How Much Alcohol Addiction Costs Unions in MA

The Massachusetts Laborers’ Union offers insurance coverage for drug and alcohol recovery and rehabilitation. The exact coverage varies from individual to the next, depending on their plan details and what type of treatment is needed, but plenty of options are available. And when you consider that the average alcohol rehab costs between $5,000 and $80,000, depending on the duration and type of treatment, that’s a lot of money they’re putting out there to help people beat their addictions.

Through a partnership with HMC HealthWorks, the Massachusetts Laborers’ Union offers a benefit fund that can cover things like:

• Inpatient rehab and residential treatment
• Outpatient treatment services
• Detox (including medically-supervised treatment)
• Medications

As more people are struggling with drug and alcohol addiction around the country, more employers, unions, and other professional organizations seek to help people get the treatment they need by offering this coverage. 

Otherwise, this is an expense that people would have to pay out-of-pocket, which has made addiction recovery in MA so difficult for many people in the past. Most people can’t afford to spend the money required to attend a reputable alcohol addiction recovery program or treatment center. 

What About Co-Occurring Disorders?

Oftentimes, alcohol addiction is accompanied by mental health issues. In many cases, those issues have not been diagnosed or properly treated, resulting in people turning to substances to get relief. If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, or any other mental health or behavioral issues, you should check your plan to see what kind of coverage is offered. 

Some people have a plan from the Union that includes mental health treatment or at least partial coverage for these services. This is important because it’s rare that treating the addiction alone will resolve the issues. After all, it has to stem from something, and getting to the root of the problem is necessary for people who will beat addiction once and for all. 

Those who have plans with better coverage may find that they have more options for mental health treatment or dual diagnosis treatment than they anticipated, helping them feel confident that alcohol addiction treatment is going to help them get their lives back on track. 

The Real Cost of Addiction

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, addiction costs the United States $600 billion annually. Even if only a fraction of that is in Massachusetts, that’s still a lot of money to have at stake. And it’s about a lot more than just money—there are lives at stake here. In 2021, nearly 108,000 people died from drug overdoses. Add to that the average 141,000 Americans who die from alcohol-related causes in a year, and it’s starting to get clear: addiction is a real problem in the U.S., and it’s often more deadly with alcohol because of the quiet, “accepted” nature of alcohol consumption. 

Alcoholism, alcohol abuse, and Alcohol Use Disorder are responsible for more than 3 million deaths globally each year. Aside from the drinking itself, drunk driving accidents can cost lives. There are also many people who die from cancer, heart disease, liver disease, and other conditions that are affected by the overuse of alcohol over time. 

The numbers don’t lie. Alcohol addiction is serious and it can cost lives in more ways than you might realize. Although the options for treatment are increasing as more people become aware of just how serious this is, there is still a need for more education so that people can overcome the shame and embrace the resources offered. 

Addiction Treatment Centers in MA Are On the Rise

The good news is that thanks to the spotlight on drug and alcohol addiction in the U.S., there are plenty of options for treatment when dealing with these conditions. Although insurance coverage may dictate which facilities people can attend, the fact that they’ll have options beyond a typical hospital detox program proves that we’ve come a long way in a short time. 

However, it also means that people must be diligent in removing the shame surrounding alcohol and drug addiction. Too often, people feel like they will be judged and therefore don’t seek the treatment they so desperately need. It’s time to end the stigma. 

 

Seek Addiction Treatment in Massachusetts to Get Help Sooner Than Later

 

Alcohol is a substance that has worsening effects over time. The sooner those who are addicted get help, the better. If you are a member of the Massachusetts Laborers’ Union and you need alcohol addiction treatment, reach out to find out what your benefits include and how you can get the best help for your situation. 

At Meta, we have alcohol addiction programs and treatment plans that can be customized to any need. We work with many major insurances, giving you peace of mind that you won’t have to worry about paying for recovery on top of everything else. Get in touch today. 

[author] [author_image timthumb='on']/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img-ed-480x572.jpg[/author_image]  [author_info]Reviewed by Ed Lepage, Executive Director

Ed Lepage completed the drug and alcohol certificate program at the University of Massachusetts Boston and has been working in the substance abuse dependency field for the past seven years. He has also worked extensively in peer recovery-based programs offering “real-world experience” to those that suffer from substance use dependency. Full Bio [/author_info] [/author]