| Definitions of Treatment Services |
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Detoxification- The general definition of detoxification is to remove poison or the effects of poison from a system. In substance abuse treatment the term is used in a similar manner; drugs or the effect of drugs are removed from the body. There are numerous detoxification programs, and each has a slightly different approach, but most follow a similar procedure.
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Hospital inpatient- Many options continue to be available for those suffering from substance abuse or other mental health problems. Choosing the correct treatment program can be one of the most important steps an individual will take in conquering their difficulties with drugs and/or alcohol. While some choose to attempt recovery at outpatient programs, through support groups, or at residential long- or short-term treatment facilities, others prefer the more traditional atmosphere of a hospital inpatient program.
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Medicaid- The term Medicaid often evokes stares of bewilderment from many and is easily confused with other medical assistance services with similar names. Simply put, Medicaid is a program that pays for medical assistance for certain individuals and families with low incomes and resources.
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Medicare- In the United States, politicians debated for decades on how to best provide a nationwide health insurance program for its elderly citizens. Though discussion began as early as 1912 and the first health insurance bill was introduced to congress in 1935, it wasn’t until 1965 that President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a bill to establish what we now know as Medicare.
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Methadone detoxification- Methadone detoxification is a method used to help heroin or other opiate drug addicts reduce cravings and eventually stop using drugs. Methadone blocks the pain receptors that heroin or morphine usually block. Using methadone in controlled doses that are monitored by a doctor eventually restores proper sexual, adrenal and immune function.
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Methadone maintenance- Methadone maintenance treatment is a medication that reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings for opioid drugs. Opioid drugs include heroin, codeine, and oxycodone. Methadone does not induce the euphoria, or sedative effects that these other drugs cause and has been proven to be extremely effective as a maintenance medication.
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Military insurance (e.g., VA, TRICARE)- The United States military has always assumed the important task of taking care of its own by providing military insurance for health care purposes for active-duty members as well as veterans. Through enrollment in these programs, some similar to private health insurance policies, members or former members of the armed forces are guaranteed low-cost medical care.
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Mix of mental health and substance abuse services- A study done in 2002 found that there were five million adults who had a serious mental illness, and had substance abuse problems. Almost 30 percent of all adults with serious mental health illnesses also use drugs. Other statistics show that 53 percent of substance abusers also have at least one mental illness.
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Outpatient- Outpatient drug rehabilitation means that a person does not live in the facility for treatment, but come to the facility for classes, visits with specialists or group meetings. Outpatient drug rehabilitation centers are more long-term and patients can attend programs for as long as needed. A variety of techniques and program intensity levels are used to achieve this goal.
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Partial hospitalization/day treatment- Partial hospitalization treatment is a more intense form of outpatient treatment. Most of the time patients live at home and go to treatment during the day. However the treatment sessions are usually longer than in outpatient treatment.
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Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders- Quite often, individuals suffering from substance abuse are also afflicted with some type of mental illness. In the mental health community, these simultaneously occurring illnesses have come to be known as co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders.
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Private health insurance- Securing private health insurance can be confusing, especially if you’re not covered by your employer or if the employer offers a number of options from which to choose. Determining which plans are best for you and/or your family is difficult.
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Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less)- Substance abuse and other mental health disorders affect each person differently and in varying amounts. That’s why it’s necessary for professionals to offer several types of treatment programs to address the needs of different individuals with diverse problems.
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Substance abuse treatment- Substance abuse treatment is often individualized to each patient, but there are a few steps that each patient needs to take to become drug free. The first of these steps in recognizing the problem. Denial used to be mistakenly believed to be part of the drug addiction symptoms, but recent research is showing it is not. People trying to help a person accept that they have a substance abuse problem need to show empathy, and respect.
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