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Help With Overcoming Your Alcohol Or Drug Problem

Help With Overcoming Your Alcohol Or Drug Problem

When a person struggles to control their substance use, it can be a sign that an addiction and abuse problem is present. Substances used in this way can include prescription and, or illicit street drugs. Once someone is unable to control their use of alcohol or drugs, they need help. There are several options available to overcome a problem. These include detoxification and relapse prevention. Listed below are some of the ways to help yourself. As a couple it can become even more challenging because both members in the marriage or relationship have to stay sober. Read more about couples rehabs for substance abuse by clicking the link or speak with someone about treatment options by contacting the helpline.

Developing a Sober Social Network

For those in recovery from alcoholism or addiction, developing a sober social network is extremely important. It demonstrates the power of numbers and offers an unmeasurable number of benefits. For one, it allows users to avoid isolation – one of the leading causes of relapse. Part of a person’s recovery is often breaking ties with those who were in their addictive lives for a time, and that can make for a very lonely space. By surrounding themselves with other sober people, they don’t need to worry about peer pressure and can focus on maintaining their sobriety.

Addiction can also inhibit the development of positive social networks. For example, many addicts report that they suffer from social anxiety and therefore turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with their feelings. In addition, using drugs or alcohol for this anxiety can lead to relationships that are damaging or destroying careers. Therefore, it is imperative to create a network of sober friends and family members who support one another’s recovery and is aware of how social anxiety has played a role in your addiction.

Having a sober community helps people overcome addiction by providing accountability. A group of like-minded people who have faced the same issues can provide them with real-time advice and insight. People in a supportive community also learn from each other’s experiences and offer a unique perspective on their own lives. They can be helpful in recognizing triggers and behavioral changes that may hinder recovery.

Experts cannot repeat it enough; creating a sober social network for those with an alcohol or drug problem is essential for sustained sobriety. Many individuals struggle with the transition from an inpatient treatment environment to their life on their own. The structured environment of a sober group home can help ease the transition back to a sober lifestyle. In addition to providing an opportunity to build social networks, the environment can also help those with a drinking or drug problem to get connected with other people who have a similar experience.

Developing a sober social network helps recovering addicts to build new friendships. Moreover, these individuals can also join support meetings, such as 12-step meetings or other alternative meetings. It is important to maintain a good attitude when visiting such meetings. You should also be open to other people and engage in conversation with them. This way, you’ll be able to establish healthy relationships with people who can help you overcome your addiction and help you build a clean and sober life going forward.

Developing a Healthy Diet
Developing a Healthy Diet

Developing a Healthy Diet

During recovery, recovering alcoholics and drug addicts have different nutritional needs than their sober counterparts in life. They may need to eat a healthy, varied diet, as their bodies may require a detoxification period after stopping drug use and years of abuse to their body. Eating a healthy diet will provide the necessary nutrients to keep the body functioning properly and prevent relapse. The diet must be varied and rich in vitamins and minerals.

Alcohol and drug abuse can affect the liver and pancreas, which regulates blood sugar and fat. Damage to these organs will lead to a lowered blood sugar level and reduced appetite. This is detrimental to the health of the recovering alcoholic, as poor nutrition can interfere with brain connections that govern hunger. In addition, when it comes to pregnant women in recovery, an unhealthy diet can negatively impact the developing baby. Alcohol-affected infants are at risk for developing physical problems, such as obesity. Because alcohol crosses the placenta, the liver’s production of glucose is inhibited, leading to low blood sugar levels.

Foods that increase hunger are high in sugar and fat. Sugar and fat are the culprits in drug cravings and addiction. Eating healthy foods can improve mood and reduce the chances of relapse. Eating three meals a day can be challenging, and early recovery may not be ready for drastic dietary changes. Rather, a diet rich in low-fat, high-protein, and high-fiber foods can help.

A healthy diet should include food that promotes the production of serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain. It helps regulate mood and soothes alcohol cravings. Whole grains and vegetables are great sources of complex carbohydrates. Developing a healthy diet for overcoming alcohol or drug problem needs to be a part of a person’s overall recovery. But changing your diet is not simply not enough – it’s important to maintain balance with your therapy in all ways.

Foods rich in vitamins and minerals are also important for recovering alcoholics. Alcoholism causes deficiencies in vitamin B and C. It also causes the loss of minerals like iron. Thankfully, iron is one of the exceptions to this rule. Chronic alcohol use causes damage to the stomach lining, which improves absorption of iron. The goal of a detox diet is to rebuild the body’s strength and clear the mind.

Getting Help With Relapse

Relapse is a common part of the overcoming alcohol or drug problem process, and it’s something that can be frustrating. Keep in mind, that relapse is not a reflection of a person’s willpower, and as always, it can actually be dangerous. Whenever you relapse, you risk an accidental overdose or other harmful consequences. Getting help with relapse is crucial to maintaining sobriety.

Relapse prevention is closely linked to your sense of self-efficacy. People who feel overconfident that they can stay sober, despite the stressors and triggers in their lives, are actually more likely to experience a relapse. By developing coping skills, you can increase your confidence in a healthy way and help your odds at avoiding a relapse. As an example, Personalized Text Support is a good option for those who want to try texting a therapist and addressing their worries without having to commit to treatment or meeting – it’s a tool. It may not do the job but having it in your toolbox wont hurt and may come in handy. Simple skillset changes can be huge in recovery.

Relapse occurs during inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment and can happen at any time. Prevention is crucially important for people who are in treatment for addiction at all stages. There are many steps you can take to prevent relapse. It’s crucial to understand triggers and learn to cope with them, as these can lead to relapse. It’s also vital to have a strong support system, such as a 12-step support group. It’s not always easy to maintain sobriety while in recovery, and you never know when an urge to relapse will strike.

After treatment, relapse recovery is often complicated by a lack of social support. To get the best help with relapse, again, it’s essential to develop a solid support system for yourself and your family. It can be beneficial to talk to former treatment providers or friends who have been through recovery themselves. Ask them for advice on how to best manage the everyday challenges that they face. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, get help from a support network that knows what to do and can offer encouragement and practical assistance.

A crucial step in overcoming alcohol or drug problems is to get professional help and have an actual plan for relapse prevention. This plan should include the triggers, coping techniques, and specific people in your support network. To learn more about relapse prevention, you can visit WebMD’s alcohol and drug treatment information. It’s also a good idea to join 12-step groups and seek help from a professional.

Getting Help With Detoxification

When considering getting help with detoxification for alcohol or drug addiction, it’s important to consider the severity of the condition and your desired level of involvement. Detoxification from alcohol can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous and may even require medical intervention. While the severity of symptoms can vary, most people with AUD require professional help to achieve recovery. Fortunately, there are many options available for detox. These include inpatient, residential, and online detox programs.

When looking for detoxification programs, choose one that focuses on a comprehensive treatment approach. Generally, people with severe substance abuse problems do better in an outpatient program. The benefit of this approach is that the patient can go home after the program, allowing them to focus on the recovery process. However, people with extensive substance abuse histories should seek help from an inpatient program, as it provides round-the-clock medical and emotional support.

When considering detoxification for alcohol or drug addiction, it is vital to remember that drugs like nicotine, amphetamines, and cocaine do not cause significant health complications. If detoxification for alcohol or drug addiction is attempted at home, it can be dangerous and even potentially life-threatening. Quitting “cold turkey” is risky and can result in seizures and dehydration. An inpatient or outpatient detoxification program is the best option for people with severe addiction issues and who would benefit from 24-hour care.

When it comes to alcohol or drug addiction, getting help with detoxification is a crucial part of recovery. Without treatment, alcohol or drug withdrawal can be life-threatening. In a detox program, patients receive medicine to ease the symptoms and care for medical conditions. Additionally, the effects of alcohol and drug addiction can be dangerous and even fatal. Therefore detox is important for people who have been dependent on alcohol or drugs for years.

Depending on the severity of the alcohol or drug addiction, detoxification may include a variety of interventions. An inpatient drug detoxification facility will provide 24-hour medical supervision, so patients can rest assured that their treatment is getting the necessary help. The staff at a residential facility will help patients overcome withdrawal symptoms. Aside from medical supervision, inpatient detoxification may also be known as social detoxification. These programs may also require a referral from a doctor or substance abuse treatment counselor.

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Cigna Drug Rehab Coverage – In-Network Vs Out-Of-Network

Cigna drug rehab for couples

Cigna Drug Rehab That Accepts Couples

Are you looking for a couples rehab that accepts Cigna insurance? Before seeking help for an addiction, it’s important to understand the terms used by Cigna in their drug rehab coverage policy. You can find out what is covered by your plan by contacting your Cigna representative or looking online. In this article, we’ll go over In-network versus Out-of-network coverage, the difference between Medical detox and drug rehab, and the costs of each. We’ll also discuss the importance of choosing the right treatment option for you. To learn more about Cigna drug rehab centers for couples, contact the recovery helpline and speak with a representative.

Cigna Drug Rehab for Couples: (888) 500-2110

Cigna Out-of-Network Treatment Options

While your Cigna drug rehab coverage may not cover out-of-network treatment options, you can still get help for substance abuse. There are several ways to get treatment out of network, including in-network programs, but some plans only cover certain services. If you want to get help from a treatment center that is not in the Cigna network, you will need to get a pre-certification from your insurance provider.

In-network providers are those who have contracted with Cigna and provide couples rehab services for a set price. Out-of-network couples rehab centers may charge you full price for your treatment. It’s best to try to get treatment from an in-network facility if you want to save money, but if you can’t find a facility that accepts Cigna, you can negotiate a payment plan with the rehab center.

In-network and out-of-network Cigna coverage often covers partial hospitalization (PHPs). PHPs require a patient to attend daily for four to six hours. These programs are often covered by your Cigna plan, but it depends on your medical condition and plan. Part-hospitalization programs combine FDA-approved medications with behavior therapy to treat opioid use disorders.

For couples without health insurance, a medically-assisted detox provides a safe entry point for treatment. A professional staff at a licensed clinic will provide comfort and reassurance, and onsite psychiatric treatment is available for patients with heavy problems. Residential treatment is proven to be effective in maintaining sobriety, and may be covered by Cigna. In-network care is typically cheaper, but some out-of-network programs may charge a higher co-insurance percentage.

Cigna In-Network Treatment Options for Couples
Cigna In-Network Treatment Options for Couples

Cigna In-Network Treatment Options for Couples

You may have heard that Cigna drug rehab coverage for couples offers in network treatment options. That’s right; if you have the right insurance plan, you can get the treatment you need. You should always choose an in-network rehab center if you have the right health insurance coverage. That way, you won’t have to worry about out-of-pocket expenses. In addition, you’ll get better reimbursement rates, with only a small co-pay.

Cigna is an excellent company that caters to people of all ages and income levels. Its mobile app makes it easy to find in-network treatment options. Customer service is available around the clock. Substance abuse treatment and mental health treatments are covered under Cigna. Couples Rehab can help you find an in-network treatment center for couples that accepts Cigna insurance. The Cigna customer service department is available 24/7 to answer your questions about your insurance benefits.

Residential treatment options include standard outpatient programs. These programs are typically the least intensive form of treatment. Clients attend treatment sessions a few times a week. The programs are designed to work around their schedules. Outpatient Cigna drug rehab coverage offers in-network addiction treatment options, depending on the type of plan and the type of treatment. Some plans require a copay for each session. Others require a coinsurance for the entire program.

Addiction recovery may be complicated, but Cigna drug rehab coverage for couples provides in-network treatment options for both inpatient and outpatient programs. You may need to fill out a contact form to make sure your coverage is in-network. The center can help you meet the requirements and get approved. They will guide you through the process. This will ensure that you get the treatment you need.

Costs Of Out-of-Network Treatment Options for Couples

The Affordable Care Act marketplace is a different world than an employer plan. Unlike an employer-sponsored plan, which limits you to a small number of healthcare providers, you may be able to select an Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) and pay a higher out-of-pocket cost for care. Depending on your plan, Cigna may cover the cost of an out-of-network drug rehab.

If you’re unsure whether your insurance will cover an out-of-network facility, check with your insurance provider. If they accept Cigna insurance, they’ll be able to verify the coverage of thousands of Cigna health plans. Additionally, they’ll help you choose a treatment center that’s in-network and accepts your insurance.

Depending on your Cigna drug rehab coverage, an out-of-network facility may cost more than an in-network facility. For this reason, it’s important to compare costs before choosing an out-of-network drug rehab center. Out-of-network facilities often offer better reimbursement rates and may only charge a small co-pay, but they’re still much more expensive.

When choosing an out-of-network treatment facility, it’s important to understand the costs of both in-network and out-of-network centers. Cigna is a good insurance company for many reasons, including their helpfulness and customer service. If you’re unsure about whether a treatment center is in-network, contact a representative from Cigna and ask about coverage. Then, they’ll make a recommendation for you.

For individuals with substance abuse problems, Cigna plans may cover inpatient and outpatient treatments. If the treatment you’re seeking is not approved by your insurer, you’ll need to pay for it out-of-pocket, and may be required to pay a deductible. If you have a mental health condition in addition to addiction, Cigna may cover treatment that helps you address both issues.

Couples Medical Detox
Couples Medical Detox

Couples Medical Detox

Depending on your health insurance plan, Cigna drug rehab coverage may include medical detox. This is a potentially risky procedure that helps your body rid itself of dangerous drugs while providing support to the person going through the withdrawal symptoms. It may be covered as part of your out-of-pocket maximum or deductible. If you’re unsure whether your plan covers detox, it’s best to contact your insurer directly.

To receive this type of treatment, you’ll need to fill out paperwork to submit to your Cigna insurance plan. You’ll have to provide information about your addiction history, including drug and alcohol use. Cigna will cover the costs of treatment if the doctor determines it is medically necessary. The length of the rehab stay depends on your medical condition and your primary care physician’s recommendations. Your Cigna health plan may also require prior approval.

Your Cigna drug rehab coverage will usually cover all or a portion of the costs of detox and treatment. The amount of the co-payment will depend on your specific plan, but in most cases, Cigna will cover the cost of the first day of treatment. If you’re worried about your out-of-network coverage, speak with an admissions specialist for details. They can help you determine if Cigna drug rehab coverage will cover your treatment.

Cigna insurance is available through employer-sponsored plans, government-sponsored plans, and on the Healthcare Marketplace under the Affordable Care Act. You can also purchase individual or family counseling sessions and aftercare services through your Cigna insurance plan. Most Cigna health insurance policies cover a variety of out-of-network programs. In addition to in-network treatment, Cigna may cover a range of out-of-network drug rehab services, such as medical detox. You can also check with your insurer to determine your coverage level and out-of-pocket costs.

Medication-Assisted Treatment for Couples

Some drug rehabs may be in-network providers for Cigna, while others are not. Before enrolling in treatment, you should check to make sure the facility is in-network. You can either call the treatment center directly or look it up in Cigna’s provider directory. If you don’t find it there, you can also call the number on the back of your insurance card.

Cigna drug rehab coverage medication-advanced treatment may be covered by your plan. The amount of coverage for this type of treatment is dependent on your tier level and plan policy. For instance, if you are an employer with a group health plan, you may be eligible for coverage for partial hospitalization (PHP) treatment. In addition to the partial hospitalization program, Cigna insurance may cover other mental and behavioral health services.

Many Cigna drug rehab facilities provide medical detoxification as part of their care. Though it is risky, medical detoxification is necessary for ridding the body of dangerous drugs, and it may reduce withdrawal symptoms. Medical detoxification programs may also be covered by your Cigna drug rehab coverage, but this depends on your plan and whether the facility is in-network with your provider. Your plan may cover the entire cost of a medical detoxification program.

Aftercare or relapse prevention programs are typically covered by Cigna, and may include 12-step programs or counseling with an couples addiction therapist. You will also receive counseling and guidance in goal setting, mending relationships, and dealing with stress and triggers. In addition to these services, Cigna also covers the cost of medication-assisted treatment, including methadone and naloxone. If you and your partner are looking for more information about a couples rehab that accepts Cigna insurance contact our helpline now.

Large Healthcare Carriers That Cover Couples Drug Rehabilitation

Aetna drug rehab coverage
Anthem drug rehab coverage
Cigna drug rehab coverage
UnitedHealthcare drug rehab coverage

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It’s open enrollment: Are you or your loved one ready for rehab?

By David Heitz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With the holidays upon us, you may be thinking now is the right time to sit down that special someone in your life who you have been watching slide down the slope. That alcoholic, that person addicted to heroin, that friend desperately unable to break free from meth addiction. Deciding to have that intervention is a great first step. But what happens once your special someone agrees to rehab? Before you decide to stage an intervention, make it easier by fully knowing your options first. By purchasing insurance for yourself or for your loved one during open enrollment period, either through the healthcare exchange or through your employer, you likely will have decent coverage for most residential rehab plans.

 

One of the biggest things that Obamacare did was to require mental health and substance use disorder treatment to be covered on parity with physical health. That means plans must cover therapy and counseling and inpatient drug and alcohol rehab. According to Healthcare.gov, it amounted for the largest national behavioral health expansion in a generation. If the person needing rehab already is insured, don’t think the march to recovery already has taken its first steps. There are a variety of centers out there. At many places, there are long waiting lists. So, plan ahead, and choose which rehab center you think seems most appropriate for you or your loved one. Visit several. Perhaps narrow it down to two or three from which your loved one can choose. Usually when someone becomes “rehab-ready,” so to speak (is willing to go into treatment), it’s because a crisis has just occurred. During these moments of crises, an addict or an alcoholic often will agree to go into rehab, but only if it happens immediately. Not having insurance when that time comes leads to much higher rehab costs. What’s more, finding a facility with an open bed at the last minute can be difficult, especially when you have not made prior contact.

 

Inpatient v. outpatient treatment; a child who refuses to carry insurance

 

Under Obamacare, a dependent living under their parent’s roof can be covered by their parent’s health insurance until age 26. This isn’t always the case, however. More on that in a second. In a 2006 article published in Health Services Research, scholars demonstrated that in California, substance abuse treatment has a repayment benefit to society. After analyzing data from more than 2,500 patients, the researchers showed a 7:1 cost benefit to society ratio. (1) The benefits to society were calculated based on lower crime rates reflected in available arrest data. The study even looked at residential treatment versus outpatient treatment costs and benefits. It concluded that while the outpatient treatment proved less effective at keeping people sober, it also cost loss. In the end, outpatient treatment actually had a higher net return to society per dollar spent for that reason.

 

When all is said and done, you may be in a situation where your loved one had health insurance through his or her work but stopped paying the premium. Indeed, they could be diverting that money to drugs or alcohol. You may want to consider talking to them about their health, irrespective of drug use, and the importance of having the insurance. It is very important to do this in an extremely non-judgmental and unsuspicious manner. If they insist they cannot afford health insurance, consider paying it for them if you feel you are able (directly of course…not by giving them the money). You could simply ask them for the premium notice or have them provide a number for their employer’s HR department.

 

 

Why choosing a treatment center carefully is so important

 

When searching for a treatment center, the most important thing to ask yourself is this: Does this place have a fair shot at getting my loved one well? It’s important to ask for this cold, hard fact: Rehab often fails. If it fails too many times, insurers will stop paying for it. In a 2015 NPR piece, reporter Ben Allen talked to people whose loved ones were turned down for rehab and ended up dead of a heroin overdose two weeks later. Deb Beck represents the Drug and Alcohol Services Providers of Pennsylvania. She said even with the parity law, rehab centers have to haggle with insurers all the time. “The whole thing about who is worthy to have insurance coverage gets tangled into it,” Beck said. “But if I had a heart problem, and I didn’t do everything I was supposed to do, I would not be denied coverage. In fact, if I got sicker, you would increase the coverage for me.” (2)

 

The good news is that most treatment centers have insurance specialists skilled at handling all that red tape for you. One of the biggest reasons for getting insurance for your loved one before choosing a treatment center is to make sure your plan and your treatment center of choice match up. Under the Affordable Care Act, insurers can’t jack up premiums or co-pays on substance use disorder treatment. Addiction and rehab must be treated just the same as any physical ailment and its corresponding treatment. But that’s easier said than done, according to Clare Krusing of America’s Health Insurance Plans. She told NPR, “When you’re comparing those treatment plans, it’s essentially comparing apples and oranges. And that’s an inherent challenge for health plans, and for their patients and providers.”

 

Plans differ wildly from state to state, from high-quality coverage with low premiums to high-premium coverage that doesn’t offer much. For the most part, fewer and fewer plans are being offered as more and more carriers leave the exchange. The Trump administration has axed the subsidiary given to Americans buying health insurance off the exchange in order to pay for ambitious tax cuts. Whether a person is a fan of the Affordable Care Act or not, it made drug addiction and alcohol treatment available to millions of people. The Republican plan to replace it earlier this year would have “stranded drug addicts without access to care,” according to Vox.

 

In the piece by German Lopez, Richard Frank, a health economist at Harvard, is quoted as saying “Over the last 60 years, 70 years, or so, insurers have scrupulously avoided enrolling people with mental health and addictions as much as possible. That’s because they are more complicated and expensive to treat. And they did so by offering either no coverage or limited coverage.” (3) In such times of uncertainty, having a plan to get your loved one off of drugs and alcohol forever needs to be a top priority. It begins with making sure that person is insured, and then selecting a treatment center.

Bibliography

Ettner, S. et al. (2006, April). 41(2): 613. Benefit-Cost in the California Treatment Outcome Project: Does Substance Abuse Treatment “Pay for Itself?” Health Services Research. Retrieved Nov. 17, 2017, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1681530/?report=reader#!po=35.9375

Allen, B (2015, Aug. 16) When Rehab Might Help an Addict: But Insurance Won’t Cover It. NPR. Retrieved Nov. 17, 2017, from https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/08/16/430437514/when-rehab-might-help-an-addict-but-insurance-wont-cover-it

Lopez, G. (2017, March 13). The House’s Obamacare Repeal Bill Would Strand Drug Addicts Without Access to Care. Vox. Retrieved Nov. 17, 2017, from https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/3/7/14841876/ahca-obamacare-repeal-opioid-epidemic

 

 

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Checklist for injection drug users after an HIV/Hepatitis C diagnosis

By David Heitz

You just found out you have HIV and Hepatitis C. And, you’re addicted to drugs. Now what? Perhaps no low seems lower – except death – to an injection drug user who finds out they have contracted HIV, Hepatitis C, or even both (not uncommon). But what that injection drug user may not know is that Hepatitis C now is curable, and living with HIV is no different from managing diabetes. Talking about a cure for HIV isn’t even considered heresy anymore. So, don’t turn an HIV/Hepatitis C diagnosis into the end of the world when it isn’t. In fact, it might be the start of a whole new way of life. Now, what should you do next?

Immediately see a doctor and work to obtain the treatment and medications you need. Consider getting sober, it would be a great time to do it.

You might have learned you have HIV and/or Hepatitis C via an outreach worker, at a local testing center, or at a needle exchange. Or, maybe an injection drug use (needle sharing) or sexual partner told you they have the disease(s), and you suspect you do, too. If you live in a rural area and there is no HIV/AIDS service organization near you, call the AIDS service organization in the biggest city closest to you if you’re not sure about where to get treatment. Most people who learn of their HIV status also receive referrals to treatment at that time. It is absolutely critical to get into treatment immediately. Once you get your HIV treated, it drops to levels so low you cannot even transmit it. There are various medication assistance plans sponsored by the pharmaceutical companies. You can learn about those by clicking here: AIDS Healthcare Foundation and HCV Advocate also are great websites for beginning to learn all you can about HIV and Hepatitis C and how to obtain treatment. If left untreated, it is believed the diseases work in entourage to advance disease even faster than one without the other. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “approximately 25% of people with HIV in the United States also have HCV. Among people with HIV who inject drugs, about 50% to 90% also have HCV.” (1) “In people with HIV/HCV coinfection, HIV may cause chronic HCV to advance faster. Whether HCV causes HIV to advance faster is unclear,”(AIDSInfo.gov reports)

Understand that you probably are going to live just as long a life as someone who does not have HIV or Hepatitis C, or both. All the more reason to get sober.

There have been revolutionary breakthroughs in the treatment of HIV and Hepatitis C. Today, there even is a cure for Hepatitis C that is a simple, once a day pill for two months. However, this medication can be very difficult to obtain depending on what kind of insurance you have and where you live. As for HIV, injections that would last 90 days are in the works in terms of treatment. The end of daily pills could be fast upon us. Meanwhile, modern treatments keep the virus at undetectable levels with relatively few side effects. Today, not only is there talk of a vaccine for HIV (we’re not there yet, however) but even a cure. In November, The Scripps Research Institute in San Diego announced their latest HIV research results: Stopping the replication of the virus in mice.

The study was led by TSRI Associate Professor Susana Valente. It was published online Oct. 17 in the journal Cell Reports. Valente used “a natural compound called didehydro-Cortistatin A (dCA), which blocks replication in HIV-infected cells by inhibiting the viral transcriptional activator, called Tat, halting viral production, reactivation and replenishment of the latent viral reservoir,” according to Scripps. (2) “No other anti-retroviral used in the clinic today is able to completely suppress viral production in infected cells in vivo,” Valente said in the news release. “When combining this drug with the standard cocktail of anti-retrovirals used to suppress infection in humanized mouse models of HIV-1 infection, our study found a drastic reduction in virus RNA present—it is really the proof-of-concept for a ‘functional cure.’”

Consider working or volunteering with an organization that helps others know they are not alone

HIV and Hepatitis C via injection drug use has become a national epidemic that must be talked about to be addressed. We can’t just sweep it all under the drug. amfAR has created an online Opioid & Health Indicators database. It shows, by Congressional district, how well prepared our country is in the battle against the opioid epidemic. Some places are better prepared than others. “The amfAR Opioid database provides local and national statistics on new HIV and hepatitis C infections, opioid use, overdose death rates, and the availability of services like drug treatment and syringe services programs,” the organization explains in a news release. “Users will also be able to examine data at the state and county levels to view and compare the differential impact of the opioid epidemic in communities and states across America.” (3)
“This tool was developed with the goal of raising awareness of the opioid epidemic while educating the public on how they can get involved in their communities to minimize overdose rates and maximize recovery rates.”

If you’re reading this, are actively injecting, and not ready to get sober, please make sure to always use clean needles. And don’t judge those who do inject if you don’t.

There is no debate about what is scientifically proven to stop HIV and Hepatitis C among injection drug users: Needle exchanges. As America’s opioid epidemic is thrust into the national spotlight, and so is the public financial burden for treating it, needle exchanges are being looked upon with less judgement. Not only do they save lives that eventually become ready for sobriety, but they also save taxpayers and third-party payers hundreds of millions of dollars by preventing the infection of HIV and Hepatitis C. In an exclusive interview with Plus, Don Des Jarlais of Mount Sinai Beth Israel in New York City explained how needle exchanges have saved injection communities from an HIV/Hepatitis C scourge before. Des Jarlais is known as the “father of the modern needle exchange.” He is Director of Research at the Baron Edmond de Rothschild Chemical Dependency Institute at Mount Sinai Beth Israel in New York City. Des Jarlais has been awarded a $2.5 million grant to help fund research aimed at helping injection drug users break the cycle. They will be taught skills on how to discourage someone who wants to shoot up for the first time. “Almost all injectors are at least ambivalent about injecting. It clearly has created a lot of problems in their lives,” he told Plus. ”Most of them do not want to do that to their friends.” But he added, “They may feel they do want to initiate somebody.”
Des Jarlais also said it’s important to be non-judgmental so as not to further stigmatize the situation. (4)
Bibliography
1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. HIV and Hepatitis C. (2017, July 25). AIDSInfo. Retrieved Nov. 7, 2017, from https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv-aids/fact-sheets/26/88/hiv-and-hepatitis-c
2. The Scripps Research Institute. (2017, Oct. 17). New research opens the door to ‘functional cure’ for HIV. Retrieved Nov. 7, 2017, from http://www.scripps.edu/news/press/2017/20171017valente.html
3. Opioid & Health Indicators Database. amfAR. More information at http://opioid.amfar.org
4. Heitz, D. (2015, May 11). Grant may help needle exchange trailblazer clear new paths. Healthline via Plus. Retrieved Nov. 7, 2017, from https://www.hivplusmag.com/stigma/2015/05/11/grant-may-help-needle-exchange-trailblazer-clear-new-paths

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