Aftereffect of Alcoholism: Alcoholic Neuropathy | West Palm Beach

Many suffer from alcoholism. It’s considered a behavioral disorder that affects both the victim and the people around them. It starts off when people use alcohol as a coping mechanism. It then changes the person’s behavior, isolating themselves from their loved ones. Then, after long term abuse comes the physical damages. Among them is neuropathy.

What is Alcoholic Neuropathy?

Simply put, it’s damage to the nerves of your arms and legs, due to too much alcohol use. The nerves commonly affected are the peripheral nerves. Their job is to transmit signals to the spine and back. When alcohol consumption damages these nerves, signals can get distorted or missent, causing numbness and tingling. The damage happens when alcohol affects the nutrients your nerves need. Vitamins such as vitamin B6, B12, folate, and thiamine are essential to nerve health. Lack of these can cause neuropathy. Fortunately, quitting alcohol can help prevent further damage, but sadly, nerve damage is almost always permanent.

Symptoms of Alcoholic Neuropathy

The first symptom is the tingling feeling in the limbs. Though tingling is also one of the symptoms of diabetes, it can be differentiated and confirmed with the following symptoms. Visit the nearest addiction treatment center in your area to learn more about alcoholism.

Effects on the peripherals (arms and legs)

• Noticeable muscle weakness
• Burning and tingling sensations
• Noticeable loss of muscle coordination
• Prickly sensations similar to “pins and needles”
• Noticeable decrease in muscle mass

Effects on your excretory system:

• Constipation
• Incontinence
• Occasional Diarrhea
• Loss of urinary control
• Getting the sensation that the bladder is not fully empty

Other symptoms can also include:

• Impotence
• Impaired or slurred speech
• Vomiting and nausea
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Temperature intolerance

Though the effects of neuropathy rarely fatal, it can impede your quality of life. There are therapies that can help ease the symptoms. Ultimately, prevention is better than cure.

How to Diagnose Alcohol Neuropathy

Even if you know the symptoms, there could still be other explanations like diabetes and other nerve diseases. The only way to confirm alcohol neuropathy is to consult your doctor. With that, they will perform a wide number of tests, some of which are:

• Complete Neurological Examination
• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Electromyography
• Nerve Conduction Tests
• Liver, Kidney, and Thyroid tests
• Upper GI and Small Bowel Tests

Part of the blood tests also includes a full vitamin workup. They will check if you're missing essential vitamins needed to maintain nerve health.

Alcoholic Neuropathy Treatment

If prevention was not enough and the neuropathy has started, it’s not all too late. Consult your doctor and they may provide the following treatments to manage the symptoms.

• Physical therapy to combat muscle atrophy
• Gears and equipment to manage peripheral stability
• Medication for loss of urinary control
• Pain relievers, anti depressants, and anticonvulsants

There's also rehabilitation treatments and detox to counter alcoholism. The treatment for it is two-pronged. They will attempt to manage or treat the symptoms while dealing with the source.

How to Prevent Alcoholic Neuropathy

If you believe you’re on the road to becoming an alcoholic, here are some tips you should know.

• • Limit your alcohol consumption.
  • If you already have symptoms, stop ASAP.
  • Seek help if you can’t manage your alcohol intake
  • Eat healthily and exercise

For more info on alcoholism, check out this playlist. [button link="tel:863-623-4923" type="big" color="green" newwindow="yes"] Call Now![/button]

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Disease or not a Disease | Miami

What is Addiction?

Addiction has become common in the last years. Many fall into its trap, while the people surrounding them are affected. It can happen in many forms: gambling, drugs, alcohol, and other activities.

But what separates addiction from simply enjoying the pleasures of life?

Addiction is when the activity has interfered with the individual’s life. Addiction happens when the person relies on the substance or activity to function. Often, someone afflicted with addiction may not realize it at first. The signs appear gradually, almost unrecognizable. Before you know it, it has already gotten out of hand.

Is It a Disease or a Choice?

A disease is a disorder that affects the mind or body. It becomes chronic when it becomes uncontrollable or incurable. But, isn’t addiction controllable? A lot of people believe that addiction is a choice. It’s believed that addiction can simply be turned off as easily as it was started. While the start of drug use is a choice, that choice can be removed by addiction itself. Addiction affects the brain functions. Long-term use of drugs and alcohol can affect learning, memory, and behavior. At this point, it becomes uncontrollable. It becomes a disease. Visit a reliable drug addiction treatment in your area for more information. Many medical professional and organizations have declared substance addiction as a disease. As DrugAbuse.gov defines, addiction is a brain disease. It forces the individual to use the substance or activities despite their consequences. It is a chronic disease that, if left untreated, can become dangerous. Still, there are those who blame the individual for their addiction. Yes, the first intake of drug and alcohol is the person’s choice, but the addiction is developed within their brain. This is the same as developing diabetes and heart disease by the person’s diet and lifestyle. People who suffer addiction are not to at fault. The substance that they are using affects their body and mind directly, which causes the addiction. The brain becomes dependent on the substance. It believes that it cannot function properly without it, while the opposite is actually the truth. With the brain affected, it is difficult for the individual to resist.

What can be one about it?

Like many other diseases, addiction is treatable, but it may be incurable. With various research conducted by professionals, there are now methods to control addiction. There are already innumerable success stories of patients overcoming their addiction. Research suggests that addiction treatments are best combined with therapy. The treatments can rid the body and brain from the effects of the substance. The therapy ensures that the patient will not go astray. These treatments and their long-term effects will depend on the individual. So, determining the cause of their addiction and giving awareness will be most beneficial to the patient. Addiction is also preventable. Organizations created programs to give awareness about addiction and how to prevent it. With the knowledge of their harmful effects, people can choose not to try drugs and alcohol. Addiction is a disease. It affects the person's mind and body. It can be dangerous. But it is treatable and preventable. Determination and the support of the patient's loved ones are the keys to their improvement. Check out this playlist to learn more about addiction.

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Will Optum’s Health Insurance Cover My Rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation is not a pretty experience. So are the expenses behind it. Typical rehabilitation costs can range from $10,000 up to $50,000. $50,000 is just about the average annual household income. This makes actual, and potential addicts look away, risking their life and livelihood. Where will they go to if they can’t afford the healthcare they need? In accordance with the Affordable Care Act, Optum Healthcare Insurance now covers rehab and detoxification. Optum is a part of the UnitedHealth Group, who caters to more than 80 million citizens across the nation. Have a visit to the nearest treatment center in your area for more information.

What Program Will I Be In?

There are two kinds of rehab treatments: Inpatient and Outpatient programs. Both involve the twelve-step program, medications, counseling and group meetings. Your program will depend on the conditions of your addiction.

If your condition meets the criteria, you'll opt for outpatient care:

• You don’t have any other physical and mental conditions.
• Withdrawal won’t have any complications other than what’s intended
• Other substances or medication you take won’t affect the treatment
• There’s low risk of exposing you to the abused substance
• There are no inpatient facilities in your area

Otherwise, you'll opt for inpatient care. In inpatient care, you'll be admitted to a hospital for a week or so. Some inpatient care is residential, meaning you'll live in a facility for a month or more. Some facilities offer luxury suites for rehab. This program offers extra amenities like swimming pools, sports facilities, gym equipment, and food prepared by chefs. Optum may not cover the luxury suite but they will cover the medical aspects.

What Programs Do They Cover?

Optum has coverage on nearly all rehabilitation programs, even alternative medicinal therapy. The following are examples of Optum’s coverage:

• Outpatient and Inpatient Rehabilitation
• Detoxification Treatments
• 12-Step Programs and other structured rehab programs
• Dual Diagnosis for addictions with underlying physical or mental conditions
• Alternative and Holistic Treatments
• Withdrawal Medication
• Methadone Treatments
• Partial Hospitalization Programs

Some of these treatments need pre-approval from Optum before they cover it. Once you have your doctor’s recommendation, always confirm with Optum if they will cover the treatment. If they don’t they can always work with your physician to get you a “win-win” program.

How Long am I Covered For?

Rehab lasts from a couple of weeks to half a year. If approved, Optum will cover for the program's entire length. If your physician or addict specialist recommends an extension Optum has to approve it first before they cover it. In some inpatient programs, your physicians recommend a supplementing outpatient program. This is to ensure the smooth transition back to the world, along with monitoring and evaluation.

What if I Don’t Have Insurance But I Need Help Now!

It's not too late. Contact Optum and see if you can find a compromise for pre-existing conditions. The amount they will cover may not be as much, but any discounts will help. There are also free government programs and nonprofit organizations that will help you cope, and eventually, cure your addiction. Quality healthcare must be affordable, as healthy, hardworking people are the bread and butter of any good nation. It’s also our responsibility to take care of ourselves. Even if rehabilitation is within reach, it’s still better to be safe than sorry. Check out this playlist from Detox of South Florida Miami to learn more about rehabilitation. [button link="tel:863-623-4923" type="big" color="green" newwindow="yes"] Call Now![/button]

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Will AmeriHealth Cover My Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation is a good thing. The word itself means to restore someone's life from imprisonment, illness and most importantly, addiction. The actual process is relatively hard, especially for the first two weeks. What's even harder is the expense. In average, rehab will cost about $2,000 and that's for mild cases. Rehabilitation for severe cases can cost $12,000 up to a blistering $60,000. As of 2016, $60,000 is the average yearly American household income. This means rehab can take a big bite out of your pocket, so what now? Thankfully, AmeriHealth has the solution. Due to the Affordable Care Act, healthcare insurance companies offer coverage for treatments. The coverage will depend on their plans, as some of the plans only cover detoxification treatment.

Great! How do I start?

Before anything else, speak to your doctor. Even better if you speak with an AmeriHealth accredited specialist. Once you get a specialist’s recommendations, you can then speak to AmeriHealth’s member support to determine the coverage. Depending on your treatment, they will find the best facilities to serve your medical needs. Visit the best addiction treatment center in your area for more information.

What Kind of Treatments Are There?

Rehabilitation is not a one-size-fits-all program. Different people have different factors, thus having different treatments. These treatments have two types: Inpatient and Outpatient treatment. Outpatient care is more suited for patients with mild cases. It commonly involves a patient going to an office or hospital for treatment, for a few hours in a day. The treatment involves either medical therapy or counseling, sometimes both. Outpatient care allows patients to go home at the end of the day. Inpatient programs are for cases that require more control. Patients go to a rehab center and stay there for a certain amount of time. It also involves medication and counseling, often lasting months. Some rehab facilities offer luxury suites. These facilities have extra amenities like gourmet food and top of the line gym equipment. AmeriHealth may not cover the costs of luxury facilities, so check with their support.

General Coverage

AmeriHealth plans in general, cover the following treatments for both substance dependency and abuse programs. Detoxification: 100% covered. You need pre-authorization from Amerihealth beforehand. Inpatient Rehabilitation: 100% covered. You need pre-authorization from Amerihealth beforehand. Outpatient Rehabilitation: and Treatment: Clinical visits are partially covered, with a $5 copay.

The following are what they don’t cover:

• Extra non-medical expenses during inpatient rehab: Examples are extra pillows, clothing and any other comfort supplies.
• Rehabilitative services made in an Acute Care Hospital
• Spiritual Therapy, or other treatments classified as “Alternative Medicine.”

For all services they cover, AmeriHealth will cover the entire duration. For treatments extending their assigned duration, you’ll need pre-authorization. Healthcare is everyone’s right. With the recent advancement of medicine, more effective treatments are made. This means likely means health care will be more expensive, not just to cover the costs of materials, but for research as well. Some people think they don’t need health insurance, that saving money is better. The verdict isn’t clear, but it’s up to you. Click on the playlist below for more alcohol and drug addiction information. [button link="tel:863-623-4923" type="big" color="red" newwindow="yes"] Call Now![/button]

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United Behavioral Health Drug and Alcohol Coverage

Addiction is a hard enough to beat, dealing with withdrawals and negative psychological effects. What makes it worse is that rehab and detox services are expensive. Financing rehabilitation was difficult before, until the Affordable Healthcare Act. Now, insurance companies are now adding rehab services as part of their coverage. United Behavioral Health (UHB) is among the largest healthcare insurance companies in the US. Depending on your plan, UHB can fully or partially cover your rehab, under certain conditions. The first condition must be that the program is pre-approved. Second, the program must have a proper outline, with clear goals and all personnel accounted for. Third, the program must have constant monitoring by professionals. Visit the nearest addiction treatment center to get started.

How do I start?

If you’re already a member, you need to check with UHB accredited physicians. After the physicians make a diagnosis, you can then be referred to an Addiction Specialist. Since rehab affects each person differently, your addiction specialist will decide which program will fit you best.

Inpatient vs Outpatient

There are several factors that determine whether you'll be opted into inpatient or outpatient care. For outpatient care to be considered, you need to meet the following criteria:

• Your daily activities don’t undermine your treatment.
• You don’t have physical or mental conditions that can cause complications.
• You have a low risk of using a new substance.
• There are no inpatient facilities close to your area.

Inpatient care is considered for more severe cases. Inpatient treatments are generally more expensive. As the name goes, you're required to be admitted to a hospital, or in residential treatments, have you live inside a rehab facility.

Inpatient treatments are considered if any of the conditions are met:

• You have physical and mental complications due to the addiction.
• You have a condition that could be undermined by regular treatment.
• Your household has high risks of exposing you to drugs and alcohol.
• There are no outpatient facilities in your area.

Coverage Details

After the preliminary conditions are met, UHB will then consider coverage if the program for rehab is an “Active Treatment.” A treatment can be considered active if it has the following:

• Treatment has a definite and substantial diagnosis
• The program’s short and long term goals are outlined
• Your physician has enough evidence to justify rehabilitation as the treatment

UHB will only cover a maximum of 190 days per person, per lifetime. This means all your total inpatient days must not exceed 190. Once it reaches that amount, you need to speak to UHB’s addiction support to negotiate continued coverage. For outpatient treatment, UHB has other criteria to be considered. First is that the program must be recommended by a practitioner of similar line. This means an outpatient treatment for behavioral disorder and alcoholism, must be recommended by a psychiatrist or an addiction specialist. Second, the treatment's outline must have a significant effect on the patient. The program's outline should show clear expectations and goals, ones that apply to you. Third, the outpatient program must be supervised by an appropriate physician. Counselors must have proper credentials for UHB to consider coverage.   Check out this playlist from addiction center Miami for more information. [button link="tel:863-623-4923" type="big" color="green" newwindow="yes"] Call Now![/button]

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Alcoholism: Signs and Portents

Alcoholism is the same as any other drug addiction. It's ill effects on your life, livelihood and other people are similar to drug abuse. It is, however, not as profound as say, addiction to heroin, but that very fact makes it hard to diagnose. An alcoholic wouldn’t normally go to a doctor. One of the first reactions of alcoholics is denial. How do you know if someone is an alcoholic? Do you have a loved one you’re deeply concerned about? Are you concerned about your own alcohol intake? Being concerned is a very good step. It means you know something’s wrong. Most people in denial will attempt to justify their activities and pass them off as “regular.” Alcoholism is a problem best treated as early as possible.

Defining Alcoholism and an Alcoholic

Simply put, Alcoholism is a dependency to alcohol. The ill effects come when an alcoholic does everything they can, including violence, to get their dose. It is, therefore, an illness. Alcoholism is a long-term disease, one that can take an equally long time to recover from. An alcoholic is someone who suffers from alcohol use disorder. The term is used more correctly, as the person who suffers is a victim. He or she may be the one pouring the drinks, but that doesn't mean he or she has control. Alcoholics tend to have no control over their urges. Alcohol has as much a grip on them as their grip on the bottle.

What Causes Alcoholism?

Alcohol dependence happens over a long period of time. It could take years before the dependency sinks in. Sadly, some people are more affected by it than others. In some cases, the dependency is deceptively hidden, only revealed when it's too late. Understanding the causes can help you determine the possible hidden symptoms.

The following are some factors that aid to alcoholism:

• Starting Age: Let’s face it, young teenagers drink. This is due to the alcohol’s role as a stress reliever and experience enhancer. When the mind gets used to this, it gets hard-grained upon adulthood.
• Ease of Access: Access to cheap alcohol and weak law enforcement encourages alcoholism. The easier it is to get alcohol, the more likely it’s used.
• Stress and Depression: Common in present times. Inebriation acts as a gateway from stress and depression, leaving them for another time.
• Media Advertising: Though not really a direct cause, alcohol is often presented in glamorous, refined and enjoyable ways. This can bring about the wrong impressions to potential alcoholics.

Symptoms of Alcoholism

If you encounter some of the following symptoms, with an understanding of how it starts, you may be able to determine if someone is an alcoholic.

Though the symptoms are in general, they are constant.

• Increased amount of alcohol consumption due to tolerance
• Withdrawal Symptoms when not consuming alcohol
• Increased rate and severity of hangovers
• Reduced interests on things they usually do
• Reduced attention to responsibilities
• Irritability/Rage when their “ritual” is not followed
• Having “stashes” of alcohol in unusual places

With the full understanding of the causes and symptoms, you should be able to determine if you or someone has an alcohol use disorder. Check out this playlist for more information. [button link="tel:863-623-4923" type="big" color="green" newwindow="yes"] Call Now![/button]

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TUFTS Substance Abuse Rehabilitation and Detox Coverage

If you suspect that you have an addiction, the best course of action is to seek help. You often don't see it as a problem until it starts hurting others, so why wait? Some people will answer with, "I can't afford it," and find their own way to treating themselves. This doesn't always work out. Going cold turkey has bad repercussions and not a lot of people went through it without a hitch. TUFTS Health Plans provides coverage for detoxification and rehabilitation. In accordance with the Affordable Healthcare Act, even the average citizen can avail usually expensive services. Visit your trusted addiction treatment center to learn more about drug rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation Coverage

The specifics will vary, but in general, TUFTS will cover treatment and rehab for the following drug addictions:

• Alcohol
• Cocaine
• Marijuana
• Crystal Meth
• Heroin
• Prescription Drug Abuse

When is Too Much, Too Much?

Often, patients with addiction only get help when someone makes them. This could be their loved ones, or in some cases, law enforcement. On the other side, what you believe could be an addiction, could easily be managed with simple healthy choices. So, how do you find out?

If you answer yes to more than one of these questions, talk to your physician.

• Are you getting concerned about your alcohol intake?
• Is your addiction undermining your work?
• Is your addiction undermining your relationships?
• Do any of your friends and family show concern about your usage?
• Are you taking alcohol or drugs while pregnant?

When you need to speak to your doctor, a good tip is to contact TUFTS and ask if they have any accredited physicians in your area. This often streamlines the process, as they can lead you to equally accredited facilities and professionals.

What Program Will Be Best For Me?

It’s up to your physician to find out what program will be best for you. There are outpatient treatments and inpatient treatments depending on your case. Your doctor may opt for an outpatient treatment if the following conditions are met:

• Your addiction doesn’t cause immediate harm to you or others.
• Your daily activities don’t get in the way of treatment.
• You don’t have any existing conditions that could affect the program.
• Your life situation has a low risk of exposing you to your abused substance.

Outpatient care consists of counseling and medication where you visit an office for a few hours. The frequency of visits can vary from 3 days a week, to daily visits. This is suitable if you want to stay close to your loved ones, or if you have unavoidable business responsibilities.

Inpatient care is considered if any of the following conditions are met:

• Outpatient programs don't work or have little effect.
• You have health conditions that need to be addressed.
• You have mental issues that need attention.
• Your life situation makes it difficult to stay away from drugs or alcohol.
• You have no outpatient clinics in your area.

The duration of inpatient stays depend on your recovery. There’s a standard stay-in period but can be extended if you show slow progress. Normally, inpatient treatment is residential, so you have to live inside the facility. By checking out the playlist below, you will learn more about addiction and rehabilitation. [button link="tel:863-623-4923" type="big" color="green" newwindow="yes"] Call Now![/button]

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