Medical Mutual health insurance covers several types of addiction treatment. Recovery is unique for everyone, and treatment is often most effective with an individualized plan.3 That’s why many levels of care are available to meet you where you are in your recovery journey.
Addiction specialists widely use the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) guidelines to determine the best level of care for patients seeking addiction or co-occurring disorder treatment.4 The ASAM ranks levels of care from 1 to 4, from prevention and early intervention to intensive inpatient care.4 Your provider can determine the appropriate type of treatment based on your situation.
Detox Covered by Medical Mutual
Some undergo detox to safely withdraw from drugs or alcohol under medical supervision before starting a treatment program.3 In detox, you have continuous access to medical professionals who can administer medications to ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.3
Although detox can be beneficial for some, it isn’t always necessary. Detox is often helpful for people with severe addictions or those addicted to substances with potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.5 For example if you have a severe alcohol addiction, detox might be necessary to safely manage seizures.
Detox and withdrawal management is essential for some, but it’s most important to continue treatment after.3 Addiction specialists agree detox is only the first stage in treatment.3 Continuing to a formal treatment program, like an inpatient rehab or outpatient care, is most effective in promoting long-term recovery.3
Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab Covered by Insurance
Inpatient and residential rehab provide a safe environment to live while in recovery.3 During inpatient rehab, you participate in therapeutic interventions, including behavioral therapies, psychoeducation, group counseling, and peer support. These approaches help you learn about the underlying factors contributing to your addiction and build coping skills to navigate life without substances.3
Inpatient rehab can benefit many but may serve certain people better than others. If you struggle with chronic relapse and have already tried other levels of care, treatment in an inpatient program could be beneficial.6 Inpatient rehab is also helpful if you require medical supervision while in recovery.6
People with mental health disorders and addiction might also find inpatient rehab beneficial.6 Co-occurring conditions are common, and mental health professionals recommend treating both in tandem to promote long-term recovery.3 An inpatient rehab can provide targeted treatment to help you address co-occurring disorders from all angles.6 You might also attend inpatient treatment to remove yourself from your everyday environment. Taking a break from the people and places that may be contributing to your addiction helps you focus on recovery in a stable space.
Some inpatient programs are short-term, lasting about 30 days, while other more long-term programs can last 12 months or longer.6 Remaining in treatment for at least 90 days is recommended to promote long-term recovery.3 Your provider can help you determine the appropriate inpatient program duration that works for your situation.
After completing inpatient care, you’ll likely transition to another level of care, like an outpatient program. Taking an efficient amount of time in addiction aftercare helps you stay focused on recovery while using the skills you learned in treatment to transition back to everyday life.
Drug and Alcohol Outpatient Rehab
Many options for outpatient rehab covered by insurance are available, from standard programs to more in-depth treatment. Outpatient programs typically include similar therapeutic approaches as inpatient rehab, but you can live at home while in treatment.6 An outpatient program can offer structure and flexibility in treatment. The type of outpatient program you attend can differ based on your unique situation.
Traditional outpatient programs are less rigid, requiring less attendance frequency and more independence. Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are more structured with a required amount of dedication. Most IOPs provide at least 6 hours of weekly contact.7 A PHP is the most in-depth outpatient program, usually requiring daily attendance for about 6 hours.8
Addiction specialists see outpatient programs as a significant part of aftercare. Quitting substances is only the first part of recovery. Learning to function without drugs or alcohol, recognize and fight triggers, and continue building relapse prevention skills is an essential part of the continuum of care.3 Remaining in outpatient treatment after completing a formal inpatient program helps you integrate what you’ve learned and continue recovering.
Although outpatient programs provide similar therapeutic approaches to inpatient rehab, like one-on-one counseling and psychoeducation, they differ in some ways. You have the flexibility of living at home and tending to your everyday responsibilities while attending outpatient treatment. Outpatient programs are also more cost-effective than inpatient rehab.