We are here to help you transition to recovery with evidence-based care and a holistic, compassionate approach.
how to take care
Even when you know you need support, it can be hard to know where to start. That's why we make it easy for you.
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You can talk to any member of your medical team about your drug or alcohol use; there is no wrong way. You can start the conversation at any time and we'll put you in touch with the next appropriate level of care.
During visits to primary care, we also checked alcohol consumption. If your doctor raises a concern, it doesn't mean you have a problem. It's just another way to take care of your health, not unlike taking your blood pressure and sharing the results with you. The aim is to help you understand your risks, empower you to make informed decisions about your health, and help you take the steps you are ready to take.
Do you need help now?
Call your local department of mental health or addiction medicine or see your GP.
Find service near you
If you think you have a psychiatric emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Addiction Medicine at Kaiser Permanente
Empathetic care that picks you up wherever you are
Addiction medicine is about more than clinical care: it's about acceptance and understanding. This is a place where you can be honest about your substance use and what you want to do about it.
Each way is different. You don't have to stop using alcohol or drugs before we can help you. And we know that, like many other chronic illnesses, relapses are part of most people's recovery process. Even if you're not sure whether you want to stop drinking or using altogether, we're here to help. When you're ready and what "done" means to you.
A full range of support
Treatment for LDS and addiction is very individual: there is no single path to recovery that works for everyone. Kaiser Permanente offers a wide range of evidence-based treatment options for adults and childrenAdolescentand we'll work with you to create a care plan specifically tailored to your needs. Below are some of the types of treatment you may receive.
Medical detox and treatment of withdrawal symptoms.
When people become physically dependent on alcohol or drugs, it is not safe for them to stop drinking or using without medical supervision. Our addiction medication support teams can help members with severe SUT stop drinking or drug use safely and comfortably. This does not address the TUS, but it is an important first step in the recovery of members who need it.
treatment programs
we offerinpatient and outpatient treatmentPrograms for members with more serious alcohol or drug problems. Specific details may vary, but programs generally include a combination of individual and group therapy, mindfulness sessions, and self-help and peer support meetings.
Advice
Counseling can help members with LDS identify reasons for drug or alcohol use and develop new, healthy coping strategies. It can be particularly effective for members who also have a mental illness or who have begun to deal with distressing emotions, trauma or excessive stress. We offer individual and group therapy to all of our members.
medicine
In some cases, our care teams will prescribe medication to treat an underlying mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety. In other cases, medications are used to reduce cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms, and prevent relapse. This is sometimes called Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) and is primarily used to treat addiction to opioids, heroin, prescription pain relievers, and alcohol. Medications are often used in combination with other treatment approaches, such as therapy and self-care.
personal care tools
We offer a wide rangeMental health and wellness tools1This can help members who are struggling with the LDS. For example, hemyStrength appoffers personalized drug and alcohol cessation programs based on the cognitive behavioral therapy model.2Members can also get thissilent applicationfor meditation and mindfulness, and many other resources to treat depression,reduces stress,sleep better, and more. Your medical team can prescribe these tools as part of your treatment, but adult members can also access them anytime, free of charge.
Connections to recovery and support resources
The ultimate goal of treatment is recovery. Kaiser Permanente offers a variety of treatment options, but most recovery takes place outside of Kaiser Permanente and regardless of treatment. For many people, recovery support is critical to their long-term success. Your care team can help you access recovery resources, including:
- Guidance through resources such asSAMHSA National Helpline– a free confidential information service 24 hours a day
- 12-step programs likeAlcoholics AnonymousSNarcotics Anonymous, as well as non-level 12 support such asSMART Recovery
- Recreational housing options
did you know
Ouraddiction medicine researchit helps members and non-members to get better and more effective treatment. From understanding risk factors to combating stigma and finding ways to improve care and achieve better outcomes, the LDS remains a key focus of our research, and many of our studies have helped to shape policy and practice both inside and all over the world. Permanent to change.
Highly qualified health professionals and teams
The type of doctor you see depends on your individual needs, goals, and preferences. Depending on your needs, your care team can also help coordinate treatment outside of Kaiser Permanente through our network of trusted physicians; however, your Kaiser Permanente support team will continue to monitor your care. No matter what, you can count on personal, empathetic care and support.
addiction medicine doctors
Anti-addiction physicians are specially trained in a wide range of prevention, evaluation, and treatment methods to help people with LDS and addiction.
general practitioners
Kaiser Permanente's primary care physicians are trained to screen for potential alcohol abuse in every consultation and connect members who need support with experts in anti-addiction medicine.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a doctor who specializes in mental health, including substance use disorders. They are trained to understand the complex link between mental health and substance abuse and to provide evidence-based addiction treatment.
psychologists
Psychologists specialize in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illnesses, LDS, and addictions. They are trained in various evidence-based treatment methods that aim to improve emotional and interpersonal well-being.
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADC)
CADCs offer individual and group therapy to help people with addiction issues. They are trained in counseling, relapse prevention, and helping patients identify patterns and make health-promoting changes.
Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
LCSWs are trained in psychotherapy to help people deal with a variety of mental health and everyday life issues, including substance abuse and dependence. They practice strength-based therapy, helping patients use their natural abilities and talents to overcome problems and improve overall functioning.
Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs)
MFTs are trained to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, substance abuse and addictions related to marriage, partnerships and family relationships.
nurses and medical assistants
These progressive professionals assist patients in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of medical conditions. They work closely with physicians and nursing staff to provide medical services and advice on mental health, substance abuse and addiction issues.
Personalized attention and measurable results.
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment at Kaiser Permanente. It adapts to your individual needs, and as those needs change, so does your care plan. Your medical team will ask specific questions at each appointment and use evidence-based tools to interpret your feedback. This allows them to make treatment adjustments in real time, measure your progress over time and guide you in a positive direction. Even if you do some of your care elsewhere, your Kaiser Permanente care team will monitor your symptoms and work with you and your recovery team to document your recovery progress in detail.
Your ongoing feedback will help you and your care team understand which self-care tools, therapies, and techniques are helping you feel better and help you decide which path to take once you reach your treatment goals.
We are here to help
Call us for a consultation
Send us an email if you have any questions.
schedule an appointment
footnotes
1The benefits described above are not covered by your health plan benefits and are not subject to the terms and conditions set out in your proof of insurance or other plan documents. These services may be discontinued at any time without notice.
2myStrength® is a wholly owned subsidiary of Livongo Health, Inc.