Treatment of alcoholism by the government
Approximately 3 million Americans receive help with drug and alcohol addiction each year. Unfortunately, that’s only 10% of the 22.7 million Americans who need treatment, a number that is increasing every year.
Alcoholism is a serious problem in the United States, and all levels of government (state, state, and local) have programs to combat the disease. As early as 2005, government agencies were spending $ 468 billion a year on alcohol and drug abuse-related costs, more than 10% of all government spending. While many programs focus on helping alcoholics recover, many others specialize in helping families of alcoholics and communities that have been harmed by substance abuse. Many other programs are designed to help prevent substance abuse. The services offered range from subsidized treatment to schooling.
One of the largest government agencies devoting resources to alcohol treatment is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Agency, better known as SAMHSA. SAMHSA aims to reduce substance abuse rates through numerous campaigns and initiatives, including providing one of the most comprehensive and widely used lists of treatment programs.
For state and federal assistance in treating alcohol abuse, contact a treatment provider.
Treatment options for federal alcoholism
Substance abuse has been one of the most pressing problems facing any government for at least the early 20th century. The federal government invests billions of dollars each year in combating drug and alcohol addiction. Much of that is spent on law enforcement, but much more on providing health care and treatment. While there are many different programs, the vast majority of these funds come from Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Administration (VA) Benefits, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), better known as Obamacare. While many rehabs accept government funding, not all do. It is therefore important to check this before starting treatment.
Veterans Administration (VA) Benefits
Tragically, alcoholism is especially prevalent among veterans, many of whom are starting to drink heavily to cope with the high levels of stress and trauma they have experienced in the military. The VA offers programs that are specifically tailored to alcohol use disorders, but also offers important therapies and advice for concomitant disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, chronic pain and sleep disorders. To be as comprehensive as possible, the VA offers day, night, and weekend options, as well as inpatient treatments.
Affordable Care Act (ACA or Obamacare)
The Affordable Care Act included mental health and addiction treatment as one of its ten essential health benefits, meaning people can no longer be denied coverage or be charged more for suffering from alcoholism or other related illnesses. Each ACA plan offers different services, but some of the types of treatments covered include checkups, medication, counseling, detox, and rehab.
Medicare and Medicaid
Medicare and Medicaid are both federally and federally funded insurance programs, and both cover alcohol treatment assistance. Medicare is designed for low-income families, especially families living below the poverty line. Medicaid was designed for Americans 65 and older and people with disabilities. Medicare and Medicaid coverage and eligibility vary from state to state. For example, some states cover more days in rehab than others.
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Treatment options for state alcoholism
Many federal states offer their own alcohol treatment programs in addition to the programs offered by the federal government. Every state is different, and the level and type of services vary significantly from place to place. Government treatment services are often in high demand due to factors such as availability and cost, and therefore often have long waiting lists. To fill these gaps, some states are offering interim care options that help people with alcohol use disorders improve their lives and health while they wait for more comprehensive treatment.
Learn about treatment options in your state.
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Local Government Alcoholism Treatment Options
Many local governments, including counties, parishes, cities, and towns, also offer alcoholism treatment programs and services. This is especially true in large metropolitan areas. In general, treatment options for alcoholism are less comprehensive in local government than in state and federal programs. However, this is not always the case. The local health department in your area is a good place to find information as they have many programs running through them.
Find out more about treatment options in your city.
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