Is Addiction Treatment Covered for Union Members?
Addiction is a growing problem in the United States. It affects people of all ages, races, and income levels. As of 2017, in one month alone, more than 1.5 million Americans sought treatment for addiction to illegal drugs or alcohol. That’s a staggering number!
If you’re struggling with a substance abuse problem yourself or know someone who is, it can help to know that there are resources available to help you get treatment. Addiction treatment resources are available for union members and are covered by union benefits.
Addiction is when a person uses a substance or engages in a behavior repeatedly, despite negative consequences. It can include drugs and alcohol, but also other things like gambling or sex. While it’s true that some people are more genetically inclined to addiction, just like some people are more prone to obesity and diabetes, anyone can struggle with it. Addiction is a strong and often uncontrollable desire to use a chemical substance. Drug addicts develop tolerance to drugs, so they need more and more of the drug to achieve the same effect. Addiction can also cause physical and psychological changes in the body over time, including changes in judgment and nervous system functioning. Signs of addiction can include:
- Enlarged or small pupils
- Sudden weight changes
- Bloodshot eyes
- Insomnia
- Unusual body odors
- Poor coordination
- Slurred speech
- Anxiety
- Lack of motivation
- Changes in personality or attitude
- Sudden mood swings
- Emotional and mental withdrawal
If you or a loved one needs addiction treatment, then it’s helpful to know your options. Is addiction treatment covered for union members? If you have union health benefits negotiated by your labor organization, the chances are they’ll cover a significant portion, if not all, of your costs to attend a treatment program. If you’re seeking addiction treatment, review your insurance coverage and work with your union representative, or Union First, to determine a game plan.
It is rare for union members’ insurance to cover 100 percent of union members’ addiction treatment. Union members will likely be required to pay either a co-pay, deductible, or both. So, before you enroll in a treatment program, make sure you’re aware of copays and deductibles. These amounts differ from plan to plan, so make sure you know what’s included in your insurance coverage plan. Union First will always make sure you have a clear understanding of your upfront costs and coverage.
Union members shouldn’t have to be afraid of repercussions for seeking addiction treatment. In fact, by seeking addiction treatment, you could save your employer time and money by avoiding on-the-job accidents and future addiction-related healthcare services. It’s also important to note that union members have broad protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for taking time to address their behavioral health. All in all, it’s beneficial to keep your union representative in the know when it comes to your addiction treatment journey.
What is an EAP? An EAP is a type of employee benefits program that aids union members with problems ranging from behavioral health and well-being to physical fitness and other issues that can affect job performance. EAPs can be crucial to finding the best mental health services for addiction and beyond.
Click here for job protection & behavioral health, call Union First today at (855) 215-2023.
What Addiction Programs and Services are Available for Union Members?
Addiction programs are available to help union members overcome their addiction. These programs come in many forms, such as social support groups, professional counseling and therapy sessions, group counseling, psychological treatment, and medical interventions. Union members can access addiction programs and treatment services through their union. If your union has an EAP, like Union First, they may offer drug or alcohol assessments and other assistance with addiction.
Talk to your union rep about specific union members’ addiction treatment options that are available to you and covered by your insurance plan. Depending on your insurance coverage plan, union members’ addiction treatment could include inpatient or residential treatment programs, outpatient treatment, and sober living homes.
Drug withdrawal is the body’s reaction to stopping or lowering your dosage of drugs. Withdrawal symptoms can be mild and end within a few days, or they may last much longer — even months or years. Drug withdrawal can vary greatly depending on which drug you’re withdrawing from and how long it’s been since you took it. It also depends on your physiological makeup, your diet, and nutrition, other medical conditions you have, whether you’ve been abusing other substances (such as alcohol or prescription medicines), how at risk for relapse you are, how supportive your environment is and how motivated you are to stop taking drugs.
Addiction treatment is among the most effective treatments for substance abuse. Inpatient programs for union members will help them regain control of their community and their life. They can also help you participate in support groups and provide a detailed aftercare plan to help you stay on track with your recovery once you are discharged from treatment.
Outpatient addiction treatment is perfect for patients who need to work, attend school, and live their daily lives. It gives them the support they need to continue living their lives the way they wish to in a safe and secure environment. Outpatient treatment allows participants to receive therapies, counseling services, and other treatment options that can help them overcome their addictions effectively without having to check into an inpatient facility. While some people may not prefer this option because it requires more commitment than others, others may prefer it because it gives them more control over their lives. In any case, outpatient addiction treatment is an important way for people suffering from substance abuse problems to start the recovery process.
Sober living homes are a great place to go when you need help to stop using drugs or alcohol. Once you have left treatment, there may be other temptations and triggers that your life supports back home that can make it more difficult for you to stay clean. In a sober living house, you’re surrounded by other people who are trying to recover from substance abuse, so there is social support in place. You can also get help and learn how to make better choices instead of relying on substances or fear of withdrawal.
Union First: Helping Union Members Find Behavioral Health Treatment for Substance Abuse
If you or a loved one struggles with an addiction, consider seeking addiction treatment from Union First. Union First has been helping union members with addiction treatment for years. We understand the unique challenges of being a union member, including the long hours and shift work. Our mission is to provide comprehensive care to our members so they can address their addiction problems, get back on track, and get back to work.
Not sure that you need to ask for help? Here are 11 signs that you do:
- You’ve built a tolerance to drugs or alcohol that requires you to take more to feel the desired effects of the substance
- You experience withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop using the substance
- You use drugs or alcohol in dangerous situations
- You have relationship problems because of your substance abuse
- You neglect important responsibilities, such as work or childcare
- You misuse the substance more than you intend
- You want to cut down on use but are unable to
- You spend a lot of your time acquiring the substance, using it, and recovering from the effects
- You experience cravings
- You give up hobbies or recreational activities to use the substance
- You continue using the substance even if you notice physical and mental problems arise
Asking for help with an addiction is one of the hardest steps to take in the journey to recovery. By becoming a Union First member, you’ll gain access to treatment placement services, which help you find behavioral health treatment at some of the best addiction treatment centers in the country. Union First helps by matching your clinical needs with your health insurance plan, so that you can receive the best possible care necessary to recover from your substance use disorder. With the Union First EAP, you don’t have to go through the journey to recovery alone.
Call Union First today – 1-855-215-2023 – to become a member and take advantage of the EAP services. With increased advocacy in the workplace, access to telehealth, and treatment placement services, Union First can help you find the program you need to be the best you that you can be.