we enter another phase of lockdown or restrictions. 
        As we continue with social distancing, restrictions, and lockdowns many people will feel added pressures that they would not normally have to deal with in everyday life. Significant restrictions on the social aspect of our lives have added many more stresses to our everyday lives. With the added pressure of employment, making money, paying the bills, and housing, the overdose death rate has skyrocketed past all perceived estimates. 

        If you know someone struggling with addiction or are struggling yourself,m there are solutions that can help you gain control of your life once again. Do not let COVID-19 Depression be the cause of your overdose of drugs or alcohol. There are solutions available to you. 

        two people sitting outside a drug rehab during the pandemic wearing masks


        Overdose deaths rising again in 2020 is the highest recorded overdose rate ever recorded for a 12-month period. Overdose deaths are continuing to rise in the country. The most recent survey done by the CDC from May 2019 to May 2020 estimates the overdose death toll at over 81,000 people for a 12-month period. This is the highest number of fatal overdoses ever recorded for a 12-month period. 

        With the overdose death rate increasing in early 2020 before the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19), recent studies are starting to show an even larger acceleration of the overdose death toll for 2021. The pandemic has caused a significant disruption in the daily lives of most people throughout the country. It has hit those who struggle with substance abuse disorders hard and is one of the main contributing factors to the rise of overdoses in 2021.

        Overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids appear to be the driving force behind the overdose death increase, which has risen  38.4% nationally over a 12-month period. With 37 of the 38 jurisdictions in The United States reporting an increase in opioid-involved overdoses, the need for detox and treatment could not be greater. Eighteen of these jurisdictions reported a staggering 50% increase in deaths involving opioids and 10 western states reported a 98% increase.

        Overdoses involving cocaine have also increased in 2020 by 26.5%.  Earlier research has linked these deaths to co-use or contaminated cocaine with manufactured fentanyl or heroin. overdose deaths involving methamphetamines or psychostimulants have increased by 34.8% making the number higher than cocaine-related overdoses in the country. 
        With the death toll rising and COVID-19 still running rampant in the country, the need for treatment programs that can offer “safe treatment during the pandemic” could not be greater. Most programs in the United States have adjusted their curriculum and program offerings to include a “COVID-19 safe treatment program” for addiction to drugs or alcohol. Treatment can be safe during the pandemic. Programs that offer quarantine spaces for new arrivals with medical supervision have the safest spaces for treatment during the Coronavirus pandemic.

        Do not let yourself be a part of this rising death statistic. Get help today for your addiction to drugs or alcohol. There is help out there and we can help guide you to the best treatment program for addiction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Treatment can include telehealth and video conferencing to ensure the safety of counselors and patients alike. Give us a call to discuss your options either in or outside of your area. 

        Covid 19 Emergency Drug and Alcohol Detoxification Warning

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        Addiction No More is a drug rehab referral service. We can help you find treatment anywhere in the USA 1-800-513-5423

        Addiction No More ® 
        Covid 19 (Corona Virus) Emergency Drug and Alcohol Detoxification Warning

        Covid 19 Coronavirus Safe Drug Rehab Centers with social distancing

         At Home Detox Warning: 

        Some drug and alcohol detoxification can be life-threatening. Call us now to discuss our at-home detox or the in-house detox options that are available in your area during social distancing and shelter-in-place orders. We are committed to helping those in need during this pandemic and emergency. Stay-at-home orders affect almost 90% of the population right now.  Stay-at-home orders affect almost 90% of the population right now.  

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        two people sitting outside a drug rehab during the pandemic wearing masks

        Due to the Covid 19 response protocols that are being initiated throughout the country, in the form of stay-at-home orders, many people are left on their own, detoxing at home.  We have issued a general public warning to ensure the safety of people who have found themselves without the means to satisfy their addiction. This warning is in response to the many people who have been cut off from their supply of drugs, medications, or alcohol supply.

        Addiction No More ®  can give you free detox advice, help, and tips to ensure a safe at-home detox if at all possible. For some medications, drugs, and alcohol, there may need to be some coordination with doctors and medical practitioners to ensure that at-home detoxification is medically safe. Do Not stop taking any of your medications without prior doctors’ approval as some medications can have serious and in some cases life-threatening side effects.

         
        There are two types of withdrawal generally accepted amongst mental health professionals. Acute Withdrawal and Protracted Withdrawal.

        Acute Withdrawal is when an individual suddenly stops the intake of the substance of choice. Once the drug has left the system, the symptoms left are usually the opposite of the effects the substance was providing. this, in turn, makes the withdrawal symptoms different for every drug. 
        • Nicotine: 2-4 weeks
        • Cannabis: 5 days
        • Alcohol: 5-7 days
        • Stimulants: 1-2 weeks
        • Opioids: 4-10 days; 
        • Benzodiazepines: 1-4 weeks, or 3-5 weeks if reducing dosage gradually
        • Methadone may take 14-21 days up to a year for taper-down programs
        Protracted Withdrawal Symptoms that last longer than the normal withdrawal period for the drug that was in question are listed as protracted withdrawal or the more common names, post-acute withdrawal symptoms, Chronic withdrawal, or extended withdrawal.  
        • Anxiety and irritability
        • Difficulty focusing on tasks, concentrating, and making decisions
        • Difficulty in finding pleasure 
        • Impaired executive control
        • Depression
        • Problems sleeping, Insomnia 
        • Loss of libido 
        • Substance cravings
        • Physical symptoms that are otherwise unexplainable
        Serious drug and alcohol withdrawal and detoxification warnings are issued for those who are dependent on the following substances including heavy alcohol abusers. 


        Alcohol can be one of the most dangerous substances to detox from alone, at home without medical supervision. Depending on the addiction and length of use, alcohol detoxification can have serious life-threatening consequences if left alone. If you have been drinking daily, or in large quantities, please do not stop drinking abruptly before giving our helpline a call. We can help you determine if you will be able to detox without the need for a medically assisted detox.

        1-800-513-5423

        Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal include aches and pains, delirium, muscle spasms, anxiety, depression, nausea, insomnia, gran mal seizures, abnormal body sensations

        Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal include aches and pains, delirium, muscle spasms, anxiety, depression, nausea, insomnia, granmal seizures, abnormal body sensations

         
        Common Alcohol  Detox Side Effects  
        • Feeling anxious, nervous, irritable, mood swings, depressed, wiped out, and tired
        • Shakiness, Tremors, Sweating, Headache, Faster heart rate, Dilated pupils
        • Not being able to think clearly, Difficulty sleeping, Having nightmares,
        • Dilated pupils, Appetite loss, Nausea, and/or vomiting
        The most serious side effects of alcohol withdrawal and detoxification are called “Delirium Tremens” or DT’s.
        Around 3-5% of people who are heavy drinkers experience the DT’s. If you or someone you care about is experiencing Delirium Tremens, please seek emergency treatment before the symptoms get worse.

        Below are the symptoms of the delirium tremens
        • High Fever, High blood pressure
        • Extreme agitation, extreme Confusion, Hallucinations,
        • Seizures
        Some drugs can have serious side effects which can lead to death if not tapered down properly with medical supervision. Benzodiazepines like Xanax, Valium, Klonopin
        Alprazolam (Xanax, Xanax XR)
        Clobazam (Onfi)
        Clonazepam (Klonopin)
        Clorazepate (Tranxene)
        Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
        Diazepam (Valium, Diastat Acudial, Diastat)
        Estazolam (Prosom is a discontinued brand in the US)
        Lorazepam (Ativan)

        Please do not try to do a cold turkey detox from any benzodiazepine. We highly recommend that you call us immediately if you have been cut off from your supply of Xanax and are feeling any of the symptoms listed above. 
        Methadone is an opiate replacement drug that must be tapered down. If you are prescribed this drug and facing financial hardship, talk to your provider. There may be some options available through the state in the form of emergency medical funding. 

        Methadone Taperdown detox protocols are usually no more than 10 mg a week to ensure comfortable and medically safe detoxification. Do not quit Methadone cold turkey if you are prescribed it daily for maintenance. Always taper down slowly or seek a medical detox professional.  
        Opioids, opiates, and Heroin, Normally are safe to detox from less the horrible withdrawal symptoms that can ensue 12 or fewer hours after the last dosage. We can assist with home detox for Heroin and opioids and give you some ideas for making the detox a bit more comfortable. If you are mixing opiate medications with benzodiazepines call us immediately due to serious health concerns with detoxification. 
        Amphetamine detox will usually produce the opposite effects as the drug was intended to do. Sleep and healthy food can help more than anything through the detox process for amphetamines. The real issue is the cravings and how to deal with the need to get more of the drug. We can assist you with at-home support groups and online treatment options. 
        Our counselors, here at Addiction No More ® , have been committed to helping those in need for over 20 years. We will continue to assist those in need throughout this Corona Virus Pandemic through online help, phone consultations, and if needed, placement into detox that is safe during this outbreak. Our detox professionals, doctors, and nurses are taking this pandemic very seriously and are practicing safe PPE protocols to ensure the safety of the clients and medical staff. 

        If you would like to have a counselor contact you, please fill out this contact form. We will get in touch with you within 24-48 hours. For immediate help, call us now. This is a 24-hour FREE service.

        We can help you or someone you love find the best COVID-19 SAFE Drug Rehab Center for addiction today. Addiction No More ® is an Addiction Treatment Center locator service. For immediate service, please call one of our counselors 24/7.

        1-800-513-5423

        Sources
        COVID-19
        CDC Covid Updates
        Coronavirus

        Erik Epp – Content Author


        COVID-19 Update

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        Addiction No More is a drug rehab referral service. We can help you find treatment anywhere in the USA 1-800-513-5423

        COVID-19 Update

        1-800-513-5423

        COVID-19 Update The widespread outbreak of COVID-19 is concerning for everyone. Please know that the safety and well-being of our patients and staff are of utmost concern. We have systems in place to reduce the risk of exposure and transmission of the coronavirus to those under our care, allowing our patients to focus on their health and recovery. If there’s anything we can do to alleviate your concerns, please call us today. Do not let COVID-19 be the reason to delay getting the help you need. We can help you or someone you love find the best COVID-19 SAFE Drug Rehab Center for addiction today. Addiction No More ® is an Addiction Treatment Center locator service. For immediate service, please call one of our counselors 24/7.

        man on top of mountain victorious in recovery from addiction

        Senate To Vote To End Insurance Coverage For Substance Abuse (From 2017)

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        Senate floor
        Senate To Vote To End Insurance Coverage For Substance Abuse

        OVER 1 MILLION PEOPLE COULD LOSE THEIR LIVES DUE TO LACK OF COVERAGE AND DENIAL OF TREATMENT BY 2026.
        Insurance for drug rehabilitation is in jeopardy for millions of Americans.

        Get the help that is needed immediately, to handle addiction for you or a loved one. In the coming weeks, we are going to find out if this bill will affect your ability to receive the treatment you or someone you love needs for an addiction or dependency on drugs or alcohol. If you wait to see what happens, it may already be too late for some states. The uncertainty in the insurance market has already caused many providers to drop out and see if they want to continue providing insurance to people in every state now.

        Drug rehabilitation is expensive if you do not have insurance to offset the cost of inpatient treatment for addiction to drugs or alcohol. With the recent heroin and opioid epidemic, there is an urgency to get as many people to help as soon as possible before addiction ends their lives. The outlook of this new proposed bill in the Senate is grim for tens of millions of people and millions of addicts throughout our country. With states being able to opt out of the essential benefit guarantee that was mandated through the Affordable Care Act, drug or alcohol addiction treatment paid for by your insurance provider in your state may be terminated with a waiver to the federal government.
        Free drug rehab centers and missions are not enough to handle the ever-growing drug epidemic. Finding a free treatment center for addiction can be an arduous task, to say the least. Looking for a treatment program that can handle addictions, detox, and interventions that are free is almost impossible. With the new proposed cuts to the Medicaid programs, there will be much more of a need for communities to step up and help handle the drug addiction epidemic. Without addiction treatment, there will surely be a rise in crime violent and otherwise.

        Do not wait to get the help you need. Addiction is a progressive disease and can have long-lasting consequences even after the addiction is under control.  Getting help sooner than later can help in recovery before health or legal issues are added to the list of things that need to be handled. 

        Addiction No More ® is urging people with insurance through the marketplace to seek treatment immediately if they want to be able to utilize their insurance benefits. In the coming days, we are going to see what will happen with the healthcare system. This is a very scary prospect for the millions of Americans who were able to finally have health insurance coverage. 

        If you are one of the fortunate people who have healthcare coverage through your work and are using drugs or alcohol in excess, seek treatment immediately. Your insurance is in question as well as those who seek insurance through the marketplace. With businesses being able to opt out of essential services, most companies will look at saving money at the expense of health care coverage. 


        The opioid epidemic is on the list of targets for the GOP.

        With the recent opioid epidemic figures in, for therapy and aftercare, there will be a significant shortage of money available for the treatment of addiction. It is estimated that the opioid epidemic will cost hundreds of billions of dollars over the next 10 years. Cuts to the Medicaid program which pays for more than 40% of Buprenorphine (a life-saving opioid addiction drug) prescriptions,  could affect millions of lives nationwide. 
        States being able to opt out of ObamaCare protections. 

        Under ObamaCare, there is a requirement that makes it mandatory for an insurance provider to sell insurance to the American public to offer Essential Health Benefits. These “Essential Health Benefits” include provisions that cover addiction treatment, mental health, preventative care, contraception, and emergency services. For a full list of benefits please visit https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage/what-marketplace-plans-cover.  The new Senate bill, if passed will end essential benefits for people covered under the Medicaid expansion programs by 2020. 
        Insurance prices will be going up with fewer protections

        We have done research into the new proposed plans and have come to the conclusion that the prices of healthcare within the privatized system, that the GOP is proposing will, in fact, raise rates and deny coverage to people with pre-existing conditions.  The middle class once again will pay even more than they are paying with the Affordable Care Act for less coverage, with higher deductibles. 
        Opioid Epidemic 

        Our country is in the middle of an opioid epidemic and the prospect that these conditions could be denied insurance coverage could be a death sentence for thousands of people.  Those that lose coverage through the marketplace could be placed in high-risk pools and the funding proposed is inadequate to provide coverage for those who buy insurance in the individual marketplace. 
        The overall impact of this bill that is being pushed through our Senate this upcoming week will impact the ability to use your insurance coverage to help offset the costs of rising drug or alcohol rehabilitation in the United States. The Essential Benefits program also requires that states follow strict guidelines in how they structure their Medicaid programs.  The states that opted out of the Medicaid expansion program are set to be hit the hardest and at lightning speed as predicted by many treatment providers that accept Medicaid. 

        Medicaid expansion was playing a huge role in the battle against the opioid epidemic. In the 31 states that expanded Medicaid, there has been a significant decrease in people being admitted to the emergency rooms for addiction problems without insurance to cover the cost of treatment. In 2013, the number of uninsured people seeking medical intervention for their addictions was at 20% and that number has had a significant drop down to 5% in 2015 after just 2 short years of Medicaid expansion. 
        The changes to the Medicaid system have changed the Medicaid system to a “Per Capita Cap” System. This type of system gives a lump sum for each enrollee with a set cap for services, or the individual states can opt for a block grant (a sum of money that the federal government sets that has no bearing on how many enrollees are insured through Medicaid). This is a completely different system than we have now where the federal government covers all of the treatment expenses for a Medicaid patient no matter the costs.

        This new Medicaid proposal will surely be the end of many state-sponsored treatment options for our addicted family members and friends at the moment in their lives when they need our help the most.

        States opting out of ObamaCare protections.

        There are provisions in the new healthcare bill “Better Reconciliation Act of 2017” or ‘TrumpCare’ that make it possible for states not to cover substance abuse treatment at all. The TrumpCare bill being voted on Friday will make it possible for individual states to decide if they want to cover addiction treatment as part of their healthcare coverage plans or not. The bill being voted on will make it so critical areas see addiction coverage end amid an opioid epidemic.
        Leana Wen, a Baltimore Maryland Health Commissioner stated shortly after the new healthcare bill was revealed “Insurers can stop providing coverage for mental health services at the time of a public health emergency around opioid overdose. This will cost millions more lives.” 
        Getting help for addiction is a phone call away. Our counselors are available to answer all your insurance questions, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. We will help you find the correct solution to handle any addiction to drugs or alcohol.  Do not wait until your insurance plan changes and the essential benefits package you thought you were entitled to changes or is taken away from you altogether. 

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        NOTE: Senate suspends vote until after the July 4th recess.

        Source 
        Better Reconciliation Act of 2017
        Congress.gov