With the large Mormon population in Utah, most people don’t think of it as a state riddled with drug use. Unfortunately, drug use has steadily increased here, bringing Utah to the 7th highest in the entire country from 2013-2015. Prescription drugs are a massive part of the problem. Heroin users in Utah started with prescription drugs 80% of the time. If you are struggling with an addiction of any type, rehab can help you. If you have health insurance through Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield, they can help you find a rehab center.

5 Signs You Need Treatment

Sadly, only about ten percent of addicts ever get the help they need. An addict may have trouble detecting the signs that he or she needs treatment. Friends or family may have to intervene and point out that substance abuse has gotten out of control. Here are five red flags to look out for:

  • Losing a job or not doing well in school. When drug use affects your ability to perform your job or causes you to start failing your classes, it’s time to ask for help.
  • Lying about the number of drugs you are taking. By hiding the truth from those around you, you are admitting that you are taking too much, even if this is only in your subconscious. If you start to realize that you always tell people you took less than you did, it’s a sign you are embarrassed.
  • Driving drunk or high. Whether you have been caught or not, driving while under the influence is a major red flag. Most people understand that you shouldn?t drive while intoxicated, which is why designated drivers exist. When you begin to ignore that voice inside that tells you not to drive, your drinking has gone too far.
  • Drawing into yourself. Addicts will try to distance themselves from their loved ones. There are many reasons why they may do so. If you find that you are trying to be around your family and friends as little as possible, this is a sign that something is wrong.
  • Run-ins with the police due to drug abuse. When the law has had to get involved because of your drug use, it’s time to seek help. Sometimes this choice is thrust onto you because a judge will order rehab or some other type of treatment.

If you recognize any of these signs in yourself, or someone you love has pointed them out to you, contact Regence BCBS of Utah. They can help you find a rehab center that is covered by your insurance so you can begin the process of treatment.

Why is Rehab Coverage so Important?

Every week in Utah, six people die from a drug overdose. Many others die in drug-related incidents, such as drunk driving or suicide. Rehab may have been able to help these people overcome their addiction. However, the cost of rehab is so high that many addicts feel they cannot afford it. When a person feels like they have no money for treatment, they may not even try to seek help.

What is Detox?

Detox is the first step in treatment, but it is not the treatment itself. Detox refers to the period right after you stop taking the substance you are addicted to. Between six and twenty-four hours after quitting the substance, your body will start to realize it isn’t going to get any more. A drug increases dopamine and makes your brain happy, and your brain still wants that feeling. You may have one or more of the following symptoms during detox:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Interrupted Sleep
  • Hallucinations
  • Depression
  • Shaking
  • Severe Nausea

It is not medically advisable to detox on your own. Any drug or alcohol detox should be done in the presence of medical professionals and be closely monitored.

Do You Need Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment?

Most rehab centers offer both inpatient and outpatient treatment options. The type of treatment you need is up to your doctors. If the police have been involved, treatment may be ordered by the judge. You can also opt for inpatient treatment if you feel that outpatient treatment will not be successful.

The main difference between the two types of treatments is the degree of autonomy you will have. Inpatient treatment means you live in a facility where the treatment is taking place. Typically, you have to stay in the rehab center for a predetermined number of days. Then you may be released into a halfway house until you can go home.

Outpatient treatment is when you stay home and attend all required doctor’s appointments and meetings such as AA or NA. You may have medications you can take to combat the effects of detox. If you have excellent family support, you may be the right candidate for outpatient treatment. Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield of Utah covers both inpatient and outpatient programs.

The History of Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield of Utah

You will be in good hands with Utah’s first health insurer. Regence BCBS of Utah was founded in 1942 and has grown steadily ever since. In 2013, they also became the first Utah insurance company to create an accountable health solution. The Total Cost of Care program enables members to choose their physicians, instead of requiring them to choose from a limited number of providers that are within a predetermined network. Regency is proud to have over 500,000 members. Community involvement is also essential to Regency. In 2018, they donated over a million dollars to deserving people and charities in their Utah communities.

Does Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield of Utah Cover the Costs of Drug Rehab?

Regence offers various plans to their members, but all plans cover rehab services. One unique aspect of Regence is that they do not require you to live in the state that you receive treatment. So if your parents are in another state and you want to have treatment closer to them, Regence will still cover your rehab costs. You may owe part of the bill in the form of a copay or coinsurance, depending on the specific plan you have.

How Does Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield of Utah Work?

There are several different types of plans offered by Regence. They are Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Within these classifications, there may be some differences as well. In general, people who don’t need much medical care will choose a Bronze plan, while someone with ongoing medical needs will benefit from having a Platinum plan.

You likely signed up for your specific insurance plan before you knew that you would someday need rehab. So while it may not be the best plan for your particular situation, you do not need to worry that your policy won’t cover any of your treatment costs. If you anticipate that you will need to change your insurance plan, give them a call. There are often open enrollment periods where you can change to a different plan.

Get Help Today

Addiction is an illness and should be treated like one. If you broke your leg, you wouldn’t hesitate to get it fixed. Fix your addiction through rehab treatment so you can lead your best life. Agents from Regence BCBS are ready to help get you started.