Substance use disorder treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all

Any time is a good time of year to make a fresh start toward building healthier habits. If changing your habits around alcohol or drug use is on your list of health goals, you may wonder where to start.

Treatment for substance use disorders (SUD) has changed a lot over the years. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach that works for everyone. Now it’s much easier to find an in-network provider and make a treatment plan that works for your specific needs and goals.

Substance use disorders are common and treatable

Addiction affects more people than you may realize. Nearly 17 percent of Americans ages 12 and older reported an issue with substance use (alcohol or drug) in the past year. Yet far fewer get care to treat their substance use. Among adults with SUD, only about 12 percent received treatment. When SUD goes untreated, it affects overall health, strains families, increases medical costs, and reduces work attendance and performance.

The good news is that SUD is a chronic but treatable medical condition, and early access to effective care can put people on a path to health.

What effective SUD treatment looks like

SUD treatment should be tailored to fit your unique needs. Treatments often blend therapy, medication (if needed), and support in settings that fit your life. You don’t necessarily need to “go away” for 30 days to get started. Many people can begin with telehealth (aka virtual care) or outpatient programs, and then step up or down in their level of care as needed.

Effective SUD care includes:

A personalized treatment plan: Care matched to your goals, health, and preferences, often guided by updated criteria.
Fast access: Getting care quickly to maintain momentum and improve outcomes.
Evidence-based practices: Using medications (for opioid or alcohol use disorders), therapies, recovery supports, and coordinated care that have been tested and found effective.

Using virtual care for SUD treatment

Virtual care makes it easier than ever to start and stay engaged in SUD treatment. Many people begin their recovery journey with telehealth or other homebased options because they fit easily into daily routines. With virtual care, you don’t have to step away from work or school, arrange childcare coverage, or pause other responsibilities to get the support you need. You can receive flexible care and high levels of support. Many in-network SUD telehealth providers offer:

Multiple contacts per week in early treatment
Care from a medical provider
Recovery counseling
Digital tools to help you stay on track
24/7 chat options

Research shows that telehealth is as effective as in-person care for reducing substance use and keeping people in treatment. For opioid use disorder, telehealth even lowered the risk of fatal overdose by 33 percent. Virtual care also offers a level of privacy and comfort that can make reaching out for help feel less overwhelming.

Get in-network care for substance use disorder

You don’t need to go out of network to get exceptional SUD care. Independence Blue Cross (IBX) offers a high-quality, credentialed network of behavioral health providers who support a broad range of specialties, including substance use disorders. And we can help you get into SUD care within 48 hours.

Many of our in-network SUD providers are part of our Connect to Care network. These providers are committed to getting IBX members into SUD care fast (in-person and virtual appointments available). Check out all our Connect to Care providers who specialize in substance use disorders and addiction.

And we’re seeing great outcomes for IBX members being treated by Connect to Care providers for SUDs. These members are:

Staying in care longer (which can improve success)
Reporting improved physical and psychological health (for alcohol and opioid use disorders)
Lowering their drinking level (as defined by the World Health Organization) after three months

You’re never alone with IBX

We know reaching out for help for yourself or a loved one can feel overwhelming. IBX members can contact our Behavioral Health Care Navigation team at 1-800-688-1911, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Our team can offer support and guide you to the right care. They will assess your needs, discuss care options, and connect you to in-network care that works for your situation. They can even directly schedule your first appointment for you.

You deserve care that fits your life, whether your goal is to stop, use less, or stay safer while you decide what’s next. IBX is here to support you.