What inspired you to become an addiction counselor?

When I was completing my bachelor’s degree I was working with adolescent girls. I had no desire to work in addictions until I had the opportunity to work on a residential treatment unit for dual diagnosis, active duty military. (Which is rather funny because now I have no desire to work with adolescent girls.) Through this experience, I developed a passion to work with addiction and decided to further my education in the field of addiction counseling. The many components of addiction counseling and watching change occur really helped me to decide that I wanted to be an addiction counselor.

What makes The Ridge unique?

The Ridge has hands down been my most favorite place to work. Our small team comes together in so many ways to provide top-quality care for clients. In recovery, clients need to develop a connection with their counselor and peers. The Ridge’s 16-bed inpatient facility allows for clients to gain a sense of family which provides continued support beyond discharge. Our aftercare programming and Alumni events provide a further connection to those in recovery which gives hope for those early in recovery.

How does a person’s family help in recovery?

Family is crucial in recovery. Family helps to provide the client with the love, structure, and encouragement they need. As a family member, attending Al-anon is a MUST. Learning about how to handle situations and reduce enabling will contribute to your loved one’s recovery.

Do you have any books you recommend people in recovery read?

Anything Brené Brown. If you’re not a reader, she has a Ted Talk and Netflix video. I use a lot of her concepts (vulnerability especially) to apply to groups and individual sessions. She is very inspirational and relatable! This is not just for people in recovery either, this is for anyone!

How do you define success as a counselor?

To sum it up, giving it all you’ve got. Success looks so different from one person to the next. I also live by the motto that it’s all about progress, not perfection. Just because the day wasn’t perfect doesn’t mean you weren’t successful. You can learn from bad days, give it all you’ve got and not have any regrets about it.

What are 3 words your friends/family would use to describe you?

Determined, compassionate, and sassy. Directly from 2 of my best friends!

Talk about what “recovery” for a client means for you?

To me, recovery shouldn’t be viewed as easy. The recovery process is not just 30 days of treatment. It is rehabilitating your relationships, building a support network, challenging negative and addictive thoughts, making lifestyle changes and working a recovery program (AA/NA/Celebrate Recovery/SMART Recovery). Having someone fully engaged in the detox process, seeing someone struggle and then they overcome those challenges is the most rewarding thing as a counselor. It means they’ve taken the tools and overcome something that they wouldn’t have done in the past.

The Ridge knows that it’s not uncommon for a professional—that is, a doctor, lawyer, business person, etc.—to find themselves addicted to drugs or alcohol. Even so, many professionals don’t like to admit that drug addiction is a problem in their community. Lucky for them the very same status and responsibility that makes them hide their addiction is arguably their biggest asset in recovery!

Most people don’t think of professionals when they think of a drug addict. Addicted professionals can feel ashamed of their disease because of this. They think “I’m not the drug addict type,” not aware that addiction doesn’t discriminate. They feel guilty that their behavior isn’t up to the standard expected of someone in their position, and that their addiction is going to make them lose their job, status, and prestige they spent years earning. On one hand, these thoughts misunderstand the nature of addiction as a disease, rather than a choice, but on the other, they correctly judge the destructive potential of addiction and have an increased likelihood of seeking help.

In drug rehabilitation centers, professionalism and drive are some of the best traits a recovering addict can have. Drug rehab is most effective with a cooperative patient who is fully committed to doing whatever it takes to recover. People like doctors or lawyers already have experience applying vast amounts of mental resources to achieve difficult tasks, so they’re used to making the kind of effort required to make rehabilitation work to its full potential.

Considering drug treatment for yourself or someone you know? The Ridge is a highly-accredited and certified facility that treats addiction every step of the way, from intervention to aftercare. We have developed a complete detox program and an inpatient rehab facility in Cincinnati to help people suffering from addiction.

The cost of addiction treatment is often one of the first concerns people have when seeking help for alcohol or drug use. Fortunately, many health insurance plans provide coverage for addiction treatment services, helping individuals access care while reducing out-of-pocket expenses. Coverage can vary depending on the insurance plan, treatment provider, and level of care needed.

Understanding your insurance benefits can help you make informed decisions about treatment and better prepare for potential costs. This guide explains how insurance coverage for addiction treatment works, the types of services that may be covered, and options available for individuals who do not have insurance.

Does Insurance Cover Addiction Treatment?

In many cases, health insurance plans provide coverage for addiction treatment services. Federal laws, including the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act and the Affordable Care Act, have helped expand access to treatment by requiring many insurance plans to provide coverage for substance use disorders and mental health conditions.

However, insurance coverage is not the same for every plan. The amount of coverage available may depend on factors such as the insurance provider, plan type, treatment provider, level of care, and whether treatment is considered medically necessary. Some plans may cover a significant portion of treatment costs, while others may require deductibles, copays, coinsurance, or other out-of-pocket expenses.

Insurance coverage may be available for a variety of addiction treatment services. The specific services covered, length of treatment, and level of coverage will vary based on the details of an individual’s insurance policy. 

Because coverage requirements differ between plans, it is important to verify benefits before beginning treatment. Understanding what services are covered and what costs may be involved can help individuals make informed decisions about their care.

What Addiction Treatment Services May Be Covered by Insurance?

Many insurance plans provide coverage for a range of addiction treatment services, although the specific services covered and the amount of coverage available will vary by policy. Coverage is often based on factors such as medical necessity, provider network participation, and the individual’s treatment needs.

Treatment services that may be covered by insurance include:

• Medical detox to help manage withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision
• Residential treatment for individuals who need structured, 24-hour support
• Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) that provide intensive treatment during the day while allowing individuals to return home in the evening
• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) that offer structured therapy while allowing individuals to maintain certain work, school, or family responsibilities
• Outpatient treatment for ongoing therapy, counseling, and recovery support
• Individual, group, and family therapy to address substance use and related challenges
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) when clinically appropriate

Even when a service is generally covered, insurance plans may have specific requirements. Some plans require treatment to be provided by an in-network facility, while others may require pre-authorization before treatment begins. Coverage may also vary based on the recommended level of care, length of treatment, and individual insurance policy. 

Because every insurance policy is different, verifying benefits before starting treatment is the best way to understand what services are covered and whether any restrictions or out-of-pocket costs may apply.

Understanding Your Insurance Costs

Having insurance coverage does not necessarily mean all treatment costs will be covered. Depending on the insurance plan, individuals may still be responsible for certain out-of-pocket expenses. Understanding these costs before beginning treatment can help avoid unexpected financial obligations and make it easier to plan for care.

Common insurance-related costs may include:

• Deductible: The amount you must pay for covered healthcare services before your insurance begins contributing to costs.
• Copay: A fixed amount you pay for specific healthcare services or appointments.
• Coinsurance: A percentage of treatment costs that you are responsible for paying after meeting your deductible.
• Out-of-pocket maximum: The maximum amount you are required to pay for covered services during a policy period before insurance covers additional eligible costs.

Insurance coverage may also vary based on the type of health plan you have. Common plan types include Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPOs), Point of Service (POS) plans, Medicare, Medicaid, and high-deductible health plans (HDHPs). These plans differ in provider networks, referral requirements, out-of-network benefits, and out-of-pocket costs.

The amount an individual pays can vary based on several factors, including the insurance provider, plan type, level of care, length of treatment, and whether services are received from an in-network or out-of-network provider. In many cases, higher levels of care, such as residential treatment or medical detox, involve different coverage requirements than outpatient services.

Because costs vary significantly between insurance plans, it is important to verify benefits before starting treatment. Understanding your coverage and financial responsibilities can help you make informed decisions about treatment and recovery.

What If You Don’t Have Insurance?

Lack of insurance can make addiction treatment feel out of reach, but there are still options available. Many treatment providers, community organizations, and government programs offer resources that can help individuals access care when they do not have health insurance coverage.

Depending on your situation, financial assistance options may include:

• Medicaid for eligible individuals and families
• State-funded treatment programs that provide addiction treatment services at reduced cost or no cost
• Sliding-scale fees that adjust treatment costs based on income and financial circumstances
• Payment plans that allow treatment costs to be paid over time
• Scholarships or grants offered through treatment providers, nonprofit organizations, or community programs

Some individuals may also qualify for financial assistance through local community resources, charitable organizations, or public health programs that support addiction treatment and recovery services.

While cost can be a significant concern, it should not prevent someone from exploring treatment options. Many treatment centers have admissions specialists who can help identify available resources, determine eligibility for assistance programs, and explain the financial options that may be available. 

How to Verify Insurance Coverage for Rehab

Understanding your insurance benefits before starting treatment can help prevent unexpected costs and provide a clearer picture of what services may be covered. Because coverage varies between insurance plans, verifying your benefits is one of the most important steps in the admissions process.

When verifying coverage, it may be helpful to ask:

• What addiction treatment services are covered under my plan?
• Does my plan cover medical detox, residential treatment, PHP, IOP, or outpatient treatment?
• Are there deductibles, copays, or coinsurance requirements?
• Is pre-authorization required before treatment begins?
• Does my plan require treatment at an in-network provider?
• Are there limits on the length of treatment or the number of covered services?

Many treatment centers can assist with insurance verification and help explain your coverage, potential out-of-pocket costs, and any requirements that may apply. This process can help you better understand your options before making treatment decisions.

At The Ridge Ohio, our admissions team can help verify your insurance benefits and explain your coverage options so you can better understand covered services, potential out-of-pocket costs, and any requirements that may affect treatment. 

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol or drug use, contact The Ridge Ohio to learn more about available treatment programs and how we can help you take the next step toward recovery.

The old saying goes “you are what you eat.” And while drugs and alcohol aren’t strictly eaten, the phrase still holds true. Addicts who consume immense quantities of these harmful substances are doing damage to their bodies and are often extremely malnourished as a result. This poor nourishment leaves a body feeling sick and tired, which may spur an addict into using to make this feeling go away. While traditional drug addiction rehab is necessary for these people, a full recovery requires introducing a therapeutic nutrition program as well.

A balanced diet free of processed foods will give the addict long-lasting energy and regular digestion. This feeling may have been missing from the addict’s life for weeks, months, or years. This improved sense of general well-being helps recovering addicts appreciate being drug-free, and helps them resist going back to using.

Since addiction is a disease of the brain, an addict’s diet should be rich in foods that promote brain health. Foods like meats, nuts, beans, and cheese are rich in amino acids, the building blocks of protein. The body uses these acids to repair neurotransmitters in the brain damaged by drug use. Omega-3 fatty acids, a type of healthy fat found in fish and grains like flaxseed, promotes the production of dopamine, a pleasure-causing chemical in the brain that is deficient in addicts’ brains. Consuming these nutrients and helping to repair the brain can make it easier for an addict to abstain by reducing the effects of addiction on the body.

Some rehabs for drug addiction, such as The Ridge, keep chefs on staff to ensure that patients are getting the blend of vitamins, proteins, and unprocessed foods they need for a strong, recovery-based diet. This way, programs like The Ridge can work on healing the body while they focus on healing the mind. Some of our best success stories feature clients gaining five to fifteen healthy pounds after they were emaciated by years of drug or alcohol abuse. But even aside from diet’s therapeutic value, eating delicious, multi-course meals every day has the more immediate effect of making rehab for drug addiction much more enjoyable!

With nutritional meals prepared by a private chef, complete full body health is attended to at The Ridge’s drug addiction rehab center. Click here to learn more.

Survivors of domestic violence-related PTSD often live in fear, dis-empowerment, anxiety, and depression. Between constantly reliving the acute physical and psychological trauma they received and feeling shame for allowing themselves to become victims, domestic violence victims are vulnerable to a whole host of mental health issues, many of which can lead to substance abuse and eventual addiction.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with domestic violence-related PTSD, and have begun self-medicating with alcohol or other drugs, it’s important to take a holistic approach to heal the origins, triggers, and consequences of the problem to achieve balanced recovery and peace of mind.

PTSD, Mental Illness & Addiction: What’s the Connection?

There are volumes of research dedicated to illustrating the correlation between domestic violence-related PTSD. One comprehensive study from the University of Tennessee indicates that domestic female violence victims, who represent a clear majority of victims overall, experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at a rate of 51 to 75 percent. Around 35 percent to 70 percent of these women experience depression; over 13 percent become addicted to alcohol and nearly 23 percent experience past-year illicit drug use to cope with their mental health issues.

There is a clear relationship between intimate-partner violence, mental health issues, and substance use disorder, but everyone’s journey is different. Even those who don’t turn to alcohol and other drugs need help to regain their peace of mind, mental health, and their overall quality of life.

It’s Not Your Fault: Dealing with Self-Blame and Guilt

As unthinkable as it may be, many domestic violence victims become convinced that they brought the abuse on themselves. Part of any effective domestic violence-related mental health treatment should be reinforced self-compassion and a therapeutic component to help mitigate self-blame. These types of therapies can also increase overall self-acceptance and worth. People often stay trapped in an abusive relationship because they feel they deserve the abuse, or they feel they’re tied to their abuser for safety reasons. Self-compassion not only offers validation, it also empowers domestic violence victims to take an active role in their recovery and their everyday lives.

You Don’t Have Anything To Be Ashamed Of: Addressing Shame & Stigma in Domestic Violence

An unfortunate reality of domestic violence is that so many cases go unreported. This is often because victims are too ashamed to admit that they’ve fallen victim to an abusive relationship dynamic, whether they’re currently living in it, or it’s part of their past. They don’t know where to go with these feelings of shame and often wind up committing self-harm or abusing alcohol or other drugs to dull the pain. Comprehensive domestic violence-related PTSD treatment must address these deep-rooted feelings of shame, exploring both how they played a role in the abuse itself, as well as the emotional aftermath that followed.

Addressing Domestic Violence & PTSD-related Substance Abuse

Helping domestic violence victims overcome substance use disorder goes way beyond withdrawal management and three weeks of rehab. These individuals are plagued by deep trauma, as well as emotional issues that may have predated the abuse they experienced. It’s also worth noting alcohol and drugs are involved in an overwhelming number of domestic violence cases, according to data from the World Health Organization, which means that domestic violence and PTSD-related addiction treatment should include behavioral coping mechanisms to help break the cycle of addiction and abuse, particularly for those who are already vulnerable to substance use disorder by virtue of their dysfunctional relationship.

Treatment for PTSD-related addiction should include medically supervised detox to address the immediate medical needs associated with prolonged and untreated substance use, along with group therapy, individualized counseling and supplemental behavioral therapies to address the root causes and sustaining factors of addiction.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that over eight million Americans struggle with co-occurring substance use disorder and mental illness, such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety, and may be best served by dual-diagnosis treatment programs. These programs allow you or your loved one to simultaneously address your addiction and underlying trauma in one treatment setting for balanced mental health.

Resources for Domestic Violence Survivors

• National Domestic Violence Hotline
• Women’s Resource Center
• Domestic Violence Resource Center

Ohio’s Governor, Mike DeWine, is working to address the drug problem in the state, and he is asking for the help of the court system, treatment professionals, residents, and other organizations to help him accomplish his goals. Governor DeWine recently created the RecoveryOhio initiative to improve how the state addresses mental health and substance use disorders, including better treatment options, prevention campaigns, advocacy, and support services. Residents are finding out just how the new initiative can benefit their friends and loved ones who are addicted to drugs, particularly those who have been convicted of drug crimes.

Governor Mike DeWine recently released his proposed budget for Ohio which includes asking for $7.5 million over two years to create 30 new drug courts in the Buckeye State. The proposal is Ohio’s latest in a series of moves to combat the opioid epidemic in a state that has seen more deaths and overdoses per capita than any other but West Virginia. The new courts would add to the current 150 drug courts already in the state. The proposal is the first major move from the governor’s desk against the crisis.

Does Ohio Have A Drug Epidemic?

When Governor DeWine created the RecoveryOhio Initiative in January of this year, he stated that “Ohio is facing the worst drug epidemic in my lifetime and is losing 13 or 14 people a day from accidental drug overdoses. Every county in Ohio and every city, town, and village – urban and rural – are affected. The human toll, the increased crime, and the economic and societal damages caused by this epidemic are devastating; and the cost consequences of this epidemic reach every part of Ohio’s communities: schools, jails, businesses, health care, foster care and more. One study indicates the cost of the drug epidemic is nearly 9 billion dollars a year in Ohio.”

Drug use is terrorizing the state of Ohio, and many of those who have been convicted of drug possession are users who are addicted to the substance. The Ohio Public Defender’s office states that:

• 2,600 people in Ohio are currently in prison for drug possession
• 1 in 8 people in Ohio prisons is there on a drug possession charge
• 1,600 people are locked up for possessing drugs in amounts for personal use only

Better Access To Treatment In Ohio

The answers to Ohio’s drug problem are better prevention and treatment options, as well as more coordinated care for those struggling with addiction. One of the main areas Governor DeWine hopes to focus on is the criminal justice system. According to recommendations by the RecoveryOhio Advisory Council, courts should have more options to redirect individuals charged with drug-related crimes into treatment programs instead of sending them straight to prison. Based on recidivism rates and court data, those who simply spend time behind bars for drug crimes are much more likely to go back to using as soon as they are released. Those that get help in the form of addiction treatment programs, on the other hand, are better prepared to remain sober and stay clean even after their sentence is served.

In connection with the Governor’s Council, the Ohio House has passed House Bill 1, which would expand access to treatment programs for non-violent drug offenders rather than prison time. The Bill has experienced non-partisan support so far. “House Bill 1 gives these Ohioans a second chance to start over and have a real shot at reaching their fullest potential,” State Representative Stephanie Howse said during the discussion of the bill on the House floor. Ohio has recently put more emphasis on other addiction treatment programs such as the one bite program for impaired physicians.

Speaker Larry Householder agrees, “Our lawmakers have been working across the aisle to craft legislation that expands opportunities for all Ohioans,” said Householder. “This legislation is proof of that. I’m pleased that we will be able to help those overcoming addiction start a new life and become a productive member of society.” The bill is now headed to the Ohio Senate for further discussion and consideration.

Additional Drug Courts Mean More Opportunities For Treatment

In order to ensure better access to drug treatment, Governor DeWine plans to seek additional funding in the 2020-2021 budgets to create 30 new specialty drug courts throughout the state. “Specialty dockets give judges the flexibility necessary when they encounter someone in the court system who is may benefit more from treatment for substance use disorder rather than serving jail time,” DeWine said. “These specialty courts are a proven way to hold those with substance use disorder accountable and ensure participation in mental health and addiction treatment.”

RecoveryOhio Advisory Council

In addition to recommending the addition of drug courts, the Governor’s Council issued more than 70 recommendations in the areas of stigma, parity, workforce development, prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery supports, and data and outcomes measurement.

Recommendations put forth by the Governor’s RecoveryOhio Advisory Council:

• Establish statewide prevention coordination with all state departments and agencies to ensure best practices, consistent messaging, technical assistance, and delivery of prevention services across multiple domains.
• Commission a statewide campaign to address stigma against people with mental illness and substance use disorders.
• Ensure that each patient’s needs and treatment recommendations are determined by a qualified clinical professional and promote insurance coverage of medically-necessary services identified by quality clinical care providers.
• Review and create a comprehensive plan for safe, affordable, and quality housing that will meet the needs of individuals with mental health and substance use disorders and would include supported housing options, transitional housing, recovery housing, adult care facilities, and short-term stabilization options.

Drug Court In Ohio

“Far too many Ohioans have died and too many continue to struggle with mental health and substance use disorders. The recommendations, offered by the RecoveryOhio Advisory Council provide a framework for a new system of prevention, treatment, and support that we will work to implement,” said Governor DeWine. “Ohio should be a state that is a national model for prevention, offers top-notch treatment services, and supports recovery and well-being. Investing in streamlining and improving what we as a state are doing to prevent, treat, and encourage recovery, is truly an investment in Ohio’s future.” Drug rehab in ohio should be easily accessible and highly helpful for detox treatment.