Editorial Staff

People with an alcohol addiction, also called an alcohol use disorder, can benefit from certain types of evidence-based treatments including medications.1 One of the three FDA-approved medications used in the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD) is disulfiram, also known by its brand name, Antabuse. Understanding what disulfiram is, how it can help you during treatment, and whether it is effective can help you begin your journey to recovery. The other forms of FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorder include Naltrexone and Acamprosate. What is Disulfiram (Antabuse)? As stated, disulfiram is one of three medications that are FDA-approved for the treatment of alcohol use disorder.1 Disulfiram interferes with the body’s ability to breakdown alcohol, causing unpleasant side effects ranging from facial flushing, nausea, vomiting, headaches, difficulty breathing, and an irregular heartbeat.1, 2 Medication for addiction treatment (MAT) may not be necessary for everyone, but they can help an individual meet their goals when used as part of a personalized treatment plan. What is Disulfiram Used for? Disulfiram is generally used as part of an individualized treatment plan for those receiving treatment for AUD.1, 3 Disulfiram will not be administered until a patient has been thoroughly screened, as disulfiram is not appropriate for everyone. Also, disulfiram cannot be given to someone who hasn’t gone at least 12 hours without consuming alcohol.1, 3 Those who do take disulfiram too soon may experience the aforementioned unpleasant effects and other types of illness.3 As such, disulfiram is largely prescribed to medically stable patients who are highly determined to avoid drinking and are fully aware that disulfiram is a type of aversion therapy that is used to support abstinence.2 How Long Does Disulfiram (Antabuse) Last? How long disulfiram lasts largely depends on the dosages a person takes, how long they’re taken the dosages for, and other individual factors. In general, disulfiram’s effects can begin quite quickly, as soon as 10 minutes after a person drinks alcohol.5 The aversive effects of disulfiram or Antabuse can range from mild to severe, depending on the amount of alcohol consumed in association with the particular therapeutic dose of disulfiram that a person takes. A reaction lasts about 30 to 60 minutes in mild cases and can continue for several hours when reactions are more severe or prolonged.5 In some cases, severe reactions require supportive medical care, and it is recommended that prescribing physicians advise patients taking disulfiram carry a medical alert card that details their use of disulfiram as well as the symptoms of a disulfiram and alcohol reaction. Aversive symptoms can occur when a person consumes alcohol for up to 2 weeks after one has stopped taking the medication.3 Who Should Use Disulfiram? It’s important to reach out to your doctor or a medical treatment team to determine if disulfiram is appropriate for you. Many MAT programs will be tailored to one’s unique needs, and whether disulfiram is prescribed will be dependent on where one is at in their treatment program, and the considerations of their treatment team. While studies on the effectiveness of disulfiram are mixed, it is suggested that those who are highly motivated not to drink may benefit most from taking the drug.4(6) It’s also important that those who choose to take disulfiram are aware of the side effects that will emerge should they drink while taking the medication.5 Disulfiram Side Effects The side effects of disulfiram may vary from person to person, but common side effects, which typically occur within the first 2 weeks of starting disulfiram may include: 3 Drowsiness. Headache. Fatigue. Acne eruption and allergic dermatitis. Impotence. Metallic or garlic-like aftertaste. Rare but serious side effects of disulfiram may include: 3, 4 Nerve pain or damage. Psychosis. Skin rash. Hepatitis and liver function changes, or liver failure. It’s important to speak with your doctor or treatment team about any pre-existing conditions you may have before beginning disulfiram treatment. How is Disulfiram Used in Alcohol Addiction Treatment Treatment for AUD will vary depending on individual treatment goals a person has for reducing and managing symptoms as well as improving health and functioning. Medication is one component, and it is typically paired with counseling and other behavioral therapies.1 Disulfiram does not directly treat AUD, nor will it resolve any lingering urges one feels to drink.1 Instead, disulfiram causes unpleasant effects when alcohol is consumed. This can help discourage some individuals to avoid drinking alcohol.2 [vob-aktify-cta title="American Addiction Centers accepts many types of insurance" subtitle="Check your coverage online or text us your questions for more information"] Finding AUD Treatment Near You If you’re interested in receiving disulfiram, you will need to speak to your doctor or an addiction treatment provider about your drinking. Your doctor or another treatment provider determine if disulfiram is right for you. It’s also a good idea to check your insurance to see if alcohol rehab or disulfiram treatment is covered. You may consider visiting the SAMHSA treatment locator. Additionally, you may contact an addiction helpline or some other addiction resource. Addiction helplines are 24/7 phone lines that can help answer questions you may have about alcohol addiction treatment. American Addiction Centers (AAC) operates a helpline that can answer questions about disulfiram, help you verify your insurance coverage, and possibly connect you with alcohol addiction treatment programs. Don’t delay in starting your recovery, reach out to us today at [phone]. [accordion title="Rehab at American Addiction Centers"] Laguna Treatment Hospital Adcare - Boston Sunrise House Desert Hope Greenhouse Oxford Treatment Center Recovery First River Oaks [/accordion][accordion title="Rehab insurance coverage"] Ambetter American Family Beacon BHO Blue Cross Blue Shield Cigna Connecticare Geisinger HCSC Harvard Pilgrim Highmark Kaiser Permanente Magellan Magnacare Meritain Health Medicare and Medicaid Optum Oxford Health Providence Qualcare Sierra Health Tricare Triwest Tufts United Healthcare UPMC Zelis [/accordion][accordion title="Rehab near me"] Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming [/accordion][accordion title="Rehab"] Choosing a rehab center Couples rehab Court ordered rehab COVID-19 and rehab Dual-diagnosis rehab Deciding you need rehab Helping a loved one go to rehab Inpatient rehab Outpatient rehab Preparing for rehab Relapse prevention State-funded rehab Teen rehab Veterans rehab [/accordion][accordion title="Detox"] 24/7 detox hotlines Inpatient detox Outpatient detox Medical detox Dangers of detoxing at home The cost of detox [/accordion]   [sources]   Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (March, 2022). MAT Medications, Counseling, and Related Conditions. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (January, 2019). Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction. National Alliance on Mental Illness. (January, 2021). Disulfiram (Antabuse). Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2009). Incorporating alcohol pharmacotherapies into medical practice. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015). Medication for the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder: A Brief Guide. [/sources] ...

Withdrawal.net is an American addiction Centers Resource. With passion and vigilance, American Addiction Centers remains open and committed to serving the millions of individuals struggling with addiction, while enforcing safety and prevention as a top priority in regards to COVID-19 (aka Coronavirus). Amidst the global health crisis, AAC is strictly following the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization's recommendations and taking as many proactive actions as possible to protect our current and future patients and staff. Overview of our approach: 1. Overall Patient and Staff Safety Each facility has been tasked with establishing a Health Protection Committee (HPC). The purpose of the HPC is to ensure hygiene and safety measures are consistently in place and being followed at each facility, ensure a coordinated company response to any concerns and establish protective protocols in the event that the health of our patients or employees may have been compromised as a result of COVID-19. The HPC works directly and daily with AAC's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lawrence Weinstein to implement and enforce the most up-to-date procedures as the coronavirus information evolves. 2. Admissions We will ask you about your vaccine status when you call our admissions center. If you have been vaccinated, please bring your vaccine card with you to treatment. AAC screens all patients before admission to learn: Personal travel history. Potential exposure. Potential contact with someone who has traveled to areas of concern. Any direct contact by the patients with persons diagnosed with COVID-19. Any symptoms of illness. Those who screen positive will not be admitted to treatment. Those who screen negative will be eligible for admission. Per the updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, if you are fully vaccinated, you may not have to quarantine when you arrive at treatment. You do not need to be vaccinated to get treatment at AAC. 3. Staff Monitoring AAC is committed to ensuring staff at our facilities are not infected with COVID-19 virus. Staff who have traveled to areas of concern, have been in contact with someone in these areas, have been in direct contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, or shows any signs of illness are asked to follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, which dictates 14 days of isolation with no symptoms from the time of contact. 4. Facility Hygiene We are maintaining our already stringent cleaning and disinfecting processes throughout the day along with regularly scheduled deep cleanings and encouraging staff and patients to practice strict hand hygiene and avoid skin to skin contact. We are also closely monitoring the health of our patients. 5. Specialized Treatment Our therapists have been trained on the effects of anxiety related to COVID-19 and are running groups at facilities to address concerns. What you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your community: The CDC recommends daily actions to help reduce the spread of respiratory diseases including: Avoid handshakes, hugs and kisses Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth Stay home when you are sick and stay away from others if you are sick Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing: If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Our laboratory CEO Dr. Mark Calarco recommends the following immunity boosting measures: High doses of Vitamin D (10,000 units per day) Mushroom Complex supplements Drink plenty of water and fluids Evolving Procedures and Policies As information on the coronavirus continues to evolve, we are examining our procedures closely and updating our procedures and policies as necessary. We will remain open and look forward to continuing to provide critical addiction treatment and resources to the millions of people suffering from the disease of addiction.American Addiction Centers is the leading provider for addiction treatment nationwide, specializing in evidence-based treatment and mental health care. If you're in need of help, please call us at 888-935-1318. COVID-19 Testing FAQ Who is eligible for the test? A. All patients admitting to our facilities. Current patients exhibiting symptoms and/or feeling sick. What are the benefits? Testing admitting patients, current patients, and staff will help protect the health and safety of all individuals associated with our facilities. Patients who are both asymptomatic and exhibiting symptoms can be tested for COVID-19 upon admission to AAC to reduce any potential spread within the facilities. We test only our own patients and staff, so your test is not with tons of tests coming from all over with the risk of getting lost. What is the process? A sample will be collected from the patient through a nasal swab. The results will be produced in 24 to 48 hours. Will I get a copy of the results? Individuals at the facilities will receive their reports through the LIS interface portal as they would with any other kind of testing. These can be reviewed with medical personnel at their respective facilities. Who will see my results? Our testing is 100 percent confidential and we maintain strict HIPAA compliance. How accurate is the test? As a leading lab in the country, our test accuracy is greater than 95%. One of the reasons why our test is more accurate and detects more positives/less false negatives than others is because we are looking for three different targets on the virus genome. Most labs’ tests are only looking for one specific gene on the virus. Our three targeted detection yields the most reliable results. Will the test detect whether or not someone has already had COVID-19? No, this is not an antibody test and therefore cannot predict previous exposure. What happens if a current or admitting patient tests positive? Each case will be dealt with on an individual basis in accordance with each individual facility’s COVID protocol. Who pays for the tests? The test is billed through insurance if you have a health insurance plan. Typically, there is no co-pay or deductible for the COVID-19 test. We also offer private pay rates. Full sheet of the testing process, FAQ, and information can be found here. ...

Medicare vs. Medicaid Private health insurance covers a significant portion of the US population, but some people need additional help. Medicaid and Medicare are public insurance options that you may qualify for. As of 2019, 61.4 million people were covered by Medicare Parts A or B in a given month. You may qualify for Medicare if you are 65 years of age or older, or permanently disabled. Medicaid had 75.8 million people covered in an average month. Those on Medicaid have a lower income and need assistance affording healthcare.1,  Medicare and Medicaid are both health insurance options that are subsidized by the government, but they have important differences in both administration and how you qualify for coverage. Medicare is a federally administered program that offers coverage for those 65 and older or those who are permanently disabled. Working Americans pay toward Medicare on every paycheck, and those deductions fund the program. Your income does not prevent you from qualifying for Medicare and the coverage is the same throughout the United States. There is a monthly premium for Medicare. Medicaid is an assistance program for those who have lower incomes. Generally, patients pay no monthly premium and are not responsible for a deductible, although there may be a small copayment for treatment. Medicaid is a state-based program that receives financial assistance from the federal government. Coverage and qualifications can vary from state to state.2 It’s possible to qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare at the same time. You might be 66 and in a lower income bracket, for example. If you’re in this situation, your Medicare premiums are generally waived. You’ll receive prescription drugs through Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D), and Medicaid may give you additional coverage that Medicare doesn’t offer.3 Some rehabs may be covered by Medicaid and Medicare. Rehab programs must comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which states that substance abuse coverage is an essential health benefit.4 Exactly which programs are covered and what services you receive may vary depending on your specific state and plan options. How Does the ACA Effect Medicaid and Medicare? The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, went into effect in 2010 and made significant changes to health insurance coverage. One of the biggest is the list of essential health benefits that must be included in every insurance plan — including Medicare and Medicaid.5 All plans must cover mental and behavioral health inpatient services, behavioral health services such as psychotherapy and counseling, and substance use disorder treatment. Treatment cannot be denied due to a preexisting condition, including previous substance use disorders. All of these stipulations apply to Medicare and Medicaid, meaning that you’ll be able to get at least some coverage for detox and rehab. However, you’ll still have to make sure that the specific program you select is among those drug rehabs that take Medicare or Medicaid. How to Find Rehabs that Accept Medicaid or Medicare Finding providers who accept Medicaid or Medicare isn’t always easy. It will require research and communication with Medicare and Medicaid representatives to determine what parts of substance abuse treatment are covered. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers a website focused on helping you find treatment.6 At FindTreatment.gov, you can search for treatment options near you.7 When you search, you can choose the payment options available for you, including Medicaid or Medicare. If you have both, Medicare pays first, so you can select that option. You can choose from a variety of other alternatives as well. For instance, you can search for an inpatient or outpatient program specifically, or a program focused on veterans or LGBTQ people. While you may not find a program that checks all your boxes, you can find the one that’s best for your situation. This may mean prioritizing parts of treatment based on need. For example, if you are looking for medical detox, this is a great way to start narrowing down facilities. Finding a facility that offers medical detox and accepts Medicare or Medicaid can be an important start to finding treatment. For more information about how to find state-funded rehab programs in your area, review our guides below: [accordion title="Find Medicare Medicaid Rehabs Near Me"] Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming [/accordion] How Does the ACA Effect Medicare and Medicaid Rehab Benefits? The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, went into effect in 2010 and made significant changes to health insurance coverage. One of the biggest is the list of essential health benefits that must be included in every insurance plan — including Medicare and Medicaid.5 All plans must cover mental and behavioral health inpatient services, behavioral health services such as psychotherapy and counseling, and substance use disorder treatment. Treatment cannot be denied due to a preexisting condition, including previous substance use disorders. All of these stipulations apply to Medicare and Medicaid, meaning that you’ll be able to get at least some coverage for detox and rehab. However, you’ll still have to make sure that the specific program you select is among those drug rehabs that take Medicare or Medicaid. [vob-aktify-cta title="American Addiction Centers accepts Medicare and Medicaid" subtitle="Check your coverage online or text us your questions for more information"] [accordion title="Detox at American Addiction Centers"] Laguna Treatment Hospital Adcare - Boston Sunrise House Desert Hope Greenhouse Oxford Treatment Center Recovery First River Oaks [/accordion][accordion title="Rehab insurance coverage"] Aetna Ambetter American Family AmeriHealth Anthem Beacon BHO Blue Cross Blue Shield Cigna Connecticare Geisinger HCSC Harvard Pilgrim Health Plan of Nevada Highmark Humana Kaiser Permanente Magellan Magnacare Meritain Health Optum Oxford Health Providence Qualcare Sierra Health Tricare Triwest Tufts United Healthcare UPMC Without insurance Zelis [/accordion][accordion title="Treatment after detox"] Rehab Choosing a rehab center Couples rehab Court ordered rehab COVID-19 and rehab Dual-diagnosis rehab Deciding you need rehab Helping a loved one go to rehab Medication asssisted rehab Preparing for rehab Relapse prevention Teen rehab Veterans rehab [/accordion][accordion title="Detox information"] 24/7 detox hotlines Inpatient detox Outpatient detox Dangers of detoxing at home The cost of detox [/accordion] [sources] Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2020). CMS fast facts. Health and Human Services. (2015). What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid? Medicare Government Site. Help paying for costs, Medicaid. Healthcare.gov. Mental health & substance abuse coverage. Healthcare.gov. What Marketplace health insurance plans cover. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Homepage. FindTreatment.gov. Homepage. [/sources] ...