Opioid addiction and abuse
Referred to as the “worst public health crisis to impact Pennsylvania,"1 opioid abuse affects both large and small communities.2 There are many ways to get help if you are struggling with drugs.
Help is available.
Find therapy or counseling
Therapy can help people having negative thoughts, feelings, and actions. These thoughts or actions can be linked to drug use or mental health issues. During therapy sessions, the patient and doctor work together to find coping tools and solutions.
If you can, speak with a doctor to find out if therapy is a good option. Then, contact your healthcare company to check if it is covered. If you’re our member, contact us or call the number on the back of your member ID card.
Check for drug take back days
More than 1,000 people start to misuse prescription pain relievers each day.2 Drugs can be found in the family medicine cabinet. By removing these drugs from your home, you can help keep them from getting into the wrong hands.
Drug take back days give people the chance to get rid of unused drugs safely. Find a collection site near you.
Explore pain management alternatives
Over-prescribing and opioid misuse is common after surgery. These drugs can be heavily relied on to cope with pain. But other nonprescription options have been proven to relieve pain as well. Acupuncture, physical therapy, or chiropractic care are alternatives to pain killers.
Ask your healthcare company if these alternatives are covered. If you’re our member, contact us or call the number on the back of your member ID card.
Help is always near
Local crisis centers and the national hotline
Many communities have local crisis centers when you need help. Search for “Crisis Center” in your town or city. Confidential hotlines are also available.
Call the National Opiate Hotline: 800.662.HELP (4357)
Text the Crisis Text Line: Text "CONNECT" to 741741
24/7 VirtualCare
Your tablet or smartphone lets you connect with friends, family, news, and healthcare professionals.
Many healthcare companies, like us, offer telehealth programs. These programs let members schedule visits with counselors, psychologists, and therapists using a smartphone, tablet or computer every day from anywhere in the United States.
Contact your healthcare company to learn about their telehealth options. If you need help right away, call the Opiate Helpline at 800.662.HELP (4357).
Our VirtualCare program is available to many of our members. Check your plan for details.3
Interested in health and wellness information? Visit Capital Journal for more articles.
Interested in drug information? Visit our prescription education section.
1PA Department of Health. Opioid Epidemic
2DEA/ED. Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention
3VirtualCare is not available on CareConnect℠ plans and Individual HMO plans. Refer to your Certificate of Coverage for benefit details. Copays and deductible may apply.
