Question: I was wondering where in Ca near sacamento, Redding, clearlake and surrounding areas is there free or low cost inpatient rehab for heroin addiction that doesnt require a huge downpayment? Looking to help my daughter, Thanks

James Cloughley Says...:

Greetings--thank you for making ChooseHelp your source of accurate information. 

To begin, I don't mean to make this any more difficult for you than it is but here are a couple of options for you to consider at this time. One--I need a bit more information before can suggest an answer for you:

1. Does your daughter want to go to a program at this time?

2. Does she want to attend a female specific program or a co-ed program?  

3. How long a program would she be interested in? Ranging from 28 days (more typical) up to 6 months with a variety of lengths available in between-60 days, 3 months, 6 months? 

4. What are the financial parameters?

5. Medical detox is difficult to find for free apparently so will she have access to a medical doctor who knows something about drug addiction and detox protocols who would be willing to work with your daughter prior to attending a program?

You could send me the information that I have requested and then I could get back to you with some suggestions. We could spend a bit of time going back and forth and according to your responses we could spend more time OR

The other option for you and likely the better option would be for you to check out the various programs and then choose which one fits your criteria the best. Since you know the areas you would like to investigate you would be able to get as close as possible to the general area you outlined. 

Accurate and comprehensive information is your greatest asset in all of this. I would suggest going to: http://www.sober-solutions.com/addiction-treatment-centers/ where you will find answers to most if not all of your questions. It sounds as though time is of the essence and I know that there is a small window of opportunity during which an addict will agree to seek treatment help. 

Please understand that whichever option you choose will be the right one for you. I know it sounds like a great deal of work but you can get direct answers to your questions immediately, using option 2, which will certainly serve you and your daughter well in your pursuit of the best program for what you can afford. Also, it doesn't always follow that the more money you pay the better the program. There are some really good programs available that are not overly expensive but you need to look hard to find them. Each client that decides to attend a program will have his/her own specifics that need to be satisfied, as well, in order for them to experience the best possible outcome.

I hope that this response has been helpful to you but if you are still in doubt please don't hesitate to get back to us so that we can continue to help you with this most difficult family issue.

I wish you and your daughter success on this journey, all the best, James C. 

Question: where to i go to furthermore seek help im looking for an impatient rehab please email me at: j****@gmail.com

James Cloughley Says...:

Hi Jessi--Thanks for reaching out to ChooseHelp.com. This is a great way to start your recovery. I would be pleased to help in any way I can but before we can get started I need a bit more information from you. 

First of all there is a difference in the choices you have available to you. You can participate in a 'public' program which means that it is funded by the state on your behalf or you can attend a 'private' facility that likely provides more amenities but you are responsible for the cost of attending.

Once you decide which program you are attending you can get on to the next step.

You can research the information you need by typing: 'the state you live in+alcohol and drug assessment and referral agencies+public (or private) and see what information comes up. You should be able to find the information you are looking for with this search. Often times you can get the information you need from the local hospital. Go-ask to speak to the social worker or the crisis worker in the emergency department. They may be able to suggest an agency close by your town or in your town that could be of help. If you have a need for strict confidentiality then proceed with your search as I outlined it above.

Next step: You would contact a referral agency in your area. Make an appointment to see a counsellor and they would help you fill out all the assessments and paper work necessary for you to gain entry into the program that would best suit your needs. (Be sure to organize a ride to the appointment ahead of time if you are not driving.) Once at the appointment the counsellor will want to know things like which substances were you having difficulty with; would you like to attend a female specific program or would you like to be in a co-ed program (one that includes male clients as well); how long have you been using the substances that are problematic and at what level of use (frequency) were you involved--every day use or once or twice a week use for instance.

They might assess for how much support you have around you and certainly what your goals are for attending a program. There are other areas that they will inquire about but these are the type of questions that you would be asked.

Once they know more about your circumstances and a bit about your history they will be able to make a referral to a program that they feel will best serve you and would then secure an admission date for you. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the facility and the program. This is your life and you need to take charge of it again. Their responsibility is to answer any questions you may have before you enter the program and the facility. Your referral agent will become one of your primary supports pre-treatment and after your treatment experience has finished. Once you step into the office to do your assessment you are no longer all by yourself--you do not have to go through all of this alone.

If at any time you have other questions or you feel overwhelmed by the process you can contact me through ChooseHelp.com

I wish you Strength and Peace on your journey, all the best, James C.

Question: If someone leaves rehab early because they can’t take it any more and because they can see that this is not where they supposed to be right now what happens with my insurance (aetna) coverage. Will they still pay for the 4 days they have been there already? My friend is in this bad situation and she wants to get out but she is scared. Her creepy counselor was threatening her that if she left she would have to pay 6 grand because her coverage would be withdrawan if she left before she finished treatment. I smell bullshit this whole place sounds like a bullshit con. Can she really get forced to pay after if she leaves early?

Dr. Mark Abrahams Says...:

It used to be fashionable to say "my friend" instead of coming clean and being up-front with the truth. It doesn't matter to me, I'm just some anonymous therapist out in virtual space. But you're the one who is writing, and if it was your "friend" who truly had the problem, then it would behove "her" to call Aetna® and ask these questions of someone who would actually have an answer. I don't work for that company, I'm not omniscient, I can't answer your insurance questions. BUT, I can read someone trying to avoid dealing with reality, which to me spells a-d-d-i-c-t. So, if it's your "friend" who is having issues with rehab - "she" needs to ask herself how she got into rehab in the first place, because if someone finds themselves in rehab, it's not for nothing! Someone has had to become dysfunctional in the extreme, arrested, involuntarily committed, or mandated by the court. Rehab isn't like, "Oh, should I take my holiday in Sandals®, Jamaica, or should I check myself into rehab?" Talk about "bullshit!" 

Sorry if this sounds harsh, but it's time for your "friend" to learn some coping skills after "she" re-sensitizes her doped up nervous system, and that is precisely what rehab is good for. If "she" is there, it's for a real reason, and "she" may as well get something good out of the experience, as unpleasant as being drug-free might be for the time being. If you're asking a therapist, good, but you're asking the wrong questions. It's time to cop some courage and submit to some deep therapy, maybe hypnotherapy (my specialty because it's brief and less painful, plus hypnosis feels good). Otherwise, unless your "friend" wants to get to the bottom of the trauma that's created a slave, and unless she wants to be free, "her" life is going to be short and shitty to boot (no hitting-up pun intended).

Question: There is this non profit Buddhist meditation and mindfulness based rehab in Thailand where it only costs like 20$ a day and you can stay for as long as you like in this community of sustainable agriculture and meditation and overnight silence. It’s all in the mountains and jungles and it looks incredibly peaceful. I am a cocaine and alcohol addict. I can clean up for a while but I can’t stay clean. This program that I am talking about looks really god and I can actually afford it. I am thinking about dropping out of the world for a few months to live like a monk. My worry is that even if I can stay clean for 3 months in a meditation retreat in the jungle does this make it very likely that I will be able to stay clean once I am back here in Chicago?

Zelik Mintz Says...:

The retreat sounds like it could provide structured initial support for sobriety.  I do have some concerns that would be important to address to sustain sobriety once back in Chicago.  It may be necessary to detox from alcohol before attending the retreat unless the retreat provides detox to those who need it.  Upon returning to Chicago it would be vital in keeping sober to immediately have set up a program, either outpatient rehab or attending daily AA and/or Cocaine Anonymous meetings, to attend and get a sponsor.  Also, to address the issues that led to your self-medicating addiction, it would be advantageous to work through those issues with a psychotherapist. Although the retreat sounds wonderful, you will still be returning to Chicago with all your triggers.  Sustaining sobriety upon your returning to a vastly different environment will necessitate ongoing recovery support as well as addressing the internal conflicts that led your addiction.

Question: Can I bring my tablet and laptop into drug rehab so I can continue to work while I get treatment? I can see that it would be better if I could focus on my recovery but I can’t get away unless I can still work so that’s just my reality.

Jennifer Hamilton Says...:

You would have to consult the rules of the rehab you are planning to attend. I admit, it is an unusual request. Many rehabs do not even allow a cell phone. You may want to see if you qualify for Family Medical Leave Act which allows you time off work if your employer employs over 50 employees and you have worked there full time for twelve months. It guarantees you twelve weeks per year of unpaid leave with a comparable job upon return. If you do not qualify, perhaps your employer has a policy specifically to address someone seeking help for substance abuse. If you are self-employed, you may have to ask yourself if your business matters more than your life as substance abuse often becomes a life or death matter.

Question: Is there any disadvantage to going to rehab on a tropical island or beach spa type place. We are picking a place for my sister and the costs are outrageous. Beyond this, many of the places seem to be selling themselves more like vacation resorts than places of treatment. I don’t want to be the Grinch of the family bit it seems to me that she has lacked responsibility her whole life and everyone has always just picked up the pieces for her so she never had to learn to do it herself. Now she’s really messing up so she’s getting sent to rehab, but instead of getting sent somewhere serious, we are all looking over places with massages and private chefs. Isn’t there an advantage to going to a place that isn’t like a vacation? It seems to me she should go to the Salvation Army or someplace similar, so at least she can start to face the consequences of what she has become. Am I correct? Is there something I am missing?

Zelik Mintz Says...:

Any rehab can be effective if the person who is dealing with addiction is committed to recovery.  Is your sister committed and ready for recovery or is she only ready if she goes to an inpatient rehab that resembles a luxury vacation?  If your sister only wants to stop using with the condition of pleasure and comfort, chances for recovery are slim. Rehab from addiction is neither easy or comfortable.  Addiction is self-medicating pain and recovery a very difficult struggle wherever rehab takes place.  If the motivation for recovery is not coming from the person dealing with the addiction, and the addict has conditions about what a rehab place provides, rather than being motivated by a commitment to stop using,  the focus is misguided and recovery not promising.

Why is your family looking for places with massages and private chefs?  Is that your sister's requirements or your discomfort with the serious and difficult road to sobriety for her?  Are there co-dependent and enabling issues in your family?  There is no guarantee whatsoever that the more comfort gotten or money spent on an inpatient rehab will be more effective.

At the same time, a place does not have to be uncomfortable or a punishment for addiction. And if yours sister is not ready to "face the consequences of what she has become" and do whatever it takes to achieve recovery, no rehab environment will be effective.

Question: My 23yr old son called me and said he now wants my help in getting clean with his herion addiction. I don't know where to turn because with our current financial situation leaves me with no money or health insurance to provide for him. As you already know he has NOTHING, no home, no food, no money, no insurance. Where can I take my son? Please help me save his life. Lost in PA

Jennifer Hamilton Says...:

There may be free help out there.  Here some numbers to call Teen Challenge (free help and they do excellent work). Start with one and they will help you find the right one closest to you! 

PO Box 1222

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17108

Question: Which has the best recovery rate Christian rehab or rehab that is based on AA?

Iona Health Says...:

My first response to your question is “it depends on whether or not the alcoholic/addict is a Christian?” A really excellent website which makes distinctions between the causes of addiction, the difference in philosophies between AA or 12 Step based treatment programs and Christian-based recovery treatment programs is Alcoholics Victorious. Its website can be found at: http://alcoholicsvictorious.org/faq.html. Check this out and you may be struck with the strong differences in languaging and philosophies between these two different rehab models.

Both Christian Recovery Programs and AA-based treatment programs are both spiritual and effective programs. I think people who want recovery have been able to recover in both treatment formats. From what I have seen, Christians often report strong recovery in Christian-based programs but also can do well in AA-based treatment programs. An observed difference in lower recovery rates appears, sometimes, when alcoholics/addicts from other faith communities enter into Christian drug rehab and are confronted by basic religious and/or philosophical differences. For this reason(s), atheists, agnostics, and members from non-Christian faith communities often have improved recovery experience in AA or 12 Step programs. With many Christian alcoholics, the opposite can be observed. Many Christians report they benefit more from a Christian-based recovery program by having treatment which encourages them to use their belief in Jesus; a strength they can use to broaden their spiritual walk and person recovery.

You offered a very good question. When assessing alcoholics/addicts for treatment, it is common to ask them if they prefer a Christian-based rehab program over a 12 Step-based recovery program. I think it comes down to personal preference. When people are able to exercise their personal preferences and have individualized treatment, they usually perform better and report more satisfactory results.

I hope this response partially or fully addressed your question. If you need anything more from me, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Respectfully yours,

John W. O’Neal, Ed.S, MSW, MA, LPC, NCC

Question: Do any of your facilities in pa accept medicaid

Jennifer Sartin Says...:

I am actually located in Texas. I believe you can call and ask for a list of treatment centers that do accept Medicaid. Good luck to you!

Question: How do I know if I need to go to drug rehab or not? I am addicted to cocaine. I am a technical writer. I lost my largest client of many years last week for what they called erratic performance. It was a shock to me and it has me scrambling to make ends meet. Now I really can’t afford all the coke I’m buying but I am buying it anyway and using my savings to do it. Obviously I have a bigger problem than I thought. I have tried to quit on my own but I cannot last more than a few days. I need to get some help but I am not sure if I need to go to a drug rehab (which would be expensive and embarrassing) or if I can get effective treatment on an outpatient basis. How can I know if I am so addicted that I need the rehab treatment?

Iona Health Says...:

The major issues that I perceive from your request are (1) how serious is my cocaine addiction, (2) how embarrassment and shame can serve as obstacles to seeking help, and (3) after failing to quit on my own, do I really have to seek professional assistance?

According to the mental health clinicians’ Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM-IV):

Substance dependence is defined as a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three (or more) of the following, occurring any time in the same 12-month period:

1. Tolerance, as defined by either of the following: (a) A need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or the desired effect or (b) Markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance.
2. Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following: (a) The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance or (b) The same (or closely related) substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
3. The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended.
4. There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use.
5. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance, use the substance, or recover from its effects.
6. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use.
7. The substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance (for example, current cocaine use despite recognition of cocaine-induced depression or continued drinking despite recognition that an ulcer was made worse by alcohol consumption).
   

If you continue to have doubts about your progressive addiction to cocaine, you may want to take the “Self-Test for Cocaine Addiction.” For this test, go to http://www.ca.org/literature/selftest.htm

Usually with most substance dependency, there is impairment in different areas of the addict’s life; i.e., the physical, emotional, mental, employment, social, friends, family, and spiritual. You have already admitted that your work, work reputation, and finances have suffered as a result of your continued use of cocaine. You mentioned having a strong concern about depleting your saving account due to reduced income and perhaps increased usage. Buying cocaine when you can’t afford it is a sign of progressive addiction to cocaine. When you talk of being “shocked” about the current consequences to your addiction, it may be that you are beginning to become more aware of how much you addiction is costing you in most or all areas of your life. To better understand the cycle and harm of cocaine addiction, please go to this website: http://www.thegooddrugsguide.com/cocaine/addiction.htm.

Most addicts live secret lives to some or more degrees. You stated that “embarrassment and shame” would result from you admitting to others and yourself that you have are addicted to cocaine. Most people use this as an obstacle to seeking treatment. However, honesty or honest self-disclosure about an addiction is the first act of recovery. To be able to walk away from your cocaine addiction will require honesty and the help of others. I would encourage you to go to Cocaine Anonymous (CA) , listen to the stories of the members, and see if you think you can do it on your own or not. You can find meetings and other information at http://www.ca.org/index.html. Another option would be for you to have an assessment by a professional addiction counselor. Most treatment centers offer assessments, including the Choose Help website.

I would encourage to strongly consider professional help with your cocaine addiction. One of the main features of addiction is loss of control. By taking action now, you may be able to salvage your health, your peace of mind, regain self-control, reinvigorate your career as a technical writer, restore your finances, and save your life. I hope this answer has been helpful to you but if you need anything else from me, please let me know.

Respectfully,

John W. O’Neal, Ed.S, MSW, MA, LPC, NCC