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Working in an inpatient substance abuse hospital, I witnessed the sad facts associated with health insurance coverage for therapy and counseling in the US.
Most health insurance companies do not allow a patient to get the amount of therapy
that they genuinely need.
Heroin addicts are among the most difficult to recover. They become physically ill
while coming off the drug. It's nothing to see them leave the facility within 12

hours just to conquer their physical ailments. Health insurance programs here do not
allow for a second or third chance.
Alcoholics can die by trying to stop drinking outside of a medical facility. Many
individuals are not aware that alcohol is much more dangerous to kick than most street drugs. An alcoholic can have seizures or a heart attack. An alcoholic who
is in a substance abuse clinic, needs medical attention as well as therapeutic
intervention. I've seen patients come in and their health insurance would only cover
the cost to be medically observed while you are in withdrawal. Than the individual
would have to go home without getting any therapy. This is a set up for failure.
I have empathy for individuals that want help and just can't seem to get it.
Most addicts have been substance and alcohol abusers for a long time and could benefit from long term therapy. Most individuals with a better health insurance
coverage will get two weeks to a one month stay in an impatient rehabilitation center.
Yet therapists, counselors and professionals would agree that a six month program
would bring about the best success. Note here: there is presently only a 6%
success rate for long term recovery in addicts in the United States.

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