Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of New York Coverage for Alcohol Rehab Treatment Near Me

Quick Overview: Understanding Drug Addiction and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) 

Substance use disorders, called SUDs for short, are a grouping of mental health conditions within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders that are known for contributing to a variety of physical and psychological symptoms. The key feature of these disorders is that it is challenging to control, reduce, and stop using drugs. 

Drug use disorders can occur in a variety of intensities, from mild to severe. Some of the common symptoms associated with drug use disorders include the development of a tolerance, where more of the substance is needed to have a similar euphoric experience. Withdrawal symptoms often occur due to prolonged and heavy substance use that changes the way that our brains and bodies function. There isn’t an exact cause or path to addiction, but rather several risk factors that may contribute to the development of your addiction. Some of the risk factors associated with substance use disorders include a history of substance abuse in your family, a history of trauma and mental health conditions, and an early use of substances. 

Quick Overview: Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) & Alcohol Addiction Explained

Alcohol use disorder is an individualized, and often complex, medical condition that is marked by an inability to control or stop the use of alcohol, even after experiencing social, occupational, and other health consequences. You may have heard of this condition called alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, and alcoholism. 

AUD can occur with a severity ranging from mild to severe, which means that no two persons have the same experience with this disease. For some, the progression of AUD occurs over time, whereas others may develop an addiction quickly. Alcohol dependence can affect individuals of all ages, races, and financial backgrounds. Some of the common signs and symptoms associated with an AUD include:

• Drinking more or for a longer period than you originally intended
• Developing a tolerance
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
• Spending a lot of time purchasing alcohol, drinking, and recovering from the effects of drinking
• Experiencing cravings and being unable to think of other things
• Cutting back on social and leisure activities that you generally enjoy

For those who are living with an alcohol use disorder, there is hope! Comprehensive care for AUD can include a combination of behavioral therapies and medications based on your unique needs. Treatment programs are available in both inpatient and outpatient settings and tend to incorporate various evidence-based treatment approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI). 

Exploring New York State, it’s Popular Attractions and Famous Cities

From the sandy beaches of Long Island to the idyllic landscapes of the Adirondack Mountains, you are never far from unique and engaging experiences in the Great Apple. New York City is the most well-known city in the state, with various attractions including the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the Empire State Building, and Central Park.

Albany is the state capital, which is home to stunning governmental buildings and historical landmarks around every corner. Washington Park is known for their tulip festival and is home to many recreational activities including fundraising walks and runs. In Western New York you can find various attractions in Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo. Buffalo is situated near Niagara Falls and is the proud home of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabers. Syracuse has one of the largest shopping malls in the United States, Destiny USA, and has a family-friendly zoo with over 700 animals from around the world. If you’re in Rochester, you can visit the George Eastman Museum or The Strong National Museum of Play, and later enjoy the Rochester Garbage Plate, which is a celebrated local dish. 

Harmony Health Group Accepts Empire BCBS Insurance for Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment

The Harmony Health Group offers alcohol abuse counseling that takes Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, in addition to other out-of-state policies. This allows you to choose between our various treatment locations depending on your needs and preferences. Examples of commonly accepted BCBS policies include:

• Florida (Florida Blue): Florida Blue offers a variety of coverage options for Florida residents including HMOs, PPOs, and Medicare Advantage plans. Coverage options are available for individuals, families, and businesses. Florida residents may be able to utilize their coverage outside the Harmony Addiction Recovery Group Florida locations. 

• Massachusetts (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts): Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts offers a variety of options for individuals, families, and businesses, including preventative care and access to leading treatment providers. MA residents with BCBS can often utilize their coverage among the various Harmony Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Group locations. 

• New Jersey (Horizon Blue Cross): Horizon Blue Cross is a specific BCBS brand for New Jersey residents that offers a range of health plans including HMOs, PPOs, and Medicare Advantage Plans. NJ residents with BCBS can often utilize treatment programs out of state within the Harmony Drug and Alcohol Addiction Recovery Group network. 

• Tennessee (BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee): Tennessee residents with BCBS have access to a variety of healthcare plans that typically include preventive care, disease management services, and a large network of physicians and hospitals. BCBS of Tennessee plans are often accepted at out-of-state Harmony Health Group locations, providing you with an extensive treatment network.

• North Carolina (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina): BCBS of North Carolina provides extensive coverage options for individuals, families, and businesses with access to a wide range of healthcare providers and hospitals, which may include out-of-state Harmony Health Group locations.

Who is Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)? 

Empire BlueCross BlueShield (Empire BCBS) brand has been available to New Yorkers since 1985, though its parent company Blue Cross Blue Shield dates back to 1934.  Empire BCBS has been dedicated to helping New Yorkers improve their health and access the treatment they need for optimal health. 

Empire BCBS provides coverage to over 38,000 businesses, unions, and small employers, with more than 4 million individual members. Empire BCBS plans are available for those who live within the 28 eastern and southeastern counties of NY. Empire BCBS became a part of Anthem, Inc., in 2004, when its parent company, WellChoice, Inc., acquired it. Empire BCBS offers a wide range of health insurance plans, including HMOs, PPOs, and Medicare Advantage plans, for its members. Policyholders have access to a wide range of healthcare providers, hospitals, and specialists, and members may also have access to several out-of-state providers.